The need to rearrange the refrigerator door Atlant often arises when moving to a new kitchen or after remodeling the room, when the standard opening side becomes inconvenient. Modern models of the Belarusian manufacturer structurally allow you to perform this procedure yourself, without calling a specialist, which significantly saves the owner’s budget. However, the process requires accuracy, an understanding of the structure of loop groups and the presence of a basic set of tools.
It is important to understand that before starting work it is necessary to de-energize the applianceto avoid short circuits or damage to the electronics when accidentally touching the wires. In most cases, the outweighing mechanism is unified, but there may be nuances depending on the series and year of manufacture of your model Atlant. Let's look at the process in detail, step by step.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
Before you begin dismantling the fittings, you should prepare the place where the work will be done hanging doors. You will need clear space around the refrigeration unit to be able to access the ends of the cabinet on both sides. It is better to cover the floor with soft cloth or cardboard so that accidentally dropped parts or tools do not damage the floor covering.
To perform the work, you will need a minimum set of a home handyman. The main tool will be a wrench, most often a 10mm wrench, although some models may require an 8mm or 12mm wrench. It would also be a good idea to have a Phillips screwdriver and pliers on hand in case you need to pull out cotter pins or plugs.
Special attention should be paid to fixing the position of the case. Since the stability of the unit may decrease when removing the upper hinges, it is recommended fix the refrigerator in a vertical position. If you have an assistant, ask him to hold the case during the critical stages of dismantling.
- 🔧 A 10 mm spanner (open-end or socket) size.
- 🪛 Medium Phillips screwdriver (PH2).
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🧼 Rags for wiping parts from dust and old grease.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use electric screwdrivers or high-torque impact wrenches. Excessive force can break the threads in the aluminum bushings or damage the decorative coating of the body.
Removing the top decorative panel and hinges
The process starts from the top of the refrigerator. First of all, you need to remove the decorative cover covering the top hinge. It is usually secured with latches or a single screw that needs to be unscrewed counterclockwise. After removing the cover, you will have access to fastening bolts the main hinge.
Next, you should loosen, but do not completely unscrew, the bolts of the upper hinge of the main door of the refrigerator. The door should be tightly closed at this moment. If the model allows, the bolts can be unscrewed completely, but then the door must be held so that it does not fall. In some modifications Atlant the hinge axis is inserted into the door body, and it must be carefully pulled up after removing the fixing elements.
After releasing the upper hinge, the door is removed from the lower support. Now you need to dismantle the hinge itself along with the axle. Pay attention to the washers and bushings - they cannot be lost, as they ensure smooth movement and correct positioning of the blade. It is better to immediately put all removed parts into a separate container.
☑️ Dismantling the upper group
Removing and reinstalling the bottom door of the freezer
Working with the bottom door of the freezer has its own characteristics. It is important here not to damage sealing rubber the plastic edging. First, remove the decorative cap from the opposite side where you plan to hang the door. Usually this is just a plastic cover that is pryed out with a flat screwdriver.
Then unscrew the bolts holding the bottom hinge. Unlike the top, the bottom hinge often has a more complex design with a spring or latch. Be careful when dismantling. After removing the door, remove the axle from the hinge assembly. If there is a plastic bushing on the axle, check its condition - if there are cracks, it is better to replace it so that the door does not sag.
Now you need to rearrange the door handle if the design of your model Atlant suggests its presence. Handles are usually attached with screws from the inside or with latches. Carefully transfer them to a new location using prepared holes closed with plugs. Make sure that the screws are tightened evenly, without distortions.
| Element | Action during dismantling | Action during installation | Nuance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Loosen the bolts, remove the door | Install on the new side | Watch the washers |
| Lower hinge | Unscrew completely | Secure in the new hole | Check the axle for play |
| Door handle | Unscrew the screws | Install in new sockets | Do not overtighten the plastic |
| Plugs | Remove from new holes | Close the old holes | Select by color |
After installing all elements in new places, check the density fit. If the freezer door is skewed, you may need to adjust the height of the bottom support.
Relocating the door opening limiter
One of the most important and often forgotten steps is repositioning opening limiter. This small plastic or metal pin is located on the end of the door or frame and prevents the door from swinging open more than 90-110 degrees. If it is not rearranged, the door will open too wide, which can lead to damage to the hinges or the body itself if handled carelessly.
Locate the limiter on the current opening side. Usually it is screwed into the end of the door or into the side of the body. Unscrew it carefully using a suitable tool. On the opposite side you will see a threaded hole, closed with a decorative plug or simply free.
Screw the stopper into the new seat. Make sure that when opening the door it correctly enters the counter and stops the movement of the door leaf at the right moment. This is critical for the durability of the hinge system loop system.
What happens if you forget about the limiter?
If you do not rearrange the limiter, the refrigerator door can open 180 degrees or even more. With a sharp jerk, this will lead to the door hitting the side of the body or the wall, which can split the plastic, tear out the hinges or damage the seal.
Adjusting the position of the doors after rehanging
After all the elements have been rearranged, it is necessary to do door adjustment. It often happens that in a new place the door does not hang perfectly straight or does not fit tightly to the body. First, check the horizontal installation of the refrigerator itself using a building level.
If the refrigerator is level, but the door is skewed, use the adjusting screws on the hinges (if they are provided for by the design of your model Atlant). By rotating them, you can move the door slightly to the left or right. Also, the height can often be adjusted by tightening the lower support pin.
Check the tightness of the seal around the entire perimeter. To do this, you can use a sheet of paper: hold it against the door and try to pull it out. If the paper comes out too easily, it means that in this place seal it does not fit tightly, and additional adjustment of the hinge is required.
⚠️ Attention: The design of the hinges may vary depending on the specific series of the refrigerator. If you cannot find the adjusting screws, do not use force - perhaps in your model, adjustment is carried out only by placing washers or tightening the support legs of the refrigerator itself.
Common mistakes and troubleshooting
When doing work on their own, beginners often make mistakes that can negate all efforts. One of the common problems is tightening the bolts. Excessive force deforms the metal, and the door warps, or the plastic base of the hinge cracks.
Another mistake is the loss of small parts. Washers, bushings and the bolts themselves can roll under the refrigerator. Always work in good light and use a magnetic mounting tray. It is also important not to confuse the left and right hinges if they are asymmetrical (although in Atlantakh they are most often universal).
If after assembly the door slams or does not close completely, check whether the seal in the corners has lifted. Sometimes it helps to lubricate the seal with a special silicone grease or simply straighten it by hand, warming it with a hairdryer (carefully!) if it is deformed.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before re-hanging the doors?
Yes, this is highly desirable. Although technically you can work with the unit running, when tilting or removing the doors, oil or refrigerant may leak from the system if the seal is broken. In addition, an empty and defrosted refrigerator is easier to move and tilt to access the lower hinges.
Is it possible to rearrange the doors on an Atlant two-chamber refrigerator with the No Frost system?
In most models with No Frost, re-hanging is possible, but there is a nuance. Air ducts and the condensate drainage system can be located asymmetrically. On some older or specific models, door relocation may not be possible due to the design of the interior panel. Always check the data sheet of the specific model.
What to do if the bolts are rusty and cannot be unscrewed?
Do not use excessive force so as not to tear off the edges. Use a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40), apply it to the threads and wait 15-20 minutes. You can also slightly warm up the bolt (be careful not to melt the plastic around it), but it is better to use a chemical method.
The decorative plug for the old hole for the hinge is lost, what should I do?
Plugs can be bought at service centers or ordered by catalog number. You can temporarily seal the hole with a furniture sticker in the color of the refrigerator or use a piece of plastic cut to shape and place it on the glue. The main thing is to close the hole for aesthetics and protection from dust.