The situation when, after purchasing a refrigerator Atlant it turns out that it does not fit into the dimensions of the kitchen due to the direction the doors open, occurs quite often. Many owners of two-chamber models immediately think about how to rearrange the handle and hinges so that the door opens in a convenient direction. Fortunately, the design of Belarusian refrigerators provides for this possibility, and the rehanging procedure does not require calling a specialist.
However, before you grab the tools, you need to understand that the work requires accuracy. Improper reinstallation can lead to misalignment of the doors, disruption of the seal and, as a result, increased energy consumption. In this guide, we will analyze all the nuances of the process for various series of equipment.
It is worth noting that on some modern models with integrated handles or a hidden opening mechanism, the procedure may differ from the classic one. Therefore, the first step should always be to check the technical documentation for your specific device. If the manual is lost, we will help you navigate the main features of the design.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work on dismantling the housing elements, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This is critical for safety as you will be working in close proximity to electrical components and metal parts.
The repositioning process takes an average of 30 to 60 minutes if you have a basic set of tools. The main thing is to take your time and carry out the steps consistently so as not to damage the plastic plugs or threads of the fasteners.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
To successfully complete the task of hanging the doors on the refrigerator Atlant you will need a minimum set of home craftsmen. The main tool will be a wrench, most often a 10mm wrench, although some models may require an 8mm or TORX wrench. You also cannot do without a flat-head and Phillips screwdriver for removing decorative elements.
Particular attention should be paid to surface preparation. Since the refrigerator doors are quite heavy, especially the bottom one, it is best to remove them with two people. If there is no assistant, provide in advance a stable support where you can place the removed door so as not to scratch the floor or the part itself. Place a soft blanket or cardboard under the door.
- 🔧 A 10 mm wrench (open-end or socket) is the main tool for removing hinges.
- 🔦 Flashlight - the lighting under the refrigerator is often insufficient, and the lower fasteners are located there.
- 🧤 Work gloves - the metal edges of the doors can be sharp, and it is better to protect your fingers from splinters and slipping.
Free up space in front of the refrigerator in advance. You will need to move the equipment away from the wall at least a meter to have access from all sides. Remove all products from the door shelves to reduce the weight of the structure and prevent cans from falling during operation.
Design features of Atlant refrigerator doors
Two-chamber refrigerators Atlant have their own design features, which are important to consider when rearranging. In most models, the top door (freezer) is attached to two hinges, and the bottom (refrigerator) rests on the bottom hinge and connects to the top. The closing mechanism is often equipped with a closer, which requires correct installation for correct operation.
An important element is sealing rubber. When hanging the door, it should fit evenly around the entire perimeter. If after rearranging you notice a loose fit in the corners, you may need to adjust the height of the refrigerator's support legs or the hinges themselves. Some models have asymmetrical holes for fasteners, which eliminates the possibility of re-hanging without drilling new holes, but such cases are rare for modern rulers.
Models with the system No Frostdeserve special attention. In them, electrical wires can pass through the top of the door to power a fan or defrost heating element. When working with such models, special care is required so as not to damage the wiring or break the tightness of the channel.
Is it possible to rehang a door if it has a display?
As a rule, it is impossible to move a door with a built-in display or control panel to the other side, since the length of the cables is limited. However, on many Atlant models the control panel is removable or portable, which allows you to perform the procedure.
It is also worth checking for the presence of special plugs on the opposite side. The manufacturer usually provides all the necessary holes, closing the unused ones with plastic plugs. Their color may differ from the color of the body, so after rearrangement it may be necessary to move the plugs to new places.
Removing the top door and freezer
You should always start work from the top of the unit. First remove the top trim panel, if there is one. It is usually held in place by latches or screws hidden under plastic plugs. Carefully pry them off with a flat-head screwdriver, being careful not to scratch the paintwork.
After removing the decor, you will have access to the top hinge. Unscrew the mounting bolts, but do not remove them completely at once, so that the door does not slide off prematurely. Holding the door with one hand, unscrew the screws completely. Now you can remove the top door along with the hinge. If a handle is installed on the door, in some models it must be removed separately by unscrewing the screws from the inside of the leaf.
Next we move on to the middle hinge, which connects the upper and lower doors. On two-chamber models Atlant this is often a single bracket. Loosen the fasteners, but leave the door hanging or propped up until you are ready to remove the bottom. Often it is at this stage that the help of a second person is required.
- 🔩 Remove the top decorative cover, under which the bolts for fastening the top hinge are hidden.
- 🔩 Unscrew the fasteners of the top hinge, holding the door, and remove it, placing it on the prepared surface.
- 🔩 Remove the middle hinge, which often serves as a support for the bottom door of the refrigerator.
Do not lose them and remember the assembly order, since when installing on the other side they will need to be positioned symmetrically. The loss of even a small washer can lead to misalignment.
☑️ Dismantling the top part
Removing and reinstalling the bottom door
The bottom door of the refrigeration chamber is the largest and heaviest part of the structure. After removing the middle hinge, it will only remain attached to the lower canopy. Gently lift the door to remove it from the bottom stud. Be careful: there may be glass shelves inside that can move with a sharp jerk.
After removing the door, pay attention to the lower support hinge. It is attached to the refrigerator body with bolts from below. To access them, you often need to tilt the refrigerator back or lay it on its side (which is not recommended for a compressor; it is better to just tilt it strongly). Unscrew the bottom hinge and move it to the opposite side using pre-prepared holes.
When installing the door in a new location, make sure that the hinge axis fits correctly into the hole on the door leaf. The handle at this stage can already be reinstalled or installed after installation of the blade. If the handle is removable, align the holes and tighten the fasteners from the inside of the door.
⚠️ Attention: When installing the lower door in place, make sure that the hinge pin fits into the mating hole until it stops. Insufficient fit will result in the door being skewed and unable to close tightly, creating a gap for cold to escape.
Check that the bottom hinge is installed horizontally. If it is skewed relative to the body, the door may open or close spontaneously. Adjustment is carried out using the rotating support legs of the refrigerator itself.
Installing handles and adjusting the position of doors
After the hinges have been moved to the other side, you need to install the handles. On models Atlant with classic handles, they are fastened with screws, access to which can be obtained after removing the decorative trims or through special holes. Tighten the screws evenly, without excessive force, so as not to crack the plastic.
The key step is adjustment. Even if the instructions are followed perfectly, the door may require adjustment. This is done using adjustable feet at the front of the refrigerator. By rotating them clockwise, you raise the angle, counter-clockwise, you lower it. The goal is to ensure that, when opened lightly, the door closes to the end on its own (auto-closer effect).
Check the gaps between the door and the body. They should be the same along the entire length. If the gap is wider at the top than at the bottom, or vice versa, this indicates a skewed hinge. In this case, you may need to loosen the hinge, align the door and tighten the bolts again.
| Problem | Possible cause | Remedy |
|---|---|---|
| Door does not fit tightly | Distortion of the body or hinge | Adjusting the support legs and tightening the hinges |
| The door creaks | Friction of metal on metal | Lubricating the hinges with graphite lubricant or oil |
| Gap in the corner of the seal | Deformation of rubber during storage | Warming with a hairdryer or leveling with a weight |
| The door opens itself | Tilting the body forward | Unscrew the front supports to tilt back |
Tightness check and possible problems
The final stage is quality control completed work. After installing all the elements and turning on the refrigerator, let it work for several hours. Then perform a leak test. Take a sheet of A4 paper, attach it to the opening and close the door. The sheet should be clamped tightly around the entire perimeter.
If the paper falls out or is pulled out too easily, it means that the seal is broken in this place. Often the reason lies in contamination of the seal or its deformation. Wipe the rubber band with a damp cloth. If the deformation is severe (creases), you can try heating this area with a hairdryer at a low temperature so that the rubber straightens.
Another common problem is condensation on the outside of the door or at the ends. This is a sure sign that warm air is getting inside. Check if anything is preventing it from closing tightly: products on the shelves, hanging packages, or the handle itself if it is installed incorrectly.
⚠️ Attention: The design and location of the fastening elements may vary slightly depending on the year of manufacture and series of the refrigerator Atlant. Always check the diagram in the instructions for your specific model, since the location of the holes may be unique.
If after all the manipulations the refrigerator begins to work louder or vibrations appear, check whether the door touches the body or the floor when opening. Sometimes additional adjustment of the distance between the refrigerator and the wall is required.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do I need to defrost the refrigerator before moving the doors?
Yes, this is highly recommended. First, an empty refrigerator is lighter, which will make removing the doors easier. Secondly, when tilting the unit or working near it, melted ice can flow into the mechanisms or onto the floor, creating the risk of a short circuit or damage to the coating.
Is it possible to rearrange the door on an Atlant refrigerator with the No Frost system?
Yes, you can, but with caution. These models often have power cables running through the top door. When removing the door, they do not need to be disconnected if the length allows you to simply transfer the hinge to the other side. The main thing is not to pinch or break the wires during installation.
What to do if the holes on the new side are closed?
All technological holes are already drilled at the factory. If you don't see the bolts, it means they are covered with plastic plugs. They need to be carefully removed with a knife or screwdriver. You cannot drill the housing yourself, this will damage the thermal insulation and lead to corrosion.
How long can you not turn on the refrigerator after rearranging it?
If you did not tilt the refrigerator more than 40 degrees, you can turn it on immediately. If the unit had to be placed on its side or tilted strongly to access the lower mounts, it is recommended to wait 2-4 hours before starting so that the oil in the compressor flows into the crankcase.