The situation when the purchased refrigerator is ideal fits into the interior in size and functionality, but its door opens in an inconvenient direction, familiar to many owners of household appliances. Most often this happens when moving or remodeling the kitchen space, when the standard position of the handle becomes an obstacle to the comfortable use of furniture. Fortunately, the design of most models Atlant provides for the possibility of reversing the sashes, which allows you to adapt the unit to new operating conditions without calling a technician.
This process is technically simple, but requires care, accuracy and a minimum set of tools. An incorrect sequence of actions or careless handling of fasteners can lead to damage to the housing, deformation of the hinges, or failure of the closure. That is why it is important to study the features of your model in advance, prepare a workplace and strictly follow the algorithm of actions in order to avoid expensive repairs in the future.
In this article we will analyze in detail how to rearrange the doors on an Atlant refrigerator, paying special attention to the nuances of working with two-chamber models and No Frost systems. You will learn what tools are needed, how to properly adjust the seal, and what to do if the door does not close completely after reinstallation. A competent approach to the task will allow you to independently change the opening direction in one hour, saving time and budget.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
Before starting any manipulations with household appliances, you need to make sure that the process is safe. The first and most important step is completely disconnecting the refrigerator from the power supply. You should not rely on the fact that the unit is simply turned off with a button - remove the plug from the socket to eliminate the risk of electric shock or short circuit when working with metal tools near the wiring.
After de-energizing, you must empty the doors of the contents. Shelves, drawers, bottles with drinks - all this significantly makes the structure heavier and can cause the fasteners to fall or break during dismantling. It is also recommended to remove all removable shelves from the main body so that they do not interfere with access to the hinges and do not fall if accidentally touched.
For work, you will need a certain set of tools, which are best prepared in advance so as not to be distracted during the process:
- 🛠️ A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) or a screwdriver with the appropriate bits for unscrewing the screws.
- 🔧 A wrench or socket (often a 10 mm size is required) for working with hinge bolts.
- 📏 A building level to check the horizontal installation of the housing after completion of work.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges and dirt.
- 🧹 A rag or soft cloth to wipe surfaces and remove old grease.
It is important to ensure good lighting of the work area and free up space around the refrigerator. You will need access to the unit from all sides, including the top and bottom, so move the equipment at least a meter away from the wall. If the floor is slippery, lay a rug or cardboard to avoid damaging the floor covering with fallen parts.
☑️ Preparing for rehanging
Specific design of Atlant refrigerators
Belarusian brand refrigerators Atlant are distinguished by a reliable design, however, in different series there may be variations in door fastening. Most modern models use removable hinges, which allow you to change the opening side without replacing the parts themselves. However, in some old or specific modifications, it may be necessary to reinstall the pins or replace the fittings with symmetrical ones.
Particular attention should be paid to models with the system No Frost. They often have an electrical cable running through the top loop to power the fan or sensors. When re-hanging such a door, you must be extremely careful not to damage the wiring. In some cases, it is necessary to carefully disconnect the connector and then connect it on the other side, following the diagram in the instructions.
⚠️ Attention: Models with electronic control and display on the door may have complex wiring harnesses. If you are not confident in your abilities when working with electrics, it is better to limit yourself to the mechanical part or contact a specialist, as an error can damage the control unit.
It is also worth considering the weight of the door. The bottom door of a two-chamber refrigerator is usually heavier due to the presence of freezer drawers, so it is better to carry out all manipulations with it with an assistant. The upper flap is lighter, but it often has a more complex seal geometry that requires precise adjustment after installation.
Nuances of old models
In very old Atlant refrigerators, the holes for the hinges may not be through, but have a thread on only one side. In this case, to rehang, you will need to drill new holes or use special adapters, if they are included in the package.
Dismantling doors: step-by-step algorithm
The process of removing doors should begin with the upper leaf, since it often acts as a support or limiter for the lower one in some designs. First, remove the decorative caps from the top cover of the refrigerator, if there are any. The top hinge mounting bolts are usually hidden under them. Carefully unscrew them, but do not remove the hinge completely if the design assumes that it holds both doors.
If your refrigerator is a two-chamber one, then after loosening the top hinge, you need to remove the middle hinge, which separates the refrigerator and freezer compartments. Before doing this, be sure to remove the top door itself: lift it up to release the middle hinge pin, and set it aside in a safe place. Now you can completely unscrew the middle fastening bolts.
Next comes the turn of the lower door. Holding it with one hand, unscrew the bottom hinge bolts. Remove the sash and set it aside. Now only the lower base of the hinge and, possibly, elements of the middle hinge remain on the body, which also need to be dismantled or moved to the other side. Place all removed screws and parts in a separate container so as not to lose them.
When dismantling, pay attention to the condition sealing rubber. If it is dirty, wipe it with soapy water. Also check the integrity of the plastic bushings and pins - if they are cracked or heavily worn, it is better to replace them with new ones to ensure smooth movement and tight closure.
Rehanging and installation on a new side
After successful dismantling of all elements, you can begin installation on the opposite side. On the body of the Atlant refrigerator, as a rule, there are already technological holes closed with plastic plugs. Carefully remove the plugs from the new side of the installation and replace them with the vacated holes on the old side to maintain the aesthetic appearance of the unit.
Install the bottom hinge in a new place and secure it with bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet. This will allow you to fine-tune the door position in the future. Insert the bottom door by sliding the bushings onto the hinge pin. Make sure that it is level, and only then fix the middle hinge (if the model is two-chamber).
When installing the top door in models with electronics, it is necessary to pass the wires through the provided channels in the hinge. Be careful not to yank the cables. Connect the connectors, making sure there is a characteristic click, and arrange the harnesses so that they do not get pinched when the sash moves. Then install the top hinge and secure it.
All bolts should be finally tightened only after you are sure that the doors close tightly and without distortions. Use a level to check that the installation is vertical. If the refrigerator is not level, adjust the height of the front legs of the case - this often solves problems with spontaneous opening.
| Element | Action | Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Top hinge | Transfer to the opposite side | Wires often pass through it |
| Middle loop | Dismantling and reinstallation | Has a pin for the bottom door |
| Bottom hinge | Repositioning to new holes | Requires precise height adjustment |
| Plugs | Replacement | Hide the holes on the front side |
Adjusting the position and closing tightness
After installing the doors on the new side, it is critical to check the quality of their fit to the body. Loose closure will lead to constant operation of the compressor, the formation of ice and increased energy consumption. The check can be carried out visually by inspecting seal along the entire perimeter, or using a sheet of paper: hold it with a closed door and try to pull it out - it should move with noticeable force.
If you notice gaps or distortions, you need to make adjustments. In most Atlant models, this is done by tightening the hinge bolts or rotating the adjusting screws. Sometimes it is necessary to change the tilt of the refrigerator itself by tightening the front support legs: if you tilt the body a little back, the doors will close themselves under the influence of gravity.
A frequent problem after re-hanging is the sagging of the door. This can be solved by installing additional washers under the hinge bushings or by more carefully tightening the mounting bolts. However, do not overdo it: excessive force may strip the threads in the aluminum case or deform the metal of the hinge.
Models with magnetic latches or complex locking mechanisms may require lubrication of rubbing parts. Use a special silicone lubricant that does not harm rubber and plastic. Apply a thin layer of it to the hinges and mating parts of the locks, then open and close the door several times to distribute the composition.
⚠️ Attention: If after all the adjustments the door still does not fit tightly, the seal may be deformed during storage or installation. Try heating it with a hairdryer at a low temperature or leaving it closed for several hours to straighten it.
Common errors and ways to eliminate them
Even following the instructions, inexperienced users often make mistakes that can negate all the work. One of the most common is insufficient fixation of the bolts. The vibration of a running compressor over time loosens weak connections, which leads to misalignment of doors and characteristic noise. Always check the tightness of the fasteners a few days after installation.
Another mistake is ignoring the floor level. If the refrigerator is installed on an uneven surface, the geometry of the body is disrupted and the doors warp. Be sure to use a spirit level and adjust the legs until the bubble is perfectly centered. This will also extend the life of the compressor.
When working with two-chamber models, the removal and installation procedure is often forgotten. If you try to remove the lower door without dismantling the upper one (in designs where this is required), you may damage the middle partition or hinges. Always act sequentially: from top to bottom when dismantling and from bottom to top when installing.
It is also worth mentioning the lost fasteners. The screws from the hinges of the Atlant refrigerator have a specific thread and length. Replacing them with random bolts from the hardware store may result in them either not being fully tightened or, conversely, going right through and damaging the internal components. Take care of original parts.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to wait after turning on the refrigerator?
Yes, after transportation and any work related to tilting or moving unit, it is recommended to let the refrigerator stand in the off state for 2-4 hours. This is necessary so that the oil in the compressor flows into the crankcase and water hammer does not occur during startup.
Is it possible to re-hang the door if there is a display on it?
In most Atlant models with a display on the door, re-hanging is possible, but requires re-soldering the wires or using extension harnesses, since the standard cable length may not be enough. If you do not have soldering skills, it is better not to risk it and leave the door as is or contact service.
Why does the door squeak after reinstallation?
The creaking may occur due to metal-on-metal friction in the hinges or due to the fact that the door touches the body. Lubricate the hinges with silicone and check the height adjustment. If the seal makes a squeak, wipe it with a solution of soda or a special lubricant for rubber.
What to do if the plugs for the holes are lost?
Plugs can be ordered at the brand’s service center or selected universal analogues in furniture fittings stores. As a last resort, the holes can be carefully sealed with decorative film in the color of the body, although this is less aesthetically pleasing.
Does re-hanging affect the warranty?
Re-hanging the doors yourself, as a rule, is not a warranty case if you have not damaged the equipment in the process. However, if during dismantling you strip a thread or break a hinge, repairs under warranty may be denied. Proceed with caution.