Changing the layout in the kitchen or a banal inconvenience of use often confronts owners of household appliances with the need to change the opening direction of the valves. For refrigerators Atlant this is a standard procedure provided for by the design of most two-chamber models. Manufacturers initially equip the units with rearrangeable hinges and plugs, which allows you to do the work yourself without calling a technician.
However, the process requires care and strict adherence to the sequence of actions. Latch mechanism and the control system requires careful handling, especially in the upper part, where electronics are often located. Incorrect assembly may result in a loose seal or damage to internal components.
Before starting work, you must clear the space in front of the refrigerator and prepare the tools. It is important to understand that although the procedure seems simple, ignoring the nuances of fastening rod-loops or incorrectly installing the magnetic valve can compromise the seal of the chamber. In this article we will analyze in detail the stages of reinstallation for different types of structures.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any manipulations, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Working with electrical wiring and live mechanisms is strictly prohibited.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
The quality of the work directly depends on the preparation. You don't need complex industrial equipment, but you should have a complete set of tools. The main tool will be hex wrench (usually 4 mm or 5 mm), which often comes with the refrigerator, but it is better to have your own set. You will also need a flat-head and Phillips screwdrivers for dismantling decorative elements.
For ease of operation and to preserve the floor covering, place thick cardboard or soft cloth under the bottom of the refrigerator. This will prevent scratches from occurring when the unit moves. If you plan to remove heavy doors, enlist the help of a second person, as the weight of the doors can be significant.
- 🔧 Set of wrenches or sockets (size depends on the model, often 8 mm or 10 mm)
- 🪛 Screwdrivers (phillips and flathead) for screws and plugs
- 📏 Construction level for checking the installation horizon
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges
It is worth mentioning separately about silicone grease. It is recommended to treat the rubbing parts of the hinges after installation in a new location. This will ensure silent operation of the mechanism and extend the service life of the components. Do not use aggressive chemical solvents to clean parts, they can damage the plastic coating.
Dismantling top panel and freezer door
We start disassembling from the top of the refrigerator. The first step is to remove the top cover, if present, or the decorative panel. In some models Atlant the panel is fastened with latches, in others - with screws hidden under plastic plugs. Carefully pry the plugs with a flat-head screwdriver and unscrew the fasteners.
Next, you should disconnect the wiring going to the lighting and the door open sensor. Electrical connector you need to undo it carefully, holding the connector body, and not the wires themselves. Pull the connector in the direction opposite to the mating part. After this, you can begin to remove the top bracket.
The freezer door must be held so that it does not fall when unscrewing the top hinge. Loosen the mounting bolts, but do not remove them completely at once. After the sash is fixed with an assistant or a stand, completely unscrew the fasteners and remove the door from the lower pin.
- 🔌 Disconnect the wire connectors, remembering their location
- 🔩 Unscrew the bolts of the upper hinge with a wrench
- 🚪 Remove the door and set it aside in a safe place
- 🧱 Remove the top bracket for relocation
It is important not to lose small parts such as bushings or washers. Place them in order of dismantling on the table. This will simplify reassembly and eliminate the situation when an “extra” part remains in your hands after completion of work.
☑️ Preparation for dismantling
Rearranging the bottom hinge and main door
The most time-consuming part of the process is working with the bottom door of the refrigerator compartment. Located here rod-loopthat controls the cold air damper or latch mechanism. To rearrange it, you will need to remove the decorative panel covering the lower assembly.
Unscrew the bolts securing the lower axle. Lift the door of the refrigerator compartment (it is easier to do this with two people) and remove it from the axis. Now you can dismantle the loop itself. Pay attention to the design: in some models Atlant the rod must be removed from the door body and moved into a symmetrical hole on the other side.
| Action | Tool | Nuance |
|---|---|---|
| Removing the lower hinge | 10 mm wrench | Hold the door |
| Repositioning the rod | Pliers | Do not damage thread |
| Hole plug | Hands | Insert from the back side |
| Height adjustment | Key + level | Turn support legs |
After removing the loop from the old place, a plastic plug is installed on the free side. It comes included or is already installed on the back side. Make sure that the plug is seated tightly and does not protrude beyond the dimensions of the body, otherwise the door will not be able to close.
⚠️ Attention: The hinge rod cannot simply be turned over unless the instructions for a specific model require it. In most cases, it must be removed and inserted into the mirror hole provided for this purpose.
Install the bottom hinge in a new location and secure with bolts. Do not tighten them “all the way” yet, leave a small gap for subsequent adjustment of the door position. This will avoid distortions during final assembly.
What to do if the rod cannot be removed?
If the rod-loop is jammed, do not use excessive force. Try tapping it lightly through a wooden pad or using a hairdryer (gently!) to heat the area where it enters the case to expand the plastic. Treatment with penetrating lubricant often helps.
Installation of the magnetic valve and control system
One of the most critical moments is reinstalling the magnetic valve (solenoid). This element is responsible for fixing the door in the closed position. In two-chamber refrigerators Atlant it is often located in the upper part, but control can be done through the lower mechanism.
If the valve is rearranged in your model, proceed with extreme caution. Magnetic system fragile and sensitive to shock. Move the valve to the symmetrical seat on the opposite side. Make sure that the wires are not stretched or pinched by the body.
On models with electronic control, the door position sensor may need to be reconnected. Find the connector going from the door to the case and switch it to the corresponding socket on the board or in the wiring harness, if the design allows for it. Usually the wires are of sufficient length for transfer.
- 🧲 Remove the magnetic valve from the old seat
- 🔌 Check the integrity of the wires when transferring
- 🔩 Install the valve in the new hole and secure
- 🔍 Make sure that the counterpart on the door matches the valve
After installation, check the operation of the mechanism. When you approach the door, the valve should attract the sash with a characteristic click. If this does not happen, the valve may be installed incorrectly or damaged.
Assembling the structure and adjusting the gaps
When all the elements are moved to new places, the assembly stage begins. Place the main door of the refrigerator compartment on the lower axis. Align its position so that the gaps around the perimeter are uniform. Only after this can the bolts of the lower hinge be finally tightened.
The upper part is assembled in the reverse order. Install the top bracket, thread the wires through the technological holes and connect the connectors. Attach the top hinge to the freezer door and hang it in place. Check that the wiring does not fall into the area of movement of the hinges.
The final stage is adjustment. Use a spirit level to check that the refrigerator itself is level. Adjust the height of the front supports (legs) of the refrigerator by rotating them with a key or by hand. The door should open itself under the influence of gravity if it is opened 45 degrees.
If the door does not fit tightly, you may need to adjust the height of the lower support or loosen/tighten the bolts of the upper hinge. Tightness is the main criterion for successful operation. Carry out a test with a sheet of paper: clamp it with the door around the perimeter, it should come out with force.
⚠️ Attention: Do not overtighten the hinge bolts. This can lead to metal deformation or thread failure, which will require complex repairs to the case.
Typical errors and methods for eliminating them
Even if there are instructions, users often make mistakes. One of the common ones is the loss or confusion of plugs. If you have lost the plug, the hole can be temporarily sealed, but it is better to order an original spare part, since cold will escape through the gap.
Another problem is the misalignment of the doors. This occurs if the bolts are tightened without first aligning the sash. As a result, the door may touch the body or fit loosely in one of the corners. There is only one solution: loosen the fasteners, align the door and tighten again.
Sometimes users forget to move latch or the rod to the lower position before installing the upper door. This results in the door not locking. Carefully monitor the position of all moving elements during assembly.
- ❌ Forgot to connect the door sensor - the refrigerator will “think” that the door is open
- ❌ Mixed up the sides of the hinge installation - the door will not close
- ❌ If you did not remove the transport locks - the mechanism will jam
- ❌ If you pulled the wiring too hard - the contacts may break
If, after rehanging, the refrigerator starts to work louder or a whistle appears, check whether the door is touching the body or the floor. Also make sure that all the screws are tightened and not loose, creating vibration.
Is it possible to rehang the door if the refrigerator is built into the kitchen unit?
This is extremely difficult and often impossible without removing the refrigerator itself from the niche. To rehang, you need free access from all sides, especially from the front and sides. It is recommended to first completely remove the equipment from the furniture.
What should I do if I lost the instructions for my Atlant model?
You can find a universal diagram on the Internet by the serial number or visual signs of the hinges. The principle of fastening for most models is similar, but the location of the holes may differ.
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before hanging it?
It is desirable. Complete defrosting will lighten the weight of the unit (if you need to tilt it) and protect the internal components from moisture that may leak out when the tilt angle changes.
Does re-hanging the door affect the warranty?
Re-hanging it yourself, as a rule, does not void the warranty unless parts are damaged in the process. However, if problems arise with tightness, the service center may refer to a violation of the installation rules.