The situation when, after purchasing a new refrigerator or remodeling the kitchen, it turns out that the door opens in the wrong direction is familiar to many owners of household appliances. Owners of the popular Belarusian brand Atlantface this especially often, whose two-chamber models are reliable, but require a careful approach during installation. Reversing the door is not just a design whim, but often the only opportunity to ergonomically fit the unit into the existing space.
Many users mistakenly believe that to change the opening side it is necessary to call a specialist, which entails additional financial costs and waiting for a specialist. In fact, the design of most models Atlant provides for the possibility of self-reinstallation if you follow a clear algorithm of actions and have a minimal set of tools at hand.
In this article we will analyze in detail the process that is often searched for on the request “how to rehang the door of an Atlant two-chamber refrigerator video”, and we will supplement the visual instructions with text explanations of nuances that are not always visible on the screen. You will learn how to properly dismantle the fittings, rearrange the hinges and, most importantly, how to avoid common mistakes that lead to misalignment of the sash.
Preparation of the workplace and the necessary tools
Before taking active steps, you need to free up the space around the refrigeration unit. You will need access to the equipment from all sides, including the back wall, as this is where the lower mounts and stops are often located. Move the refrigerator at least 50-70 cm from the wall, making sure that it is stable and does not wobble.
The critically important step is to completely defrost and empty the chambers of food. A door loaded with food is much heavier, and the risk of dropping it or damaging the shelf during dismantling increases significantly. In addition, if the case is tilted or skewed during work, the contents may spill out, creating additional mess.
To complete the work, you will need the following set of tools:
- 🔧 Set of screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead) - often different sizes are required for different screws.
- 🔩 Wrench or socket head 10 mm - for unscrewing the hinge bolts.
- 🧤 Work gloves - metal parts may have sharp edges, and grease from the hinges can stain your hands.
- 📏 Level - to check the horizontal installation after completion of work.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure Unplug the refrigerator from the power supply! Unplug the plug from the socket to eliminate the risk of a short circuit in case of accidental damage to the wiring going to the sensors or lamps on the door.
☑️ Preparation for rehanging
Removing the top door and removing the top hinge
The process always starts from the top of the refrigerator. First you need to remove the decorative plug if it covers the top hinge bolts. In two-chamber models Atlant the upper door is usually the door of the refrigeration chamber, and it is attached to one or two hinges, depending on the modification.
Carefully unscrew the bolts securing the upper hinge. Do not remove them completely at once, if the design allows - loosen them first to make sure that the door does not fall. It is best to ask an assistant to hold the door while you work with the fasteners, since the weight of the door can reach 15-20 kg.
After removing the bolts, carefully lift the door up, removing it from the lower hinge pin (if there is one) or simply setting it aside. Pay attention to the wires if your model Atlant has electronic controls or a door opening sensor located in the upper part. They must be carefully disconnected, remembering or photographing the order in which the connectors are connected.
What to do if the bolts are rusty?
If the fasteners do not give in, do not use excessive force so as not to strip the threads. Treat them with a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) and leave for 10-15 minutes. After this, you can try again.
It is best to place the removed door on a soft surface, for example, on a folded blanket or cardboard, so as not to scratch the enamel or damage the plastic decor. Now you have access to the upper end of the refrigerator body, where you will need to manipulate the holes.
Rearranging the fasteners on the body and door
On the top panel of the refrigerator body you will see two sets of holes: those where the hinge was originally fixed, and those that are closed with plastic plugs on the opposite side. Your task is to rearrange the plugs. Carefully remove the plastic plugs from the_unused_ holes and install them in the vacant spaces to hide the holes.
A similar procedure must be carried out with the door itself. There are also holes at the end of the door for attaching a hinge. Find a set of plugs (often they come in a separate bag with instructions or are already installed in_unused_ holes) and cover the old mounting points with them, and install a metal loop in the new ones.
It is important to remember installation symmetry. The hinge must be screwed in exactly the same way as at the factory, observing all fastening points. If the model is two-loop (top and middle), make sure that you do not mix up the parts, as they may differ in shape and bend angle.
| Element | Action on the left side | Action on the right side | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Dismantling | Installation | Changing the opening side |
| Case plugs | Installation | Removal | Aesthetic appearance |
| Door plugs | Installation | Removal | Fixing hinges |
| Door handle | Installation (if hidden) | Dismantling (if hidden) | Ease of use |
Some models Atlant equipped with hidden handles or push-to-open mechanisms, which also require rearrangement. If the handle is integrated into the end of the door, you may need to rearrange the mechanism itself or simply turn over the decorative trim, if the design allows it.
Working with the bottom door of the freezer
After completing work with the upper part, we move on to the bottom door of the freezer. The principle of operation here is similar, but has its own characteristics. First, remove the top hinge of the bottom door (which is also the dividing strip between the chambers or is attached to it).
Remove the freezer door. Pay attention to defrost sensor rod or magnetic switch if they are located in the lower part of the refrigerator compartment or at the end of the lower door. These elements are fragile and require careful handling when moving.
Move the lower hinge to the opposite side of the housing. In two-chamber refrigerators Atlant the lower hinge often has an adjusting screw that allows you to compensate for the sagging of the door. When reinstalling, do not clamp this screw “tightly” immediately - leave a small amount of play for subsequent adjustment.
Install the bottom door into place, placing the pin in the hinge hole. Secure the structure with bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet. This is necessary for the final adjustment of the position of the sash relative to the body.
Nuances of connecting electrical circuits
Modern two-chamber refrigerators Atlant are often equipped with a system No Frost or simply have door opening sensors, temperature indicators on the facade. All these elements require connection to the electrical network of the refrigerator.
The wires usually run inside the door body and exit in the area of the top or middle hinge. When rehanging, you will have to move the wiring harness to the other side or, if the length allows, simply throw them over the top. The main thing is to prevent the wires from being pinched by the metal parts of the hinges or the door body itself.
Connectors can be of different types:
- 🔌 Standard pin connectors - simply inserted until they click.
- 🔒 Connectors with a latch - require pressing plastic tab before removal.
- 🌀 Twists (in older models) - require careful insulation and connection in the correct order.
⚠️ Attention: When connecting wires, make sure that the contacts are dry and clean. Oxidation of contacts can lead to incorrect operation of electronics or failure of temperature sensors.
If you are not confident in your knowledge of electrical engineering or the wires look damaged, it is better to contact a specialist. Incorrect connection can lead to failure of the control board.
Adjusting the position of doors and eliminating distortions
After all the doors are installed in new places, the final adjustment stage begins. It often happens that the door hangs crookedly or does not fit tightly to the body. To correct this, use the adjusting screws on the lower and middle hinges.
By rotating the screws clockwise, you raise the corner of the door, and counterclockwise, you lower it. Achieve a position in which the gap between the door and the body around the entire perimeter is the same. Check the operation of the magnetic seal: the door should fit tightly over the entire area.
Check the horizontalness of the refrigerator itself using a level. If the floor is uneven, tighten the front adjustment feet (legs) of the refrigerator. Correct installation ensures that the door closes naturally under the influence of gravity if it is opened less than 90 degrees.
Common errors and ways to eliminate them
Even following the instructions, beginners can make mistakes. One of the most common is incorrect assembly sequence, when access to the lower bolts is blocked by an already installed upper door. Always move in stages: first the top, then the bottom.
Another common problem is the loss of fasteners. Hinge bolts Atlant often have a specific thread or length. If you have lost the original bolt, do not replace it with the first one you get from a hardware store, as it may be too long and damage the internal plastic, or short, which will lead to play.
If after installation the door does not close tightly:
- Check whether anything is interfering with the seal (products on shelves, packaging).
- Make sure that the refrigerator is positioned strictly vertically.
- Check that the hinge pins are inserted correctly into their holes.
In rare cases, it may be necessary to “grind in” the new position. Let the refrigerator stand for several hours before turning it on, so that the oils in the compressor drain into the crankcase (if it was tilted strongly) and the seals straighten out.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
Is it necessary to completely defrost the refrigerator before rehanging it?
Yes, this is a mandatory requirement. Water can get on the electrical contacts, and ice inside the chambers will make the structure heavier, which is dangerous during dismantling. In addition, when tilted, melt water can flow into the technical compartments.
Is it possible to hang the door if the refrigerator has a display?
Yes, it is possible, but it is more difficult. You will have to carefully disconnect the cables going to the display and pull them to the other side. In some models Atlant the length of the cable is limited, and it may need to be lengthened or replaced.
What should you do if, after rehanging, the door opens by itself?
Most likely, the refrigerator is installed tilted backwards. Tilt your body forward, twisting the front legs to create a backward slope. Then gravity will help the door close. Also check if the seal is twisted.
Will the warranty still apply after re-hanging it yourself?
According to the law, the consumer has the right to self-service if this does not require special equipment. However, if you damage parts while re-hanging, the warranty claim for this damage will not be considered. Keep all removed parts.