Rearranging furniture in the kitchen often requires changing the configuration of household appliances so that they fit into the new interior or simply open in a more convenient direction. For owners of Belarusian equipment, this is not a problem, since the design of most models initially provides reversible hinges. However, the process itself requires care, since improper dismantling can damage the coating or break the seal.
In this article we will look in detail at how rehang the door of the Atlant refrigerator two-chamber type without damaging the hinges or losing small fasteners. You don’t need a specialized tool, a standard home craftsman’s kit is enough, but knowing the sequence of actions is critical.
It is worth noting that the procedure for different series may differ slightly in the location of the decorative plugs. Before you begin any active actions, make sure that you have prepared a flat surface next to the unit, where you can temporarily place the removed doors.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
Before starting work, you need to clear the space around the refrigerator. You will need access to the unit from all sides, as sometimes it is necessary to tilt the housing slightly for ease of installation. Make sure that the floor under your feet is not slippery, and that the lighting is sufficient for working with small fasteners.
To complete the task of hanging doors you will need the following set of tools:
- 🔧 Open-end or socket wrench 10 mm (usually this size is used in total).
- 🪛 Phillips screwdriver (usually PH2) for removing handles and plugs.
- 🔩 Hex wrench (required for some models with countersunk bolts).
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp edges metal.
Special attention should be paid Phillips screwdriver. It must be of high quality, with a well-profiled tip so as not to tear off the slots on the screws, which can be tightened quite tightly. It is also recommended to have a soft cloth or cardboard on hand so as not to scratch the floor when installing the removed parts.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Remove the plug from the socket to avoid accidentally turning on the compressor or damaging the wiring when manipulating the case.
Dismantling the top door and removing the top hinge
The process always starts from the top chamber. First you need to remove the decorative plug that covers the mounting holes of the top hinge. Depending on the model Atlant, it can be round or rectangular, and you need to pry it off carefully so as not to break the plastic clips.
After removing the plug you will see the mounting bolts. They need to be loosened, but not completely unscrewed yet. At this stage it is important to secure the door so that it does not fall. It is best to ask an assistant to hold the sash while you use the key.
Next, you should completely unscrew the bolts and remove the top hinge. Now the door can be carefully lifted and removed from the lower axis, if the design allows, or proceed to remove the handle. If the handle is integrated into the body, this step can be skipped, but in most cases it is required removing the handle for ease of operation.
☑️ Preparation for removing the top door
After removing the top door, put it in a safe place, placing a soft cloth underneath. Now the intermediate loop that connects the upper and lower chambers requires your attention. Its design can be more complex, as it often includes a closer mechanism or an opening sensor.
Features of removing the intermediate hinge and brackets
The intermediate hinge is the most difficult unit when rehanging. This is where users most often have questions. In two-chamber models Atlant it is attached to the refrigerator body and to the bottom door. First you need to loosen the fasteners that secure the hinge to the body.
It is important to remember the order in which the washers and bushings are removed. When reassembling on the other side, they will need to be installed in the same sequence, otherwise the door will be warped. Often under the hinge there is a contact group door opening sensor.
If your model has a sensor, it must be carefully disconnected. The connector is usually made of plastic and requires careful handling. Do not pull the wires; it is better to pry the connector itself with a thin screwdriver or a fingernail.
⚠️ Attention: When working with the intermediate loop, watch the position of the plastic bushings. Their loss or damage will lead to creaking and warping of the door in the future.
What to do if the bolt is rusty?
If the mounting bolt does not unscrew, do not use excessive force. Treat it with a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) and leave it on for 10-15 minutes. This will help dissolve the rust and make dismantling easier.
After disconnecting all the elements, the intermediate loop is removed. Now the lower door is free and can be removed in the same way as the upper one - by lifting. Inspect the hinge axes for scoring or corrosion, if necessary, clean them with fine sandpaper.
Table of compatibility and types of fastenings
Different series of refrigerators Atlant may have differences in the design of the hinges. So that you understand what you are dealing with, familiarize yourself with the types of fastenings that are found in two-chamber models.
| Model type | Top hinge fastening | Handle type | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Series 40 (KSh-240...) | 3 bolts for turnkey 10 | Invoice | Simple design, easy to hang |
| Series 45 (KSh-250...) | 2 bolts + bushing | Mortset | Removal of decorative panel required |
| Series 60 (No Frost) | Hidden bolts | Integrated | Needs hexagon, difficult access |
| Series 170 (XM-170...) | Combined | Invoice | Reinforced loops for heavy weight |
Understanding the type of your model will help you prepare the right tool in advance. For example, for the 60 series, a regular Phillips screwdriver may not be suitable and will require hex key. Always check the product data sheet if it is preserved.
If you are not sure about the series of your refrigerator, look at the nameplate located inside the chamber or on the back wall. The full model range is indicated there, from which you can determine the standard size and design features.
Installation of doors on the new side
After successful dismantling of all elements, the assembly stage begins on the opposite side. On the other side of the refrigerator body there should be threaded holes closed with plastic plugs. They need to be removed and moved to the vacant places on the left side (or right, depending on where you are moving them).
Install the bottom loop in a new place. Insert the axle into the corresponding hole on the door and secure the structure. It is important to check that the door sits evenly and tightly. Now you can proceed to installing the intermediate hinge.
When installing the intermediate hinge, make sure that all bushings and washers are in place. If the door sensor was disconnected, reconnect the connector before the bolts are fully tightened. Check the operation of the sensor: when the door is opened, the light in the chamber should light up, and when closed, it should go out.
The top door is installed last. Place it on the top hinge axis, align it and secure it with the mounting bolts. Do not tighten the bolts “all the way” right away. First, attach them, check the parallelism of the doors and only then finally fix them.
Adjusting the gaps and final check
After installing all the elements, it is necessary to carry out adjusting the position of the doors. The doors must fit tightly to the body around the entire perimeter, without distortions or gaps. If you notice that the door is skewed, you can slightly loosen the fasteners and adjust the position.
Pay attention to the rubber seals. They should fit snugly to the body. If cracks form after rehanging, the magnetic seal may not cope with its function, which will lead to ice freezing and increased energy consumption.
To check the tightness, you can use a simple test with a sheet of paper. Squeeze the sheet with the door and try to pull it out. It must be pulled out with force around the entire perimeter. If in some place the sheet slides freely, additional adjustment of the hinges or heating of the seal with a hairdryer is required.
⚠️ Attention: Do not turn on the refrigerator immediately after rearranging if you tilted or laid it down strongly. Allow the oil in the compress to drain back into the crankcase for 2-4 hours.
Common mistakes when working independently
When doing work with your own hands Beginners often make common mistakes that can lead to equipment damage. One of the most common is the loss of fasteners. Small screws easily roll under the baseboard or get lost in the carpet pile.
Another mistake is excessive force when unscrewing. If the bolt does not fit, do not use force at the risk of stripping the threads or breaking the bolt head. It is better to use lubricant or ask for help from a more experienced technician.
Sensors and wiring are also often forgotten. Models with a door display or No Frost system may have additional cables running through the hinges. They must be carefully moved or switched, otherwise the door will not close or the display will not work.
Is it possible to move the door alone?
Theoretically it is possible, but it is extremely inconvenient. The doors are heavy and bulky. Without an assistant, there is a high risk of dropping the glass (if any) or scratching the case on the floor or walls.
Remember that accuracy and following the sequence of actions is the key to success. If you doubt your abilities, it is better to contact a service center, but for most models Atlant this procedure is quite accessible for a home craftsman.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Do I need a special tool to hang Atlant doors?
In 90% of cases, a standard set is sufficient: a 10 mm open-end wrench and a Phillips screwdriver. A specialized tool is required only for rare industrial models or if the fasteners are heavily rusted.
Is it possible to rehang a door if it has a display installed?
Yes, it is possible, but it is more difficult. You will need to carefully disconnect the display cable, remove the control panel and move it to the new side, if the design allows for this. In some models, the wiring is already laid on both sides.
Why does the door not close tightly after rehanging?
Most likely, the geometry of the hinges is broken or the seal is twisted. Check if the loops are level relative to each other. Also make sure that the refrigerator is strictly vertical, the adjustable legs allow you to set the level.
Will the warranty remain valid after re-hanging it yourself?
According to the law, re-hanging the door yourself (if it is done without damage) is not grounds for voiding the warranty. However, if you damage the frame or hinges, warranty repairs may be denied. Keep all removed parts.