Changing the installation location of a kitchen unit or remodeling a room often dictates new conditions for placing large household appliances. Owners often face a situation where the standard door location becomes inconvenient or physically impossible due to the interior design. Re-hanging the door is a standard procedure provided for by the design of most modern models, including equipment from the Belarusian plant Atlant.
Many users are afraid to perform this operation themselves, believing that a master is required for this. However, the process does not require deep engineering knowledge if you act strictly according to the algorithm and follow safety precautions. The main thing is to prepare the necessary tools and carefully study the design features of your particular model, since different series may have fastening nuances.
In this article we will analyze in detail the process of rearranging the hinge on various types of refrigerators, from single-chamber to double-chamber models with the No Frost system. You will learn how to properly dismantle the fittings, rearrange the handles and, most importantly, how to avoid distortions that could compromise the seal of the camera. Following the instructions will allow you to save time and budget by completing the work efficiently on your own.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
Before starting any manipulations with equipment, it is necessary to ensure safety and prepare the appropriate tools. Working with metal elements requires care to avoid damaging the enamel of the case or dropping heavy parts on the floor. You will need a set of wrenches, most often 10, 8 or 6 mm in size, as well as screwdrivers - both Phillips and flathead.
Particular attention should be paid to surface preparation. It is recommended to cover the floor in front of the refrigerator with a soft material, such as cardboard or thick fabric. This will protect the floor covering from scratches if any part accidentally falls, and will also allow you to carefully place the removed door without damaging its interior.
- 🔧 A set of wrenches or sockets (sizes depend on the hinge model).
- 🪛 Screwdrivers (phillips and flat) for screws and decorative plugs.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🧼 Rags and lubricant (for example, Litol-24) for servicing mechanisms.
An important stage of preparation is emptying the refrigerator. Completely defrost the chamber if necessary and remove all shelves, drawers and food. An empty door weighs significantly less, which reduces the risk of back injury or the unit falling during operation. In addition, lightweight shelves are easier to transport and wash while access to them is open.
Design features of doors of different Atlant models
Refrigerators Atlant are produced in various modifications, and the design of their door blocks may differ significantly. Understanding your model type will help you avoid mistakes when dismantling. The main differences relate to the method of fastening the handles, the presence of the No Frost system and the number of chambers.
In models with the system No Frost there are often additional elements in the form of air ducts or defrost heaters, which can pass through the doorway or be attached to the end. In such cases, special care is required when disconnecting wires, if any. Conventional drip models are structurally simpler and do not have electrical connections in the doors.
⚠️ Attention: Some electronically controlled models may have displays or touch panels on the door. Before removing the door, be sure to disconnect the power cables, otherwise you risk burning the control board.
It is also worth considering the material used to make the handles. If the handles are metal and are attached with screws from the inside, the process of reinstalling them will take longer. Plastic handles often have hidden fastenings under decorative overlays, which need to be carefully pryed off with a thin screwdriver.
How to determine the type of hinges?
Hinges can be non-separable (require a complete replacement of the fastening side) or collapsible (just move the pin). Most modern Atlant models use universal hinges, which allow you to change the hinge without purchasing new parts.
Step-by-step instructions: dismantling the upper door (single-chamber models)
The process of removing the door begins with dismantling the upper part, since it is held on the upper hinge. First you need to remove the decorative plug if it covers the mounting bolts. It is usually located on top of the doorway or on the hinge itself.
Using a wrench, unscrew the bolts securing the top hinge. Do not remove them completely at once to prevent the loop from falling off. After loosening the fasteners, carefully remove the hinge. Now the door is held only by the magnetic fit of the seal and the lower pin (if the design allows) or simply hangs by weight if the lower axis is inserted into the body.
☑️ Dismantling the upper door
Remove the door from the lower pin. To do this, you need to slightly lift it and pull it towards you. Place the door on a prepared soft surface with the outside side down to avoid scratching the enamel. Now you can start rearranging the fittings.
On the inside of the door, unscrew the plugs from the holes intended for installing the handle on the other side. Screw the handle into the new holes from the opposite end. If your model has opening stops, they also need to be moved to the corresponding slots on the other side.
Reversing the doors of two-chamber refrigerators
In two-chamber models Atlant the process is complicated by the presence of an intermediate hinge that separates the freezer and refrigerator compartments. Work should begin strictly from top to bottom to ensure the stability of the structure during disassembly. First, the upper door of the refrigeration chamber is removed.
After removing the upper door, access to the intermediate loop opens. This is where confusion most often arises. On some models, the lower door pin is attached to the intermediate hinge; on others, it is independent. Carefully inspect the structure: if the lower door pin is inserted into the intermediate hinge, it will need to be removed along with the hinge.
| Element | Action | Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Dismantling, rearrangement to the other side | Key 10 mm |
| Intermediate hinge | Removal together with the bottom door or separately | Key 10-13 mm |
| Bottom support | Repositioning the bushing or pin | Flat screwdriver |
When installing doors on a new side, it is important to follow the sequence: first, the lower door (freezer) is mounted, then the intermediate hinge is fixed, and only after that the upper door is hung. This ensures correct alignment of the entire block.
Don't forget to rearrange stops the plugs on all doors. Atlant two-chamber refrigerators often use plastic bushings in the hinges, which wear out over time. If during the inspection you notice cracks or severe wear on them, it is better to replace them with new ones to avoid sagging in the future.
Nuances of working with the No Frost system and electronics
Models with the system No Frost require additional attention to electrical components. If a display, control panel or indicators are mounted in the door of the refrigerator compartment, they are connected to the main control unit via connectors.
Before final removal of the door, it is necessary to find the location of the wire connection. It is usually located at the top of the doorway or inside the frame near the top hinge. The connectors can be tight, so don't pull the wires too hard - use a thin screwdriver to pry the connectors loose.
When reassembling, make sure that the wires are laid in special channels or grooves provided by the design. If the cable is pinched by the door body or hinge when closing, this will result in a short circuit or open circuit. Check the free movement of the wires over the entire amplitude of door opening.
⚠️ Attention: All work on electrical components (connectors, displays, lamps) should only be carried out with the refrigerator completely disconnected from the network. Residual voltage in the capacitors can damage the electronics.
Some modern models Atlant with the "Fresh Zone" function or special storage areas may have additional air ducts passing through the door. Make sure that when rehanging you do not block the holes for air circulation by rearranging the decorative trims.
Adjustment and elimination of distortions after installation
After the doors are installed on new hinges, there is often a need for adjustment. Even with careful work, the seal may not fit tightly or the blade may be skewed. This is normal and can be easily corrected.
The basic method of adjustment is to loosen the hinge mounting bolts (without removing them completely) and manually align the door to the desired position. After this, the bolts are tightened again. If the door is skewed vertically, you can use adjusting washers or adjust the height of the support legs of the refrigerator itself.
Check the tightness of the fit using a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet with the door around the perimeter: it should be pulled out with force. If the sheet falls out or is pulled out too easily, the seal is broken in this place, and the hinge must be tightened or the seal must be heated with a hairdryer.
Pay attention to the operation of the light switch and magnetic valve (if any). The door must press the switch rod in time until it closes completely. If the light continues to light when the door is closed, the position of the door or the switch itself may need to be adjusted.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
One of the most common mistakes is the loss of fasteners. Small screws and washers easily get lost in the grass (if working outside) or roll under the refrigerator. Use a magnetic tray or jar to store all the removed parts.
Another mistake is mixing up the sides of the hinge installation. Before unscrewing, mark with a marker or take a photo which part was located where. This is especially true for asymmetrical hinges that have a top and a bottom.
Do not ignore the condition of the seal. If opened frequently, it could become deformed. If after rehanging the door does not close tightly, try warming the seal with warm (not hot!) air from a hairdryer and closing the door tightly for several hours. This will restore elasticity to the rubber.
If you encounter rusty bolts that will not come off, do not use excessive force to avoid stripping the threads. Treat the joint with a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) and leave for 15-20 minutes. This will greatly facilitate the dismantling process.
Do I need to call a technician if I am afraid of breaking something?
Calling a technician is justified if you do not have the necessary tools, physical strength to hold heavy doors (especially in two-chamber models) or if the refrigerator is under warranty and you are afraid of losing it (although overweighing usually does not void the warranty if the seals on the refrigerator are not damaged) compressor). In other cases, independent work is quite possible.
Is it possible to rehang the door without removing it completely?
In most Atlant models, complete dismantling of the door is required, since it is necessary to rearrange the mounting holes and handles. Partial removal is only possible in very old or specific models, but the risk of damaging the hinges with this method is too great. It is better to remove the door completely.
Why does the door open by itself after rehanging?
Most likely, the angle of the refrigerator is broken. For proper closure, the housing must be tilted slightly backwards. Adjust the front legs of the refrigerator by twisting them to raise the front. Also check if the door is touching the floor or rug.
What to do if the holes for the handles on the new side do not match?
In the factory, the holes for the handles and stops are usually drilled on both sides and closed with plugs. If there are no holes, you cannot drill new ones - you can damage the internal circuit or insulation. In this case, you will need to replace the door itself or the handle with a universal model, but this is a rare case for Atlant technology.
How often do you need to lubricate the hinges after rehanging?
After installation, there is no need to apply new lubricant if you used fresh one during installation. During operation, lubrication of the hinges is rarely required, approximately once every 2-3 years, or when squeaking occurs. Excessive lubricant can lead to dust adhesion and deterioration of the mechanism.