Changing sides Opening the refrigerator door is not just a whim, but often a necessary measure for the ergonomic use of kitchen space. Owners of Belarusian-made equipment Atlant are faced with this problem when a standard left-hand hinge interferes with opening adjacent cabinets or blocks the passage. Fortunately, the design of most models allows you to perform this operation yourself, without calling a specialist.
The rehanging process requires accuracy and a minimum set of tools, since the weight of the door is significant, and the fittings must be installed exactly level. Incorrect installation can lead to distortion of the sash, failure of the seal and, as a consequence, failure of the compressor due to constant operation. Read carefully features of your model before starting work.
In this article we will analyze all the stages of dismantling and installing hinges, adjusting the magnetic seal and checking the tightness. You will learn how to avoid common mistakes and what nuances are typical for two-chamber units Atlant. Compliance with technology will allow you to save time and money by getting a perfectly working refrigerator.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
Before starting the active phase of work, you need to prepare all the tools and free up space around the refrigerator. You will need not only a standard DIY kit, but also several specific items that will make the process easier. Lack of the necessary tool can lead to damage to the plastic plugs or breakage of the screw threads.
The main tool will be a wrench, most often 10 mm in size, although some models may use screws for a Phillips screwdriver. Also be sure to have a flathead screwdriver ready for removing trim and handles. To fix the door in the upper position when unscrewing the lower hinge, you will need an assistant or a reliable stand.
- 🔧 A wrench (usually 10 mm) or a set of open-end wrenches.
- 🔩 Phillips screwdriver (PH2) for screws securing handles and hinges.
- 🧤 Gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges and dirt.
- 📏 Construction level to check the horizontal installation of the case.
The work place must be free: move the refrigerator away from the wall, ensuring access from all sides. If the floor is slippery, lay down cardboard or soft cloth to prevent the floor from being scratched by falling parts. Make sure there is enough light in the work area, as some fasteners may be hidden in the shadow of the case.
☑️ Preparing for rehanging
Dismantling the upper door of the refrigeration chamber
We start the process from the top door, since it is easier to access and does not require lifting the entire unit. The first step is to remove the decorative plugs from the top hinge. They can be made in the form of separate plastic covers or be part of an overall decorative trim, which is removed by moving upwards.
After gaining access to the fasteners, carefully unscrew the bolts holding the top hinge. It is important to hold the door with a second hand or ask an assistant to prevent it from falling and damaging the floor or its seals. Removing the door occurs strictly vertically upward so as not to damage the hinge pins.
⚠️ Attention: Before removing the door, be sure to disconnect the wires going to door opening sensor and indicator, if they are routed through the top hinge. Do not pull the wires too hard - carefully disconnect the connectors.
If your model Atlant has a handle hidden in a groove, it must first be removed. It is usually secured with screws from the inside or snapped into place. After removing the door, put it in a safe place, placing it face down on a soft mat.
Re-hanging the bottom door of the freezer
The bottom door of the freezer has a large mass and is attached to more powerful hinges, often hidden under a decorative plinth or strip. Remove the bottom panel of the refrigerator by unscrewing the fixing screws. The lower support hinge mechanism will open in front of you.
The process is similar to the upper one: unscrew the fastening bolts, hold the door and remove it from the axis. Pay special attention to the middle loop that connects the two chambers. In two-chamber models Atlant it is often a carrier for the upper door and a support for the lower one at the same time.
| Hinge type | Location | Mounting features | Tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper | Case cover | 2-3 bolts, often hidden by a plug | 10 mm key |
| Medium | Jumper between chambers | Reinforced structure, supports the weight of the upper door | 10 mm key, screwdriver |
| Bottom | Base of the case | Support axis, height adjustment | Key 10 mm |
When dismantling the middle hinge, you may need to remove the top door again if the design requires it. In some models Atlant the middle hinge is transferred to the other side entirely, while in others it is necessary to install a new one from the set of spare parts included with the refrigerator.
Transfer of fastening elements and fittings
The most important stage is rearranging the metal elements of the hinges to the opposite side. The refrigerator body Atlant initially has technological holes on both sides, closed with plastic plugs. You need to remove the plugs from the working side and install them on the vacated holes.
Take the hinges that you just dismantled and move them to new places. Make sure that the hinge pins look up and are positioned strictly vertically. Tighten the bolts tightly, but without excessive force, so as not to strip the threads in the metal body.
The door handle requires special attention. If it is asymmetrical, it must be turned over or the fasteners must be rearranged. In models with hidden handles (a recess at the end of the door), this step is skipped, which greatly simplifies the task. Check that all holes in the doors coincide with the new hinge mounting locations.
⚠️ Attention: Do not confuse the upper and lower hinges during installation. They may have different geometries and lengths of pins, which will lead to the inability to close the door or its distortion.
If the refrigerator came with special bushings or washers to compensate for gaps when hanging, be sure to use them according to the instructions. Ignoring these details may result in the door not fitting tightly to the body.
Installing doors on new hinges
After all the hinges have been transferred, the door installation process begins. Start at the bottom door of the freezer. Apply a little lubricant (such as lithol or graphite grease) to the bottom hinge axle to ensure silent opening in the future.
Install the bottom door onto the axle, then put the middle hinge on and secure it. Now you can put the top refrigerator door back in place. When installing the top door, do not forget to thread the electrical wires through the holes in the hinge, if provided for by the design.
- 🧊 Install the bottom door on the axle and fix the middle hinge.
- ⚡ Pull the sensor wires through the channels of the top hinge.
- 🔩 Secure the top hinge with bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet.
- 👐 Check the vertical installation of the doors visually.
Tighten all fastening bolts completely. Doors should open freely, without creaking or jamming. If you feel resistance, check if the seal or wiring is pinched somewhere. Correct installation guarantees long service life of the mechanism.
What to do if the holes do not match?
If the holes in the door do not match the hinges after rehanging, check that you have not mixed up the left and right sides of the door. Some door models are symmetrical only in appearance, but have offset holes for fittings. In this case, the door needs to be turned over (upside down), but this is not possible for all models due to the design of the internal frame.
Adjusting the position of the doors and seal
The final stage is adjustment. Even with precise installation, it may be necessary to adjust the position of the doors in height or horizontally. To do this, use adjusting supports at the bottom of the refrigerator or washers under the hinges.
By rotating the front support legs of the refrigerator, ensure that the body is stable and the doors close themselves when opened 30-40 degrees. This is ensured by slightly tilting the body backwards. Check the tightness of the magnetic seal around the entire perimeter.
To check the tightness, use a simple test with a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet with the refrigerator door and try to pull it out. If the sheet is removed easily without resistance, it means that the seal does not fit tightly in this place. In this case, you may need to warm up the seal with a hairdryer or adjust the hinge.
⚠️ Attention: If after hanging the door does not close tightly, do not rush to blame the seal. Often the reason lies in the fact that the refrigerator is not level or the middle hinge fasteners are loose.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging the doors?
Yes, this is a prerequisite. Defrosting removes water from the refrigerator, making it lighter. In addition, it is better to remove shelves and drawers so that they do not fall out when tilting the body or removing doors. Working with an empty and dry unit is safer and more convenient.
Is it possible to hang the door alone, without an assistant?
Technically this is possible, but it is highly not recommended, especially for two-chamber models. Atlant. Doors are heavy and bulky, making them easy to drop or damage the seal. In addition, it is difficult for one person to simultaneously hold the door and tighten the bolts. The risk of injury or equipment breakdown is too great.
What to do if plugs for holes are lost?
Plugs perform an aesthetic function, closing technological holes. If you have lost them, you can order a set from a service center or use plastic plugs of suitable size. As a last resort, the holes can be sealed with a decorative film or sticker in the color of the body.
Does re-hanging the doors affect the warranty?
According to the legislation and rules of most manufacturers, independent re-hanging of the doors is not is grounds for voiding the warranty if the refrigerator components were not damaged in the process (glass is broken, thread is torn off, circuit is damaged). However, if you call a repairman under warranty due to the door not closing tightly after re-hanging it yourself, repairs may cost a fee.