The situation when the standard location of the refrigerator door becomes inconvenient occurs quite often. This may be due to kitchen remodeling, interior design changes, or simply ergonomic features of a particular room. Fortunately, most models of household appliances from the Belarusian manufacturer Atlant are designed taking into account this possibility and allow overhanging.
The process of changing the opening side of the refrigerator compartment does not require calling a specialist and can be done independently if you have a basic set of tools. However, it is important to understand that the design of different series may differ, so before starting work you need to carefully study the features of your model. Incorrect actions can lead to damage to the seal or loss of tightness.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions that will allow you to safely and quickly perform re-hanging the door. We will look at the necessary tools, dismantling and assembly steps, and also pay attention to common mistakes that should be avoided. Compliance with the sequence of operations guarantees the maintenance of the warranty and the long service life of the unit.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
Before taking active steps, it is necessary to prepare the workspace. The refrigerator is a heavy unit and working on the back will require easy access from all sides. It is recommended to move the equipment away from the wall at a distance of at least one meter in order to be able to easily walk around it.
To carry out the work, you will need a standard home handyman's kit. In most cases, a Phillips-head screwdriver and a wrench the size of which corresponds to the dimensions of the hinge mounting bolts are sufficient. Some models may be equipped with a special key, which is stored in the instructions or on the back wall.
- 🔧 Medium-sized Phillips screwdriver for case screws.
- 🔩 Wrench or 10 mm socket for hinge bolts.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp edges metal edges.
- 📏 Level for checking the horizontal installation after completion of work.
Pay special attention freeing up internal space. Shelves, drawers and products significantly weigh down the door, which creates a risk of dropping the unit or damaging the floor during dismantling. Completely defrost the chamber if there is ice in it, and remove all removable elements.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This is critical for safety, as you will be working in close proximity to electrical components and wiring.
☑️ Preparing for re-hanging
Removing the top panel and handle
The first step is always removing the top cover of the refrigerator compartment. It is under it that the fastening elements of the upper hinge are hidden. Depending on the series Atlant, the cover can be secured with latches or screws located on the front or back.
Carefully unscrew the fixing screws and remove the panel. If the lid is held in place by clips, use a flat-head screwdriver, under a cloth to prevent damage to the plastic, and press down lightly while pulling back on the edge. After removing the cover, access to the top hinge wires will open if the model is equipped with an indication on the door.
Next you need to remove the handle. In some models it is part of the door structure, in others it is attached separately. If the handle is removable, look for hidden screws, often covered with decorative caps, and remove them. Remove the handle and put it in a safe place.
If your refrigerator has an electronic display on the door, now is the time to disconnect the wire connectors. Do this as carefully as possible, grasping the connector body and not the wires themselves. Sudden movements can lead to breakage of contacts.
Removing the refrigerator door
After releasing the top hinge, you can begin to dismantle it. Unscrew the bolts securing the hinge to the refrigerator body and remove the hinge itself.
It is best to perform this operation with an assistant. One person holds the door, and the second unscrews the fasteners. After removing the top hinge, the door is carefully lifted and removed from the bottom pin sleeve. Place the removed door on a soft surface covered with cardboard or a blanket so as not to scratch the front panel.
Now you need to move the fastening elements to the opposite side. There are symmetrical threaded holess at the end of the door and on the refrigerator body itself. Unscrew the plugs (if any) from the desired side and screw them into the vacated holes on the current side to close the holes.
| Element | Action during removal | Action during installation | Nuance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Unscrew 2-3 bolts | Secure on the new side | Do not lose washers |
| Lower pin | Remove from the bushing | Insert into a new bushing | Lubricate with lithol |
| Door stopper | Unscrew from the end | Screw into the opposite end | Adjusts the density |
| Plugs | Remove from the new side | Install in the old place | For aesthetics |
Do not forget to dismantle the lower support sleeve. It is usually simply removed or unscrewed from the bottom hole of the door. Move it to the opposite lower corner, having first cleaned it of dust and dirt.
Re-hanging the freezer door
If you have a two-chamber refrigerator Atlant with a bottom freezer, the procedure must be repeated for it. The principle of operation is similar, but there are some peculiarities. First, remove the decorative panel of the plinth (if any) or the lower plinth to gain access to the bottom of the unit.
Unscrew the fastening of the middle hinge that holds the freezer door. Remove the door, rearrange the hinges and plugs symmetrically. Pay attention to middle loopas it is often common to both cameras or has a complex design with an axial mechanism.
Features of loops in No Frost
In models with the No Frost system, additional channels may pass through the loops for drainage of melt water. When rehanging, it is important not to twist or squeeze these tubes, otherwise water will go inside the housing.
When installing the freezer door, it is important to align the holes correctly. The door is heavy, and it can be difficult to get the pin into the hole the first time. Use a rocking motion, but do not use excessive force so as not to strip the threads or deform the metal.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure that the sealing rubber does not turn under during installation. If the rubber band becomes wrinkled, the door will not close tightly, which will lead to ice freezing and increased load on the compressor.
After installing all the doors, check that they are parallel to the body. The gaps around the perimeter should be uniform. If you notice a distortion, you may need to adjust the height of the refrigerator legs or tighten the hinge bolts.
Installing handles and final assembly
When the main structural elements have been rearranged, we proceed to installing the fittings. The handles are attached to new places using the provided holes. The refrigerator often comes with special screws of different lengths for different sides - be careful when choosing fasteners. Atlant Often there are special screws of different lengths for different sides - be careful when choosing fasteners.
Tighten the screws tightly, but without fanaticism. Excessive force can lead to cracks in the plastic elements of the handle or breakage of the threads in the metal body of the door. After installing the handles, check their security by opening and closing the camera several times.
- 🚪 Check the smooth movement of the door throughout its entire amplitude.
- 🔊 Listen to the absence of creaks and extraneous sounds.
- 🧲 Make sure that the magnetic lock operates with a characteristic click.
Put it back in place top cover of the refrigerator. If the model is equipped with an indication, connect the wire connectors based on the photographs or markings taken earlier. Lay the wires so that they do not get under the moving parts of the hinges.
Adjustment and leak testing
The final stage is checking the quality of the work performed. The easiest way to check for leaks is to use a piece of paper. Open the door slightly, place a sheet between the seal and the body, close the door. The sheet should be pulled out with noticeable effort.
If the sheet falls out or is pulled out too easily, it means that the door does not fit tightly. In this case, you need to check horizontal installation the refrigerator itself. Tighten the front adjustment supports so that the body is slightly set back. This will ensure automatic closing of the door under its own weight.
Also, the cause of a loose fit may be a new seal that has not yet straightened out. If the door is warped, try loosening the hinges, straightening the door, and retightening the bolts. In some cases, heating the seal with a hairdryer at a low temperature helps to restore elasticity.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door touches the body?
This may indicate incorrect assembly of the hinges or deformation of the door. Check that all gaskets and washers are in place. Sometimes replacing the order of the washers on the pin or lightly lubricating the rubbing surfaces with silicone helps.
Is it possible to rehang the door if the refrigerator is built-in?
With built-in appliances, everything is more complicated. Often it is necessary to dismantle the facade of the kitchen unit and special fastening strips. Without experience, it is better not to take risks, as there is a high probability of damaging the furniture or disturbing the geometry of the installation.
Do you need to wait before turning it on after rehanging?
No special waiting is required, since the refrigerant was not drained and the tubes were not pinched. However, if you tilted the unit strongly (more than 40 degrees), it is recommended to let it stand for 2-4 hours before turning it on, so that the oil flows into the compressor.
Will the warranty remain valid after self-repositioning?
According to the law, the consumer has the right to self-service if this does not lead to a breakdown. However, if you damage the wires or break the threads when working on your own, the service center may refuse warranty repair of these components.