Changing the kitchen layout or simply the desire to improve the ergonomics of the workspace often raises the question of redevelopment before owners of household appliances. Reposition the door on the Atlant refrigerator is one of the most common procedures that can be performed independently, without resorting to the services of a service center. Unlike many other manufacturers, the equipment of this brand was initially designed taking into account the possibility of changing the opening side, which greatly simplifies the task for the user.
This process does not require deep technical knowledge or specialized expensive equipment. A basic set of tools and strict adherence to the algorithm of actions is enough. However, it is worth considering that Atlant models may have design features depending on the year of manufacture and series, so a careful study of the design of your specific modification before starting work will not be superfluous.
In this article we will analyze in detail all stages of work, from preparation to final adjustment of the gaps. You will learn how to properly dismantle the fittings without damaging the decorative elements, and how to ensure tightness after installation is complete. It is critically important to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply before starting work and completely empty the door shelves of food.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
Before you begin dismantling, it is necessary to organize a convenient workspace. A refrigerator is a large device and will require space to work around it. Move the unit away from the wall so that you can freely walk around it from all sides. Make sure that the floor is level and stable so that the equipment does not wobble during manipulations with fasteners.
To complete the task, you will need a standard DIY kit. In most cases, screwdrivers with different types of slots and wrenches are sufficient. Sometimes fasteners can be hidden by decorative plugs, which require careful handling so as not to scratch the surface of the case. It is also recommended to lay thick cardboard or soft fabric on the floor, where you can temporarily put the removed parts.
List of required equipment:
- 🔧 Phillips screwdriver (size PH2 or PH3 depending on the screws).
- 🔩 Set of open-end or socket wrenches (often a size of 8, 10 or 13 mm is required).
- 🧤 Construction gloves to protect hands from sharp edges of metal fasteners.
- 📏 Level or ruler to check the horizontal installation after completion of work.
Removing the top panel and door of the refrigerator
The process should always start from the top of the unit. On many models Atlant the top cover may interfere with access to the top hinges or simply require removal to make the design easier. Carefully unscrew the screws securing the panel and remove it by pushing it back or lifting it up, depending on the type of latches.
Next we move on to the main door of the refrigerator compartment. It is held on the top hinge, which needs to be released. Important: the door is heavy, so carry out all manipulations with the fastening of the top hinge by holding the door leaf with your second hand or asking an assistant. Unscrew the bolts securing the hinge to the refrigerator body.
After removing the fasteners, carefully remove the door from the lower support axis (if it is structurally provided for in this model) or simply move it to the side if the hinge is completely removed. Remove the metal hinge plate itself from the door. Don't forget about the decorative plugs - they need to be carefully removed and saved, as they will be needed for installation on the other side.
☑️ Removing the top part
Working with the bottom door and freezer
If you have a two-chamber refrigerator, the next step work is in progress on the bottom door of the freezer. The principle of operation is similar, but there are some nuances. Often the bottom door is attached to the middle partition, which may also require dismantling or rearranging the hardware.
Unscrew the middle hinge that holds the bottom door in place. Remove the freezer door. In some models Atlant at this stage it is necessary to disconnect the wires going to the door open indicators or the display, if it is located below. Proceed with caution, the connectors are usually located under plastic covers.
⚠️ Attention: When working with doors equipped with electronics, never pull on the wires. First, find the connection point of the plug, press the latch and carefully disconnect the contacts.
After removing the doors, it is necessary to remove the stops and stoppers that limited the opening in the previous direction. They are usually located at the ends of the doors and on the response parts of the body. Unscrew them and move them to the opposite side using the threaded holes covered with plastic plugs. These plugs need to be moved to the vacant places in order to maintain an aesthetic appearance.
Rearranging fittings and hidden elements
The most critical stage is the correct installation of all elements in new places. Carefully inspect the ends of the removed doors. You will see that on one side the holes are threaded, and on the other they are closed with plugs. Your task is to unscrew all fasteners (handles, stoppers, hinge mates) and tighten them on the opposite side.
Pay special attention door handles. If they are not symmetrical, they need to be turned over or rearranged. In models with hidden handles (recess at the end), this step is skipped. Also check the condition of the sealing rubber: if it has become deformed during operation, now is the time to fix it or replace it while the door is removed.
What to do if the holes do not match?
In 99% of cases in Atlant refrigerators, the holes are symmetrical. If the screw does not fit, do not use force - check to see if you have mixed up the top and bottom of the door or the left and right sides.
Do not forget about the magnetic light switch (reed switch) if it is located in the middle part of the body. It also needs to be moved to the corresponding hole on the other side so that the light in the chamber goes out when the door is closed. Usually it is simply unscrewed or removed with pliers.
Assembling the structure on the new side
Assembly is carried out in the reverse order of disassembly. First, install the bottom door (if it was removed). We put it on the lower axle or support sleeve. We install the middle hinge (or the bottom hinge for the upper door, depending on the design) and screw it to the body. Make sure that the screws are tightened tightly, but not fanatically, so as not to strip the threads.
Then we hang the top door of the refrigerator compartment. We align the holes in the door with the holes in the top hinge, insert the bolts and fix the structure. At this stage, it is important not to warp the door; keep it level until all bolts are tightened. Check whether the hinge axes rotate freely and whether they jam.
Table of basic assembly actions:
| Stage | Action | Check point |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Installing the bottom door | Checking the tightness of the seal |
| 2 | Installing the middle hinge | Tightening the bolts with a wrench |
| 3 | Installing the top door | Aligning the holes without misalignment |
| 4 | Attaching the top hinge | Fixing all screws |
Adjusting gaps and checking tightness
After all the doors are installed in their new places, it is necessary to make final adjustments. Doors should close tightly, without gaps, but not too tightly. If you notice a misalignment, use the adjusting bolts on the hinges (if they are provided for in the design) or tighten the main fasteners, loosening them slightly and aligning the position of the blade.
Checking the tightness is a critical step. Take a sheet of A4 paper, clamp it with the refrigerator door and try to pull it out. The paper should be removed with noticeable force along the entire length of the seal. If in some place the sheet falls out freely or is removed too easily, it means that a gap has formed there and the cold will go away.
Frequent problems and solutions:
- 🚪 The door opens itself - you need to increase the tilt of the refrigerator body back using the front adjustable supports.
- ❄️ Appeared condensation - check the tightness of the seal, it may be dirty or wrapped.
- 🔊 Creak when opening - lubricate the hinges with a small amount of special lubricant (do not use edible oil, it dries out over time).
⚠️ Attention: If after adjusting the door still does not fit tightly, it may be The sealing rubber has lost its elasticity. In this case, you can warm it up with a hairdryer or replace it with a new one.
Common mistakes when hanging doors
Even following the instructions, beginners often make mistakes that can lead to breakdown or incorrect operation of the refrigerator. One of the most common is the loss of small parts. It is very easy to drop screws, washers and plastic plugs and roll them under the refrigerator, where they cannot be reached without fully extending the unit.
Another mistake is the wrong sequence of actions. Some people try to remove all the doors at once, which makes the structure unstable and heavy. Always proceed in stages: remove the top one and set it aside, remove the bottom one and set it aside. Also, do not ignore the need to check the floor level after installation.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before hanging the doors?
Full defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, if you plan to leave the doors open for a long time or the refrigerator is very frosty, it is better to defrost it so that water does not flow when the angle of inclination changes.
Is it possible to hang the door on a single-chamber Atlant refrigerator?
Yes, most single-chamber models also provide the possibility of rehanging. The procedure is similar, but simpler, since there is only one door and there is no middle hinge.
What to do if one of the plastic plugs is lost?
Plugs can be purchased at service centers or ordered by catalog number. You can temporarily seal the hole with a decorative sticker in the color of the body to prevent dust from getting in.
Does re-hanging the door affect the warranty?
According to the rules of most manufacturers, re-hanging the doors yourself is not grounds for voiding the warranty if other components were not damaged in the process. However, keep all the removed parts in case you call for service.