Changing the layout of the kitchen or simply wanting to optimize space often leads to the need to change the opening side of the refrigerator door. Equipment owners Atlant may encounter this problem when the standard arrangement of handles or hinges begins to interfere with convenient access to products. Fortunately, the design of most models of the Belarusian brand provides the possibility of reverse installationwhich allows you to do the work yourself without calling a specialist.
The rehanging process does not require deep technical knowledge, but requires accuracy and adherence to the sequence of actions. If you ignore the dismantling procedure or overtighten the mounting bolts, you can damage facade panels or break the tightness of the seal. Before starting work, it is important to make sure that your model really supports this option, since some budget series have a fixed design.
In this article we will look in detail at how to rehang the doors on the Atlant refrigerator, what tools will be required and what to pay special attention to when working with hinges. We will look at the nuances for different series of equipment, including models with the system No Frost and classic drip cooling. Proper re-hanging will extend the service life of the seals and make using the unit more comfortable.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! Working with live electrical appliances is prohibited by safety rules.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
To successfully complete the task, you will need a minimum set of household tools, which any owner can usually find. The main tool will be screwdriver or a set of screwdrivers with different bits (phillips and flathead). Some models may require wrenches, most often 10 mm in size, to loosen the bolts on the hinges.
It is also a good idea to prepare masking tape or a soft rag to protect the glossy surface of the door and body from scratches during operation. If the kitchen floor is slippery, lay cardboard or thick fabric, as you will often have to bend down and place the removed parts on the floor.
- 🛠️ Set of screwdrivers (Phillips PH1, PH2 and flat)
- 🔧 Wrench or 10 mm socket
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp edges
- 📏 Level (to check for distortions after installation)
Pay special attention to organizing the space around the unit. You need free space on the side where the door will open after rehanging to check the quality of the work. Remove foreign objects, carpets and small things that may interfere with maneuvers with a heavy door.
☑️ Preparation for rehanging
Design features of doors of Atlant models
Refrigerators Atlant are produced in various modifications, and the design of their door blocks may differ. In most modern two-chamber models, the upper and lower doors are mounted on separate hinge groups, which simplifies the rehanging process. However, in some old or specific series, the hinges may be united by a common axis or have a hidden installation.
It is important to know that only the main doors of storage rooms can be rehung. If your refrigerator has a separate bottom freezer, the procedure will be similar, but may differ in the type of fasteners used. In models with the system No Frost you need to be especially careful with the wires going to the sensors and opening buttons.
⚠️ Attention: The design of the hinges may vary depending on the year of manufacture and series. Always check the technical documentation specifically for your model, if it is available.
Some models are equipped with decorative plugs at the ends of the doors that hide the holes for the hinges. Before dismantling, carefully inspect the ends of the door leaf - there may be reserve holes or plastic plugs that will need to be moved to the other side.
Is it possible to rehang the door with the display?
If there is a electronic display or control panel; independent re-hanging is not recommended. This requires reprogramming the loops and can damage the electronics. In such cases, it is better to contact an authorized service center.
Step-by-step instructions for dismantling the door
You should always start work from the top door if you have a two-chamber model. The first step is to remove all shelves and containers from the door to reduce its weight and eliminate broken glass or plastic. Then carefully remove the decorative panel or cover covering the top hinge. It can be held on by latches or screws.
Once you have access to the fasteners, loosen the top hinge bolts, but do not unscrew them completely yet. Have a helper hold the door to prevent it from falling. Unscrew the fastener completely and remove the top hinge. Now you can carefully lift the door and remove it from the lower axis.
Similar actions are performed with the lower door (or freezer). It is important here not to lose the washers and bushings that are often installed between the hinge and the body to adjust the height. It is better to immediately put all removed parts into a separate container so as not to lose them.
- 🚪 Remove the upper decorative trim
- 🔩 Loosen and unscrew the bolts of the upper hinge
- 🙌 Remove the door from the lower support axis
- 🔽 Repeat the procedure for the lower chamber
When dismantling, pay attention to the condition sealing rubber. If it is very dirty or warped while the doors are removed, they can be washed with warm water and a mild detergent. This will improve the tightness after reinstallation.
Transferring fastening elements and fittings
The most critical stage is transferring the counter parts of the hinges and handles to the opposite side of the case. At the ends of the doors and on the body of the refrigerator there are usually symmetrical holes closed with plastic plugs. Carefully remove the plugs from the working side and install them in the places where the hinges were previously.
Remove the handles. Depending on the model, they may be fastened with screws from the inside of the door or have hidden fasteners under decorative caps. After removing the handles, install them in new places using the provided holes. If the holes on the new side are closed with factory plugs, replace them with those that are free.
Pay special attention to the rearrangement Pins or rotation axes. In some Atlant models, the lower support axis is not symmetrical and must be turned over or moved to another hole on the body. Don’t forget to also rearrange the stopper, if it is present in the design.
| Element | Action | Nuance |
|---|---|---|
| Upper loop | Move to the other side | Check the holes match |
| Bottom support | Move or turn over | Important for the height of the door |
| Handles | Remove and install | Use new holes |
| Plugs | Replace | For an aesthetic appearance |
If your model has holes for a magnetic lock or latch, make sure that they are also moved. Sometimes it is necessary to rearrange the internal plastic stops, which prevent the door from opening too wide.
Installing the doors on the new side
Installation starts from the bottom door. Install it on the lower support axis, making sure that the door is level and fits snugly against the body. Then install the middle loop (if your model has one) or go straight to the top.
When installing the top door, it is important to correctly align the holes in the hinge with the holes in the body. Insert the bolts and begin to tighten them by hand so as not to strip the threads. Only after all the bolts are inserted can you finally tighten them with a wrench or a screwdriver.
Tighten in a crosswise manner, gradually increasing the force to avoid skewing the hinge. Excessive force is also not required - the metal may deform, which will lead to loose fit the door in the future.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use impact tools (drill in impact mode) for final tightening. This may damage the threads or crack the plastic hinge housing.
After installation, check the doors for free movement. They should open smoothly, without creaking or jamming. If the door opens on its own or, conversely, does not reach the magnet, you will need height adjustment tightening the support leg or washers under the hinge.
Adjustment and checking the tightness
The final stage is checking the quality of the installation. Visually inspect the gap around the entire perimeter of the door. It should be uniform. If the door fits tightly in one place, but a gap is visible in another, it means that the hinge is installed skewed.
To check the tightness, use a simple test with a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet with the refrigerator door around the perimeter. If the sheet is pulled out with noticeable force and breaks, the seal is good. If the sheet falls out or is pulled out too easily, this is where the refrigerator loses its cold. Adjusting the tilt of the body also plays a role. Make sure the refrigerator is stable. The front legs are usually made slightly higher than the back ones so that the door closes itself under the influence of gravity as soon as you release the handle. refrigerator loses cold.
Adjusting the tilt of the body also plays a role. Make sure the refrigerator is stable. The front legs are usually made slightly higher than the back ones so that the door closes itself under the influence of gravity as soon as you release the handle.
- 📏 Check the uniformity of the gaps around the perimeter
- 📄 Carry out a leak test with a sheet of paper
- 🔄 Adjust the height of the legs for self-closing
- ❄️ Give the refrigerator 2-3 hours to stabilize the temperature
After turning on, pay attention to the operation of the compressor. If the door is warped and does not seal properly, the compressor will run almost non-stop trying to maintain the temperature. This is the first signal that the adjustment needs to be repeated.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door does not close tightly?
Check whether anything inside (shelves, products) is in the way. Make sure that the seal is not twisted and washed clean. If the problem is in the hinges, try loosening the fasteners and re-leveling the door. Sometimes the seal needs to be replaced if it has lost its elasticity.
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging?
It is advisable, but not necessary. However, if you plan to wash the doors or keep them open for a long time while working, defrosting will prevent flooding in the kitchen and make cleanup easier. Complete defrosting will also give the plastic time to “rest” before loading.
Is it possible to do this work alone?
Technically possible, but highly not recommended. Refrigerator doors, especially double-chamber ones, are heavy and bulky. Without an assistant, there is a high risk of dropping the door, damaging the floor, door covering, or getting a back injury. Involve a second person for backup.
Will the warranty remain valid after re-hanging yourself?
According to the law, the consumer has the right to self-repair if it did not cause the breakdown. However, if you damage the hinges or the housing in the process, the service center may refuse warranty service for these particular units. Be extremely careful.