Changing the location of the refrigerator door panels is often a necessary procedure when changing the layout of the kitchen or the ergonomics of the space. Many equipment owners Atlant face the fact that the standard opening on the right becomes inconvenient after moving or buying a new headset. Fortunately, the design of most models of this brand provides for the possibility of reverse, that is, rearranging the hinges to the opposite side.
Performing this operation yourself allows you to save on calling a technician and carry out the work at a convenient time. The process requires a minimum set of tools and a basic understanding of the closing mechanism. However, in order not to damage the seals or the plastic casing, you must strictly follow the sequence of actions and take into account the features of the specific series of your unit.
Preparation of the workplace and the necessary tools
Before starting any manipulations with the structure of the refrigeration cabinet, you should ensure safe working conditions. You will need clear space around the unit to allow access from all sides. The lighting should be sufficient, since some fasteners may be hidden in the shadows or have a dark color that blends with the body.
To work, you will need a standard DIY kit. The main tool will be a wrench or a set of sockets, since the hinge mounting bolts usually have a threaded connection to a certain size. Also, do not forget to prepare a screwdriver, hexagons and, possibly, pliers for removing decorative plugs.
It is important to prepare a clean rag or soft backing. When you remove the door, it will need to be placed somewhere, and the hard floor can damage the interior lining or glass of the shelf. In addition, a clean cloth will be useful for wiping the fastening areas from dust.
- 🛠️ Wrench or socket head (usually 8 mm or 10 mm)
- 🔧 Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
- 🔩 Set hexagons
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! This will protect you from electric shock and prevent accidental starting of the compressor during dismantling.
Design features of various Atlant series
The equipment of the Belarusian manufacturer is produced in different modifications, and weighing mechanism may differ. Older models often use a simple system where the hinges are simply moved to symmetrical holes. More modern series may use hidden hinges or complex hinge mechanisms that require a special approach.
Particular attention should be paid to models with a system No Frost or “crying” wall. In such refrigerators, an electrical cable for controlling sensors or lighting can pass through the loop. If your model has an electrical connection in the door, simply reversing it mechanically will not work - you will need to switch the wires.
Some budget models may not have factory holes for reinstallation from one side to the other. In such cases, on the back side of the case there may only be technological bosses that need to be drilled out, which is not recommended to do without experience. Always check for threaded holes or plugs on the end of the case before purchasing or starting work.
How can you tell if there is electrics in the door?
Open the door and look at the top hinge. If it has wires that go inside the case, then your model has an electrical connection. This may also be indicated by the presence of an open door indicator on the front panel.
Step-by-step instructions for dismantling doors
The process of removing door panels requires accuracy and adherence to a strict sequence. First you need to free up space in front of the refrigerator. Remove all products from the door shelves to reduce the weight of the structure and prevent heavy objects such as glass bottles from falling.
Always start dismantling from the top door if you have a two-chamber model. Remove the decorative plug from the top hinge. The fastening bolts are hidden under it. Unscrew them, but do not remove them completely yet so that the loop does not fall off. Then carefully lift the door, removing it from the lower hinge pin.
After removing the upper door, move on to the lower chamber. Here the procedure is similar: remove the plugs, loosen the middle hinge (which will now become the top hinge for the freezer) and remove the door. If the model is single-chamber, the process is even simpler - remove the door from the top hinge and unscrew the bottom support.
Do not jerk the door sharply, so as not to damage the plastic or the rubber itself. A slight rocking will help to separate the surfaces.
☑️ Dismantling checklist
⚠️ Attention: The doors of Atlant refrigerators are quite heavy, especially if they have glass shelves built into them. It is recommended to carry out dismantling with two people or securely fix the body so that it does not tip over when the load is removed.
Rearranging the fittings and changing the opening side
After the doors are removed, it is necessary to rearrange the fittings. Take the removed hinges and find the corresponding seats on the opposite side of the body. They are usually closed with plastic plugs that need to be removed using a thin screwdriver or knife.
Carefully inspect the removed parts. The loops are often symmetrical, but may have a specific shape. If there are bushings or pins left on the old side, they need to be moved to the new side or used components from the repair kit, if it came with the refrigerator. In some models Atlant you need to turn the loop itself 180 degrees.
Pay special attention matching strips and the latches. They also need to be moved to the end of the door on the opposite side. To do this, you may need to unscrew the screws holding the strip and install it in pre-provided holes on the other side.
Don't forget about the handles. If they are asymmetrical, they also need to be rearranged. In most cases, the handles are attached to screws on the inside of the door, access to which is gained after removing the decorative trims.
| Element | Action | Nuance |
|---|---|---|
| Top hinge | Rearrange to the other side | Watch the orientation of the pin |
| Middle hinge | Turn over or move | May require replacing bushings |
| Bottom support | Move to the lower hole | Adjustable in height |
| Plugs | Close the old holes | Use plugs on the working side |
Installing doors on a new one side
Assembly is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. Install the bottom door (freezer compartment) first. Place it on the bottom support loop. Make sure it sits straight and tight. Now you can screw on the middle hinge (which will now be the top for the freezer and the bottom for the refrigerator).
When installing the top door, it is important to correctly fit into the grooves of the middle hinge. Have a helper hold the door while you insert the top pin. Do not tighten the bolts “all the way” right away. First, just attach them so that the structure “plays” and you can even out the gaps.
The key point is adjusting the gaps. The door should fit evenly around the entire perimeter of the body. If misalignment is noticeable, use adjusting bolts on the lower support or place washers (in rare cases), although Atlantakh usually it is enough to loosen the fastening and adjust the door manually.
Check the operation of the magnetic castle The door should close with a characteristic sound and hold on its own if it is opened 45 degrees. If the door slams or, conversely, does not fit completely, re-adjustment is required.
Working with electrical components (for models with display)
If your refrigerator is equipped with a door open indicator or a display on the facade, a simple mechanical rearrangement is not possible without reconnecting the wires. In such models, the cable passes through the hollow axis of the upper hinge.
To transfer the wire, you must carefully disassemble the upper part of the door to gain access to the contact group. Typically the wires have connectors that you need to unplug, thread the harness through a new hole in the loop, and reconnect. The connection diagram is usually simple: color to color.
In some cases, the length of the standard wire may not be enough to go to the other side. Then you have to lengthen the cable or, if the design allows, relay it inside the door cavity. This requires increased caution so as not to damage the insulation.
After connecting, be sure to check the operation of the indicators. If, after connecting to the network, the light bulb does not respond to opening the door, check the reliability of the contacts in the hinge connector.
What to do if the wires are short?
If the standard length is not enough, you can carefully disassemble the insulation and extend the wire using soldering and heat shrink. However, this voids the warranty and requires the skill of an electrician. In simple cases, the wire can simply be carefully laid as a snake inside the loop channel.
Final adjustment and tightness check
After installing all the elements and tightening the bolts, it is necessary to carry out a final check. Visually assess the symmetry of the gaps between the door and the body. They should be the same on top and bottom, as well as on left and right.
Check the tightness of the seal. To do this, you can use a simple test with a sheet of paper. Squeeze the sheet with the door and try to pull it out. It should come out with noticeable force around the entire perimeter. If in some place the paper flies out freely, it means that seal does not fit there.
Let the refrigerator stand turned off for at least 30-40 minutes after rearranging, especially if you carried out electrical work or tilted the unit strongly. This is necessary to stabilize the oil in the compressor.
Turn on the equipment and listen to the operation. There should be no extraneous knocks or vibrations. If the door is installed correctly, it will close smoothly and tightly.
⚠️ Attention: If after hanging the door does not close tightly, do not rush to change the seal. Often it is enough to simply warm the elastic with a hairdryer or boiling water so that it straightens out after deformation during dismantling.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do you need to call a specialist to rehang the door?
In most cases, this can be done independently, having a basic set of tools. Calling a technician is only justified if your model has a complex electronics system in the door, which you are afraid of damaging, or if there are no necessary holes for reinstallation.
Is it possible to rehang the door on a single-chamber refrigerator?
Yes, on most single-chamber models Atlant there is the possibility of rehanging. The procedure is similar, but simpler, since you only need to remove one door and rearrange two hinges (upper and lower).
Why, after rehanging, does the door not hold and open?
Most likely, the angle of the refrigerator is broken. To function properly, the door must have a slight roll back. Check the adjusting supports at the bottom of the refrigerator - the front legs should be unscrewed slightly higher than the rear ones to create a reverse slope.
Will the warranty remain valid after re-hanging it yourself?
The re-hanging process itself, if it is provided for by the design and does not cause mechanical damage, is not a basis for voiding the warranty. However, if you break the loop or damage the wiring, warranty repairs may be refused.