Rearranging furniture in the kitchen or changing the layout often requires moving large household appliances, and at this moment the owners are faced with the need to change the side of the door opening. Refrigerators of the Belarusian brand Atlant are designed taking into account this possibility, allowing you to move the hinge to the opposite side without complex technical manipulations. This solution helps to free up the passage, improve the ergonomics of the workspace, or simply make the use of the unit more convenient for left-handers.
The re-hanging process takes from 30 to 60 minutes, but requires care and the availability of a basic set of tools. The key point the correct sequence of actions is necessary, since violation of the dismantling order can lead to damage to plastic plugs or deformation of the seal. In this article we will analyze in detail all the stages of work, paying attention to the nuances characteristic specifically for models of this brand.
It is worth noting that the design of door units in different series may differ slightly, but the general principle remains the same. Symmetrical holes in the body and on the doors are provided by the manufacturer especially for such cases. The main thing is not to rush and prepare a flat, soft surface for temporary placement of the removed elements.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
Before starting physical work, you need to prepare tools so as not to be distracted in the process. For most models Atlant you will need a standard Phillips screwdriver, a wrench (most often 10 mm) and a flathead screwdriver or knife to carefully remove the decorative plugs. It is also recommended to have a soft rag or cardboard on hand so as not to scratch the floor and the unit itself during installation.
It is important to provide sufficient space around the refrigerator. You will need to move the equipment away from the wall by at least 50-70 centimeters on all sides. Safety is priority number one, so be sure to disconnect the device from the power supply before starting work. This will eliminate the risk of a short circuit if the wiring is accidentally damaged if it runs near the loops.
⚠️ Attention: If your model has a No Frost system or electronic control, make sure that the cables going through the top loop are of sufficient length to maneuver. Do not use excessive force when pulling the door, so as not to damage the current-carrying wires.
Some users forget about fixing the position of the refrigerator itself. Before removing heavy elements, make sure that the unit is stable and will not move to the side if the mass is skewed. If the floor is slippery, place rubber mats under the legs or ask an assistant to hold the case during dismantling.
Removing the top panel and hinge
Work always starts from the top part of the structure, since it is the top hinge that holds the bulk of the door leaf suspended. The first step is to remove the top cover of the refrigerator, if it is structurally provided for by the model. It is usually attached to two screws on the back or side, which can be easily unscrewed with a Phillips screwdriver.
After removing the cover, you will see the upper support plate and the hinge mechanism. In some modifications Atlant the fasteners are hidden under the decorative overlay. Carefully pry up the plastic plug with a flat-head screwdriver, being careful not to break the latches. Fixing bolts The top hinge should be unscrewed last, first holding the door with your second hand or asking someone to secure you.
If your refrigerator has a display or control panel on the door, then the wiring harness runs through the top hinge. In this case, you cannot simply remove the door. It is necessary to find the connector inside the case (usually in the upper part behind the panel) and disconnect it. Remember or take a photo of the position of the connectorsso that when assembling on the new side you do not mix up the contacts, which can lead to electronic malfunction.
After releasing the fasteners, carefully lift the door up, removing it from the lower bushing, and set it in a safe place. Now the top hinge is completely free and ready to be moved.
Removing the door and working with the bottom support
When the top part is dismantled, attention turns to the bottom assembly. The door has already been removed, but the bottom support sleeve and hinge are still in place. They also need to be dismantled in order to be moved to symmetrical holes on the other side. In models with two doors (double-chamber), the sequence of actions is repeated for each leaf separately.
The lower hinge is often hidden by a decorative plinth or plastic trim at the bottom of the body. Remove this element, unscrew the mounting bolts and remove the axle. Pay attention to the condition of the bushings: if they are heavily worn or cracked, it is better to replace them with new ones to avoid the door sagging in the future. Adjusting the gaps directly depends on the condition of these small but important parts.
During the process, you may encounter a situation where the bolts are stuck or rusty. Do not use brute force, which may strip the threads in the aluminum housing. It's better to drop a little penetrating lubricant (eg WD-40) and wait 10-15 minutes. Refrigerators Atlant typically use high-quality steel for hinges, but operating conditions in the kitchen often lead to oxidation of metal contacts.
☑️ Check before installation
After complete dismantling of all moving parts on one side, the refrigerator body is ready for modification. Make sure that all holes on the free side are clean and that plastic stoppers or plugs are installed in them, if required by the design of a particular series.
Installing the hinges on the new side
Now the assembly stage begins, which is a mirror image of dismantling. Locate the corresponding holes for the bottom support on the opposite side of the case. Install the bottom hinge and tighten the mounting bolts securely. It is this element that will bear the main load, therefore tightening torque it should be sufficient to eliminate backlash, but without fanaticism, so as not to damage the thread.
Next we install the door. Together with an assistant, carefully place the door on the lower axis, holding it in a vertical position. If the model is heavy, it is better not to take risks and work together, since a misalignment of even a couple of millimeters when putting it on can lead to the upper holes not matching. Level the door using the adjustable support legs of the refrigerator itself.
We install the top hinge last. Insert it into the grooves, align the holes and screw in the bolts. If you have a wired model, carefully route the harness through the provided channels in the loop and connect the connectors inside the housing. Make sure that the wires are not pinched by metal and have a small reserve of movement for free opening.
| Element | Action | Tool | Nuance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper cover | Removal/Installation | Phillips screwdriver | Do not lose the screws |
| Top hinge | Transfer to the other side | 10 mm key | Careful with wires |
| Door leaf | Removing/putting on | Assistant | Take care seal |
| Lower bushing | Repositioning | Wrench/Screwdriver | Check wear |
Adjusting the position and eliminating distortions
After installing the door in a new place, the need often arises for (fine-tuning) the position. The door may not fit tightly to the body or, conversely, close too tightly. In refrigerators Atlant adjustment is carried out by twisting or unscrewing the front support legs of the unit. By raising or lowering a corner, you change the slope of the entire body.
If the door is skewed diagonally (one corner fits and the other does not), you can try to slightly loosen the fastening of the middle or lower hinge (if the design allows) and, lifting the door, fix it again. However, most often the problem is solved by correctly setting the level. Use a building level, placing it on the top edge of the refrigerator.
⚠️ Warning: Excessively tilting the refrigerator back (when the front legs are twisted too far) may cause the door to open spontaneously. The angle of inclination should be minimal, just enough to ensure automatic closing when tilted by 15-20 degrees.
Also check the operation of the magnetic lock (if any) and the tightness of the seal around the entire perimeter. The gaps should be uniform. If you notice that after rehanging the door begins to touch the body or shelves, it means that it is not installed level enough. Repeat the procedure for adjusting the support legs.
Common mistakes and troubleshooting
Even following the instructions, beginners can make a number of common mistakes. The most common one is losing or mixing up hole plugs. On the side where the door used to hang, there are free slots for hinges that need to be closed with decorative plastic plugs. Without them, the appearance of the refrigerator Atlant will be spoiled, and dust may get inside.
Another problem is damage to the sealing rubber. If you remove the door carelessly, it can be stretched or cut on the sharp edge of the metal. If the seal is deformed, the seal of the chamber will be compromised and the compressor will work with increased load. In this case, it is better to replace the rubber profile with a new one, having previously warmed it in warm water for elasticity.
What to do if the door creaks after rehanging?
The creaking may occur due to metal-on-metal friction in the hinge areas. Lubricate the hinge axes with food grade grease or a special spray for refrigeration equipment. Do not use technical oil, which may have an unpleasant odor and be toxic.
Sometimes users forget to switch the operating mode if the model has electronic locking or specific settings for the opening side (rarely occurs, mainly in premium series with touch controls along the entire height of the door). Check the instructions for your specific model for such requirements.
Is it possible to re-hang the door yourself if the refrigerator is under warranty?
Formally, re-hanging the door yourself does not void the warranty on the compressor and main components, since this is a standard operation provided for by the design. However, if in the process you strip threads, break plastic or damage wiring, the service center has the right to refuse free repair of these specific damages. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to call a specialist.
Do you need any special lubricants for Atlant hinges?
Factory hinges usually already have lubricant. When rehanging, it is enough to visually assess their condition. If the grease has dried out or become dirty, use Litol-24 or silicone grease. It is better not to use graphite lubricants, as they can stain the insides of the refrigerator.
What to do if the holes on the new side do not match?
In original refrigerators Atlant the holes are always symmetrical. If you do not get into the holes, most likely the door is warped when putting it on, or you are trying to use non-original hinges from a different model. Check the markings of the parts.
What to do with the handle if it is asymmetrical?
On many modern models, the handles are integrated into the profile or are symmetrical. If you have an older model with an asymmetrical overhead handle, moving it may be difficult or impossible without drilling new holes. In such cases, the handle is often left as is, if the design allows it, or replaced with a universal one.