Reversing the Atlant refrigerator door: complete instructions

Situations when the standard location of the refrigerator door becomes inconvenient arise quite often when moving or remodeling a kitchen. Many equipment owners Atlant are faced with the need to change the direction of opening the sash in order to provide ergonomic access to products. Fortunately, the design of most models, including the popular series MXM and XM, provides the ability to independently reinstall the hinges without calling a technician.

This process is technically simple, but requires care and a minimum set of tools so as not to damage the coating or plastic elements. Key point is correct understanding of the sequence of actions, since violation of the dismantling order can lead to distortion or damage to the seal. In this article, we will analyze each stage in detail, based on the technical documentation of the manufacturer.

Before starting work, it is important to make sure that you are working with the device disconnected from the network in order to eliminate any risks associated with electricity or the operation of the compressor. It is also worth freeing up space around the unit, as you will need access to it from all sides. Below we will look at the necessary tools and a step-by-step algorithm of actions for various types of fastenings.

Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace

To successfully complete the task of hanging a door, you do not need a complex professional tool, a standard home craftsman’s kit is enough. The main requirement is precision and accuracy so as not to strip the threads or scratch the body. Prepare all accessories in advance so as not to be distracted during the work process.

You will need the following tools:

• 🔧 A set of wrenches or sockets (sizes 8, 10 and 13 mm are most often required).
• 🪛 Flat-head and Phillips-head screwdrivers (PH2 and SL).
• 🔩 Hex key (usually 4 or 5 mm), if the hinge design requires it.
• 🧤 Gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.

Particular attention should be paid attaching the handle, as in different models it may differ. In some places, hexagon screws are used, and in others, hidden latches are used. If you are not sure about the type of fastener, it is better to find a diagram for your specific model in advance Atlant on the Internet or instructions.

Prepare a flat surface next to the refrigerator where you can carefully place the removed parts. Remember or photograph the location of all screws and washersas their sizes may vary, and mixed up parts can create problems during assembly. It is also recommended to cover the floor with cardboard or soft cloth so that the door is not damaged.

Removing the top panel and top hinge

The first step is always to remove the top cover of the refrigerator compartment, if it is structurally provided for in your model. In most refrigerators Atlant it is secured with two screws at the front and can be additionally secured with latches at the back. Be careful not to use excessive force to avoid breaking the plastic clips.

Removing the cover reveals access to the top hinge. Before unscrewing the bolts, you need release the tension or fix the door in the closed position so that it does not fall on your feet. Some craftsmen use masking tape to temporarily fix the door to the body.

⚠️ Attention: Do not try to remove the top hinge if the door is not fixed. A sudden fall of a heavy door can lead to injury or damage to the lower hinge.

Then the action algorithm is as follows:

• 🔓 Unscrew the screws holding the upper hinge using the appropriate key.
• 🚪 Carefully lift the door, removing it from the lower pin hinges.
• 🔩 Remove the hinge itself and set it aside along with the fasteners.

If your model has an intermediate hinge (for the freezer), you don’t need to touch it yet. Focus on the top attachment point. It is important not to lose the decorative plugs, which are often installed in the screw holes on the opposite side of the case.

Removing the door and working with handles

After the top hinge is removed, the door can be removed from the bottom mounting. It is better to do this together, especially if we are talking about a two-chamber refrigerator, where the doors are quite massive. If there is no assistant, make sure that you hold the unit securely and have stable support.

The removed door must be placed on a prepared soft surface with the outer side facing up. Now it’s time to work with the handles. Depending on the series Atlant, handles can be overhead or built-in. To move them to the other side, it is often necessary to remove the fittings completely.

The process of removing handles:

• 🔍 Find the attachment points (often they are hidden under decorative plugs or are located on the inside).
• 🪛 Unscrew the mounting screws and carefully remove handle.
• 🕳️ If there are holes left on the front side, close them with the plugs from the kit or those that were removed from the other side.

It is important to note that in some modern models the handles may not be removable or have a specific design that does not require rearrangement without replacing the part itself. In this case design symmetry may be broken, and this should be taken into account before starting work.

Re-hanging the bottom hinge and pin

The bottom hinge is the main load-bearing element, and its correct installation is critical for the normal operation of the refrigerator. In refrigerators Atlant the bottom pin is often screwed directly into the body or into a special bushing. You need to unscrew it on one side and screw it into a symmetrical hole on the other.

If the holes on the opposite side are closed with plastic plugs, they need to be removed. Sometimes they fit very tightly, and you have to carefully pry them off with a thin screwdriver. Do not damage the enamel around the hole, otherwise corrosion may begin there in the future.

Table of fastening types in different models:

When installing the pin to a new location, make sure that it is screwed in all the way and securely fixed. If the thread is tight, do not use excessive force - it is better to blow out the hole or check whether chips have entered there. Axis misalignment Rotation will lead to rapid wear of the bushings and the appearance of noise.

Installing an intermediate hinge (for two-chamber models)

In two-chamber refrigerators Atlant there is often an intermediate loop between the freezer and refrigerator compartments. It is attached to the partition and holds the top door of the freezer. When rehanging, this element also requires moving to the opposite side.

The difficulty is that access to the intermediate loop fasteners may be limited. Sometimes it is necessary to temporarily remove the freezer door to gain access to the screws that secure the hinge to the cabinet. Proceed sequentially, recording each step.

⚠️ Attention: When installing the intermediate loop, make sure that it does not pinch the capillary tube or electrical wires if they pass in this place. Damage to the tube will lead to freon leakage.

Procedure:

• 🧊 Remove the freezer door (if it interfered with access).
• 🔧 Unscrew the intermediate hinge fastening from the old wall.
• 🔄 Rearrange the hinge to the symmetrical holes on the other side of the partition.

Check that the hinge is installed horizontally. If it is skewed, the freezer door may not fit tightly, which will lead to the formation of ice and increased load on the compressor. Use a level to check if possible.

What to do if the holes do not line up?

In some older or non-standard models, the holes on the opposite side may be covered with factory plastic or have different threads. In such cases, careful drilling or the use of adapters is required, but this is a complex repair that requires skills.

Final assembly and adjustment of gaps

After all the hinges have been transferred, the stage of reinstalling the doors begins. First, hang the bottom door (of the freezer), then the top. It is important to get the hinge pins into the corresponding bushings at the ends of the doors. It is convenient to do this together, controlling the vertical.

After securing the doors, do not tighten the screws of the top hinge completely right away. First, make sure that the doors are level and the gaps around the perimeter are the same. If you notice a misalignment, it can be eliminated by placing thin washers under the hinges or adjusting the height of the legs of the refrigerator.

The final tightening of all bolts must be done with force, but without fanaticism, so as not to strip the threads in the aluminum case. After assembly, check the operation magnetic latches and tight fit of the seal around the entire perimeter.

Possible problems and their solutions

Even with careful work, nuances may arise. For example, the door may begin to creak or not close tightly. Most often this is due to incorrect adjustment of the height of the legs of the refrigerator or skewed hinges when tightening.

If you notice that the door opens by itself, check that the entire unit is installed horizontally. The refrigerator should have a slight tilt towards the back so that gravity assists in closing. Adjustment is carried out with the front support screws.

Frequent problems:

• ❄️ Icing - a sign of a loose seal fit.
• 🔊 Creak - hinges need to be lubricated or the gap checked.
• 🚪 Sagging —it is necessary to tighten the fasteners or replace the bushings.

⚠️ Attention: Technical characteristics and design of components may vary depending on the year of manufacture. Always check the passport of your device before starting work.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to re-hang the door on an Atlant refrigerator with the No Frost system?

Yes, the No Frost cooling system does not prevent the door from hanging. However, these models may make the fasteners more difficult to access due to additional insulation or ductwork. Proceed carefully so as not to damage the plastic air ducts.

Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging?

It is advisable to completely defrost the unit and wipe it dry. This will prevent water from entering the housing when tilting and will make work more hygienic. In addition, it is easier to tilt an empty refrigerator to access the bottom.

What to do if the plugs for the holes are lost?

Plugs can be found in hardware stores for household appliances or ordered from authorized dealers Atlant. As a last resort, the holes can be sealed with a decorative sticker in the color of the body to prevent moisture from entering.

Does re-hanging the door affect the warranty?

Do-it-yourself repairs, including disassembling components, can technically result in denial of warranty service if you damage the equipment in the process. If the refrigerator is new, it is better to call an authorized technician.

How to understand that the seal requires replacement after rehanging?

If after installation you see gaps between the rubber and the body that cannot be eliminated by adjusting the hinges, or you feel a flow of cold air, the seal could be deformed. You can try to straighten it with a hairdryer, but it is better to replace it.