The need to change the direction of opening the refrigerator door Atlant often arises when moving to a new kitchen or after remodeling the premises. The standard factory assembly assumes that the door opens to the right, which is not always convenient in conditions of limited space or a specific arrangement of furniture. Fortunately, the design of most models of this brand allows you to perform hanging the door on your own, without calling a specialist.
The procedure takes a little time, but requires accuracy and a minimum set of tools. It is important to understand that in models with bottom freezer and in two-chamber units with an upper freezer, the sequence of actions may differ, so before starting work you need to determine the type of your device. Incorrect installation of hinges or ignoring the nuances of the design can lead to misalignment of the door and a violation of the tightness.
In this article we will look in detail at how to hang the door on the Atlant refrigerator, consider the features of dismantling the fittings and adjusting the mechanisms. You will learn what tools you will need for the job and what to pay special attention to so as not to damage the decorative elements or plastic parts of the case.
Necessary tools and preparation for work
Before you begin dismantling the door panels, you should prepare the workplace and tools. To complete the task, you will need a standard home handyman's kit, which can be found in most apartments. The main tool will be a wrench or a socket, since most fasteners in refrigerators Atlant are made with a hexagon or standard thread.
Pay special attention to the choice of screwdriver. You will need a medium-sized Phillips screwdriver to remove decorative caps and plastic elements. In some cases, a flat-head screwdriver may be required, but you need to use it extremely carefully so as not to leave scratches on the glossy finish or metal.
- 🛠️ 8 or 10 mm wrench (depending on the hinge model)
- 🔧 Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp edges
- 📏 Level or plumb line to check the vertical installation
An important stage of preparation is freeing the refrigerator from the products. It is not necessary to completely defrost the unit if you plan to do it in 15-20 minutes, but it is better to remove food from the door shelves to make the design easier. It is also recommended to move the refrigerator away from the wall, providing access from all sides, and cover the floor with a soft cloth or cardboard so as not to damage the floor covering by fallen parts.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work with electrical appliances, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! Unplug the cord from the outlet to eliminate the risk of electric shock or short circuit if the wiring is accidentally damaged.
After preparing the tools and clearing the space, you can begin to study the design of your device. Remember that in two-chamber models with upper freezer compartment the sequence of actions is strictly regulated by the manufacturer, and violation of the order of removing the doors can lead to damage to the hinges.
☑️ Preparation for rehanging
Design features of refrigerators Atlant
Belarusian-made refrigerators Atlant have their own design features that must be taken into account when rehanging the doors. Unlike some European brands, they often use removable plastic plugs at the ends of the doors and special pins to fix the position.
The main difference lies in the type of hinges. In models with a bottom freezer, the upper door is attached to the body through the top cover, which must first be removed. In two-chamber models with an upper freezer, the hinges of the upper and lower doors are interconnected, and the process requires sequential dismantling of first the upper and then the lower leaf.
Pay attention to the control system. If your refrigerator is equipped with an electronic display on the door, the procedure is complicated by the need to disconnect the wire loop. In such models cable channel passes inside the hinge, and it cannot simply be thrown to the other side without re-soldering or using special adapters, if they are provided in the package.
Is it possible to hang a door with a display yourself?
On your own It is extremely difficult to re-hang a door with a display. Control wires are usually not long enough to move to the opposite side, and the connectors may not be symmetrical. For such models, it is often necessary to call a specialist or replace the wiring harness.
It is also worth noting the presence of magnetic seals. With prolonged use, they can “remember” the shape of the fit. After rehanging the door, it may take time (from several hours to a day) for the new seal profile to straighten out and ensure a tight fit to the body.
Step-by-step instructions: models with an upper freezer
For two-chamber refrigerators Atlant with an upper freezer, the process of rehanging is the most labor-intensive. Here it is important to follow a strict sequence of actions so as not to disrupt the fastening geometry and damage the mechanisms.
Start by dismantling the top door (freezer). Remove the decorative plug from the top hinge and unscrew the mounting bolts. Then carefully lift the door off the bottom pin. Do not forget to remove the intermediate hinge that connected the upper and lower doors, if it is structurally provided for by your model.
Next we move on to the lower door (refrigerator compartment). The algorithm is similar: remove the top hinge of the bottom door, dismantle the door leaf, remove the bottom hinge. After this, all the removed elements (hinges, pins, plugs) are installed on the opposite side in a mirror order.
| Work stage | Action | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Preparation | Removing the plugs | Use a flat-head screwdriver carefully |
| 2. Upper door | Removing the upper hinge | 10 mm key, support the door |
| 3. Transition | Removing the intermediate loop | Remember the order of washers and bushings |
| 4. Bottom door | Removing the bottom hinge | Check the condition of the bushings |
| 5. Assembly | Installation on the other side | Tighten the bolts after alignment |
When installing the hinges in a new location, make sure that all threaded holes match. If you find that the holes do not line up or the hinges are misaligned, check to see if you have mixed up the left and right sides of the pieces. Metal hinges are often symmetrical, but plastic elements can be mirrored.
Reversing the door in models with a bottom freezer
In models with a bottom freezer (the so-called “combines”) the process looks different, since there is usually one main door of the refrigerator compartment and one door of the freezer below. Often in such refrigerators top cover is a non-removable element or is mounted separately from the door hinges.
First, remove the top decorative panel if it blocks access to the fasteners. Then remove the bolts holding the top hinge of the main door. Remove the door after emptying it of the contents of the shelves. The bottom of the door usually rests on a bushing, which will also need to be repositioned.
The freezer below often has its own independent fastening system. It is important here not to confuse the fasteners, since the sizes of the bolts for the upper and lower doors may differ. After moving all the elements to the opposite side, check the free movement of the doors.
⚠️ Attention: In some models with a bottom freezer, the rotation axis of the bottom door may be fixed in a plastic case. Do not use excessive force when dismantling, so as not to break the bushing seat.
If your model is provided with rearranging the handles, then they also need to be dismantled and installed on the other side. To do this, you usually need to remove the inner panel of the door or unscrew the screws from the end, having first removed the decorative caps.
Adjustment and elimination of distortions
After installing the doors on the new side, there is often a need for adjustment. Even with careful work, there may be a loose fit or difficulty closing. This is a normal situation that requires adjusting the position of the blade.
The main method of adjustment is to loosen the top hinge mounting bolts. Do not unscrew them completely, just loosen the tension enough so that the door can be slightly moved by hand. Having aligned the door and ensured that the seal fits snugly around the entire perimeter, carefully tighten the bolts.
Check the operation closer (if your model has one) or the magnetic lock. The door should close on its own when opened to an angle of more than 30-40 degrees. If the door slams or, conversely, does not fully magnetize, try turning the adjusting screws on the hinges a little.
- 🔍 Check the horizontal installation of the refrigerator itself using a level
- 🚪 Make sure that the door does not touch the body when opening 90 degrees
- 🌬️ Assess the tightness of the seal by holding a piece of paper
If, after adjustment, the gap between the door and the body still remains uneven, the door leaf itself may have been deformed or the seal is damaged. In this case, you may need to replace the rubber seal or align the door with heat (only for experienced craftsmen).
Frequent errors and troubleshooting
When When doing work on their own, beginners often make mistakes that can lead to breakdowns. One of the most common is the loss or confusion of adjusting washers sleeves. When dismantling, immediately lay out the parts in the order in which they were removed or take photographs of each stage.
Another mistake is excessive force when unscrewing rusted or “stuck” bolts. If the fastener does not budge, use a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40), but give it time to work. A sharp jerk can break the threads in the aluminum hinge body, which will require replacing the entire part.
It is also often forgotten about transport boltsif they were used to secure doors during transportation. They must be removed before use, otherwise the door will not close.
⚠️ Attention: The technical characteristics and design of the hinges may vary slightly depending on the year of manufacture and the specific series of the refrigerator. If you see that the holes do not match or the parts do not fit, check the official instructions for your model on the manufacturer's website.
If after assembly you find that the door hangs crookedly and adjusting the screws does not help, check whether the lower bushings are installed correctly. Sometimes they need to be turned over or replaced with new ones if the old ones are worn out.
What to do if the hinges creak?
Creaking after rehanging is a common occurrence. Lubricate the hinges with lithium grease or special oil for refrigerators. Do not use sunflower oil - it will thicken over time and create a sticky mass.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to rehang the door if the refrigerator has a display?
In most cases, you can independently re-hang the door with a display on models Atlant impossible without modifying the wiring. The length of the train is usually designed for only one side. Either extension of the wires is required, which voids the warranty, or calling a specialist.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging?
Full defrosting is not required if you work quickly. However, it is better to remove products from the door shelves in order to reduce the weight of the structure and to avoid cans falling when the door is tilted during dismantling.
Why does the door not close completely after rehanging?
Most likely, the tilt angle of the refrigerator is broken. For proper closure, the body must be slightly tilted backwards (the rear legs are higher than the front ones). Also check if there is anything in the way in the door shelves or on the floor.
Where can I get new plugs if the old ones are lost?
Plugs can be ordered at service centers Atlant or pick up universal analogues in hardware stores. As a last resort, the holes can be sealed with decorative stickers in the color of the case.