The need to change the direction of opening the refrigerator door often arises when remodeling the kitchen or purchasing new household appliances that do not fit into the existing interior. Owners of refrigerators Atlant face this issue regularly, since the design of these units initially allows for the possibility of reinstalling the hinges on the opposite side. This allows you to adapt the device to narrow passages or a specific arrangement of furniture, providing maximum comfort during operation.
The rehanging process does not require calling a specialist if you have basic skills in working with tools and strictly follow the instructions. It is important to understandthat each model may have its own design features, however, the general algorithm of actions for the majority refrigerators Atlant remains similar. Before starting work, it is necessary to free up the space around the unit and prepare the necessary tools so as not to be distracted during the dismantling process.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the stages of re-hanging doors, paying special attention to the nuances of working with plastic elements and adjusting the position of the leaf. Correctly performed reinstallation ensures that there are no distortions and that the seal fits tightly, which directly affects the energy efficiency of the device. Carefully study the sequence of actions to avoid damage to the paintwork or breakage of fasteners.
Preparation of tools and workplace
Quality performance of work directly depends on proper preparation. You will need a set of tools, which is usually found in every home, but it is better to collect it in advance so as not to be interrupted. The main tool will be a hex wrench, often included with the refrigerator, or a set of 10 mm open-end wrenches. You may also need a flat-head screwdriver for removing decorative plugs and a Phillips screwdriver for some types of handle fastenings.
Be sure to clear space in front of the refrigerator so that you can access it from all sides. Remove all products, shelves and drawers - this will not only make the doors lighter, but will also prevent the contents from falling out when the unit is tilted. Full unloading cameras will also make it easier to control the position of the door leaf when dismantling and installing hinges.
- 🔧 Hex key or set keys (10 mm).
- 🪛 Flat and Phillips screwdrivers.
- 📦 Container for folding small parts and bolts.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🧹 A clean rag for wiping the fastening points.
It is recommended to lay a soft blanket or cardboard on the floor, since during work you may need to place the removed door on the floor. This will protect the door covering from scratches and the floor from damage. If you are working alone, make sure that you have a stable support to support the door while unscrewing the lower hinges.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work on electrical equipment, you must disconnect the refrigerator from the electrical outlet. Remove the plug from the socket to eliminate the risk of electric shock or accidental start of the compressor while manipulating the wiring if it passes through the loops.
Removing the top cover and removing the top hinge
The first stage of work is to remove the top cover of the refrigerator, if it is structurally provided for in your model. In most refrigerators Atlant the lid is secured with latches or screws hidden under a decorative strip on the front. Carefully pry the bar with a flat screwdriver and unscrew the fasteners, then remove the cover, sliding it back or up depending on the design.
After gaining access to the top hinge, do not rush to unscrew it. The refrigerator door is heavy, and if left unsecured, it may fall, damaging the floor or its hinges. Have a helper hold the door or use wedges to secure it in position. Only after making sure that the canvas is stable can you begin to unscrew the bolts securing the upper hinge.
After unscrewing the bolts, remove the metal plate of the hinge. Please note that there may be a grounding wire under it. Grounding contact you must carefully disconnect it, first remembering or photographing the connection diagram so that when assembling on the new side you do not mix up the wires. After this, the upper part of the door is released.
Wiring nuances in two-chamber models
In two-chamber models, the wiring can pass through the top hinge to the freezer. Be extremely careful when removing the wire so as not to damage the insulation. If the wire is too short for rearrangement, extension may be required, which is best left to a specialist.
Removing the door leaf and dismantling the handles
When the top hinge is disconnected, the most crucial moment comes - removing the door. Hold the door handle with one hand and gently lift it with the other hand to remove the lower hinge bushing from the hole. The weight of the door can be significant, so proceed with caution, avoiding sudden jerks that could damage the bottom hinge or warp the metal.
Place the removed door on a prepared soft surface with the outer side facing up. Now you need to remove the handle. Depending on the model Atlant, the handle can be fastened with screws from the inside or have hidden fasteners. If the screws are covered with decorative caps, carefully remove them. Unscrew the fasteners and remove the handle.
In the free space you will see holes from the fasteners. They must be closed with plugs, which usually come with the refrigerator or are already installed on the opposite, working side of the door. The plugs must be installed firmly until they click or pressed tightly to prevent moisture and dust from getting inside canvas. Carry out a similar procedure with the second door if you change the opening side of both chambers.
Repositioning the Bottom Bracket and Pin
The bottom door support is a critical element for smooth operation and proper positioning. On most models Atlant the bottom bracket (pin) is screwed into the refrigerator body. You need to unscrew it from the current side and move it to the opposite side, into a pre-provided threaded hole.
Sometimes the pin may be pressed in or have a specific stopper. In such cases, you need to act without fanaticism, so as not to break the threads in the refrigerator body. If the pin does not come out, it may need to be knocked out by gentle tapping, but it is better to consult the technical documentation for the specific model. Make sure that the new pin is screwed in all the way and securely fixed.
Also at this stage, the condition of the bushing (liner), which is located in the hole in the lower part of the door itself, is checked. If the bushing is worn or cracked, it must be replaced. The new bushing is lubricated with a small amount of technical lubricant (for example, lithol) to ensure silent operation. Insert the bushing into the door hole and make sure that it fits tightly.
| Element | Action | Tool | Nuance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom pin | Rearrangement to the opposite side | Open-end wrench / Pliers | Check the threads for burrs |
| Door bushing | Lubrication and installation | Technical lubricant | Replace if there is severe wear |
| Bracket | Dismantling and installation | Hexagon | Do not overtighten so as not to plastic burst |
| Plugs | Repositioning to old holes | Hands / Screwdriver | Must cover the holes completely |
Installing the door on the new side
After preparing the lower support, you can begin installing the door. Install the door onto the lower pin, aligning the bushing hole with the axle. Make sure the door is vertical and there is nothing preventing it from rotating freely. At this stage, an assistant will be very useful, since you need to hold the heavy canvas in a strictly vertical position.
Now we move on to installing the top loop in a new place. Attach the hinge to the end of the door and the refrigerator body, aligning the mounting holes. Insert the bolts and start tightening them, but do not tighten them all the way all at once. First, it is necessary to ensure the ability to adjust the position of the door.
If your model has an intermediate hinge between the freezer and refrigerator compartments, the algorithm is repeated: rearranging the pin, installing an intermediate hinge, installing a second door. It is important to follow the sequence: first the lower elements, then the upper ones. Symmetry of the fasteners ensures that the doors will open equally easily on both sides.
☑️ Installation checklist
Adjusting gaps and checking tightness
The final and, perhaps, the most important stage is adjustment. After initially tightening the top hinge bolts, check the entire perimeter of the door for a tight fit. The gap between the seal and the housing should be minimal and uniform. If you notice a distortion, loosen the bolts securing the top hinge and slightly move the door in the desired direction, then tighten the fasteners again.
You can check the tightness with a simple test with a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet with the door at different points around the perimeter. If the paper is removed with slight effort and does not fall spontaneously, then the compactor is working correctly. If the sheet slips easily or, on the contrary, is clamped too tightly, additional adjustment of the door position is required.
⚠️ Attention: A loose door fit will lead to constant operation of the compressor, the formation of ice and increased energy consumption. Make sure that the door closes tightly along its entire contour.
Also check the operation of the light switch and the smooth closing. The door should not slam shut by itself forcefully, but it should not remain ajar. The correct angle of inclination of the refrigerator body (slightly back) is ensured by adjusting the front support legs, which helps the door close automatically when opened less than 90 degrees.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging the doors?
Yes, this is highly desirable. Defrosting removes water from the refrigerator, making it lighter. In addition, when tilting or moving the unit, condensation may leak out of the cavities, which can damage the floor or electrics. A completely defrosted and dry refrigerator is safer to maintain.
What to do if the holes for the hinges on the new side are closed with factory plugs?
In some models, the holes may be closed with decorative stickers or plastic inserts. They must be carefully removed. If the holes are not drilled at all (rarely, but happens in budget lines), professional drilling will be required, which may void the warranty.
Is it possible to hang the door if the refrigerator is in a niche?
Technically it is possible, but extremely inconvenient. To do the job properly, you will need access to the back and sides of the refrigerator, as well as a place to stow the removed doors. It is better to roll out the unit to free space.
Where to put the grounding wire if it is short?
If the grounding wire going through the top loop does not reach the new side, it cannot be pulled or twisted without insulation. In such cases, it is necessary to extend the wire using soldering and high-quality insulation, or to resolder the contact on the control board, if the design allows it.
Why does the door not close tightly after rehanging?
There may be several reasons: misalignment when installing the top hinge, wear of the seal, debris getting under the rubber, or an incorrect level of inclination of the refrigerator itself. Check the adjustment of the legs and the tightness of the magnetic tape around the entire perimeter.