Changing the kitchen layout or simply rearranging the furniture often poses the question of how to rehang the doors on the Atlant refrigerator so that opening becomes convenient. This procedure does not require calling a specialist or special expensive tools, but it requires care and strict adherence to the sequence of actions. Improper reinstallation of the hinges can lead to misalignment of the sash, poor fit of the seal and, as a result, breakdown of the compressor due to increased load.
Refrigerators of the Belarusian brand Atlant are distinguished by a reliable design, but their door geometry is initially designed for opening in one direction. To change the direction of rotation, you need to rearrange upper and lower loopsas well as move the handles and, in some models, the freeze switch. The whole process takes from 30 to 60 minutes if you prepare the workplace in advance.
It is important to understand that the design may vary significantly depending on the number of cameras and the year of manufacture of the device. Double-chamber models require rearranging two sashes, which is more difficult than working with a single-chamber unit. In this article we will analyze all the stages in detail so that you can complete the work efficiently and safely for your equipment.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! Remove the plug from the socket to eliminate the risk of electric shock or accidental start of the compressor while dismantling the elements.
Preparation of tools and workplace
The success of the operation directly depends on how well you prepare for the process. You don't need a professional locksmith kit, but basic tools are required. The main tool will be open-end wrench or a 10 mm head, since this is the type of fastener most often used in the Atlant technique. You may also need a flat-head and Phillips screwdrivers to remove decorative plugs and handles.
Free up space around the refrigerator. You need to ensure easy access to the unit from all sides, as the door may have to be tilted to a wide angle or removed completely. Prepare a clean rag or soft towel to place the removed parts on the floor without scratching them or the coating of the refrigerator.
Check the contents of your device. In some new models, fasteners for hanging may already be installed on the back side or in the bag with the documents. If you have lost the original bolts, they can be easily replaced with similar ones in size and thread, but it is better to use standard fastenersas it has the necessary tensile strength.
☑️ Tools and preparation
Design features of different Atlant models
Before grabbing the keys, it’s worth studying the specifics of your model. Atlant refrigerators are divided into several types based on door design. In classic two-compartment models, the upper freezer door often does not have its own lock, while the lower door (refrigerator compartment) may be equipped with a magnetic latch or a mechanical lock. Rehanging such models requires moving not only the hinges, but also the counter part of the lock.
Models with the No Frost system or increased volume may have hidden hinges that are hidden under a decorative cover. In this case, the algorithm of actions is complicated by the need to carefully remove the plastic. It is also worth paying attention to the presence of a water dispenser or a control panel on the door - if they are, then re-hanging may be impossible without calling a specialist, since extension of the tubes and wires will be required.
Single-chamber refrigerators (for example, the MHM-2808 series) have the simplest design, where you can re-hang the door in literally 15 minutes. The main thing here is to correctly rearrange the light switch rod if it is mechanical, or simply ignore this nuance if the sensor is electronic and is located in the housing and not in the opening.
Step-by-step instructions: dismantling the top door
We start work from the top of the refrigerator. If you have a two-chamber model, first we work with the freezer door. Find the top loop. In most cases, it is closed with a decorative plastic plug, which must be carefully pryed off with a knife or flat screwdriver. Under the plastic you will see mounting bolts.
Use a wrench to loosen the top hinge bolts, but do not remove them completely yet. This is necessary in order to fix the position of the door before completely removing it. Then unscrew the bolts completely. Now the door is held only on the lower hinges (or on the middle one, if we are talking about a three-chamber one). Carefully lift the door up, removing it from the axis, and put it in a safe place.
At the free end of the case you will see holes closed with plastic plugs. These plugs need to be removed - they are intended to be installed on the other side after rehanging. In their place (in the old holes) plugs are inserted, which previously covered the future holes for the hinges. This is an important cosmetic stage to make the refrigerator look aesthetically pleasing.
⚠️ Attention: The refrigerator door weighs from 5 to 10 kg. When dismantling, hold it with your other hand so that it does not fall to the floor and damage the coating or your feet.
After removing the door, inspect sealing rubber band. If it is deformed or cracked, the moment of re-hanging is the ideal time to replace it. The new rubber band will ensure tightness and reduce the load on the motor.
Hanging the bottom door and moving the handles
The next stage is working with the main, fridge compartment. Here the algorithm is similar, but there are important nuances. First, remove the top hinge of the main chamber (which is now "middle" after removing the freezer). Remove the door. Now you need to remove the lower support loop. To do this, it is recommended to tilt the refrigerator slightly back, supporting the front legs with wooden blocks to gain access to the bottom.
Unscrew the bottom hinge and move it to the opposite side. The Atlant refrigerator often comes with special bushings pins for installation on the other side. Make sure that you use exactly those holes that are intended for the lower support, and not technological ones.
Moving the handles requires special attention. They are attached to screws on the inside of the door. By unscrewing them, you can remove the handle. There should be threaded holes or pressed-in bushings on the back of the door. If there are no holes (in very old models), they will have to be drilled, but in modern Atlanta there is space for handles on both sides. Close the old holes with decorative plugs.
What to do if the bolts are rusty?
If the fasteners do not give way, apply a penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40) to the threads and leave for 15-20 minutes. Do not try to remove the bolt by force to avoid damaging the threads in the refrigerator body. You can slightly warm up the bolt head with a hair dryer, but be careful with the plastic.
Nuances of moving locks and switches
The most difficult part of the instructions is working with locking mechanisms. Atlant refrigerators often use a mechanical latch. It consists of a movable tongue on the door and a counterpart on the body. You need to remove the mechanism from the old hole and install it in the new one on the opposite side. This may require removing the inner door panel.
Also important light switch rod. In older models, this is a plastic mushroom that just needs to be moved into a symmetrical hole on the other side of the opening. In new models with electronic control, the light can be turned on by a magnetic sensor (reed switch), which is installed inside the case and does not require rearrangement, or can be switched by software.
If your model has a mode switch (for example, “Super Freeze”) located inside the chamber on the wall, it also needs to be rearranged. It is usually secured with latches. Carefully pry it off, disconnect the wires (after remembering or photographing their location) and install it in the prepared hole on the other side.
| Element | Action | Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Removal and rearrangement | Wrench 10 mm |
| Handle doors | Transfer to the other side | Phillips screwdriver |
| Latch latch | Repositioning the mechanism | Flat screwdriver |
| Light rod | Repositioning into a symmetrical hole | Without tools (by hand) |
Assembly and final adjustment of doors
After all the elements have been transferred, the assembly process begins. Reinstall the doors in reverse order: first the bottom (main), then the top (freezer). Insert the hinge axes into the holes and tighten the bolts. Do not immediately tighten them “all the way.”
Now the most important point - adjusting the gaps. The door should fit tightly around the entire perimeter of the body. If you notice misalignment, loosen the middle or bottom hinge and move the door slightly to achieve the ideal position. Check the operation of the lock: the tongue should fit freely into the groove without excessive force.
Close all technical holes with plastic plugs. Make sure that no tools or bolts are left inside the structure. Plug in the refrigerator and check the lighting and the tightness of the seal. To check the fit, you can clamp a sheet of paper between the door and the body - it should be removed with noticeable force.
⚠️ Attention: Do not load the refrigerator with food immediately after hanging it. Allow the seal to straighten out and the doors to take their working position within 2-3 hours of operation of the unit.
Frequent errors and ways to eliminate them
When doing self-repair, even experienced users can make mistakes. One of the most common is the loss or confusion of fasteners. The bolts from the top and bottom hinges may differ in length. If you screw a long bolt into a short hole, you may damage the inner lining or rest against the thermal insulation, which will break the seal.
Another common problem is overtightening the bolts. Aluminum hinge housings or plastic bushings may burst under excessive force. Tighten the fasteners tightly, but without fanaticism. They also often forget to rearrange the plugs, which causes warm air to enter the chamber, which leads to the formation of ice.
If after reversing the door does not close tightly, check to see if anything is blocking the seal. Sometimes the handle may touch the body when opening if it is not positioned correctly. In this case, you need to loosen the screws of the handle, adjust its position and tighten it again.
Why does the door squeak after hanging?
The creaking can occur due to metal-on-metal friction in the hinges. Lubricate the hinge axes with a small amount of silicone grease or petroleum jelly. Do not use edible oil - it will thicken over time and cause even more creaking.
Do you need to call a specialist to rehang Atlant doors?
In most cases, calling a specialist is not required. The design of Atlant refrigerators allows for independent re-hanging. However, if you have a Side-by-Side model, a model with a water dispenser, or you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to entrust the work to a professional so as not to damage expensive components.
Is it possible to rehang the door if the plugs are lost?
It is not recommended to operate the refrigerator without plugs, since cold will escape through the holes. You can order plugs at a service center, buy a universal set at a hardware store, or temporarily seal the holes with insulating tape matched to the color of the body.
Does re-hanging the door affect the warranty?
According to the law, independent repair of components that does not require breaking the seals on the compressor or opening the freon circuit does not constitute a basis for voiding the warranty. Re-hanging doors is a standard procedure provided for in the instructions. However, if you damage the case or hinges in the process, the warranty case for these damages will not be considered.
What to do if the holes for the hinges do not match?
In the original Atlant refrigerators, the holes are always symmetrical. If they do not match, you may be trying to install the hinge on the wrong side (left/right) or using fasteners from a different model. Check the markings of the hinges - they are often marked with the letters L (Left) and R (Right).