Rearranging furniture in the kitchen often confronts owners of household appliances with the need to change the direction the door opens. If you have purchased a model Atlantthat opens in the wrong direction where it is convenient, do not rush to look for a repairman. The design of these units initially provides for the possibility of reinstalling the hitch. This is a standard procedure described in the manufacturer's manuals, but requires care and adherence to the sequence of actions.
The process of hanging doors takes a little time, usually from 20 to 40 minutes, if you have a basic set of tools. The main advantage of such a system is symmetry many elements of the body. However, despite its apparent simplicity, there are some technical nuances here. Incorrect adjustment can lead to a loose seal or skew of the canvas.
In this article we will look in detail at how to move the refrigerator Atlant to the other side, what tools will be needed and what to pay special attention to so as not to damage refrigeration unit. We will look at the features of models with one and two doors, as well as options with the No Frost system.
⚠️ Attention: before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This is a critically important safety rule, since you will be working with metal elements in close proximity to electrical components.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
The success of the operation is half dependent on proper preparation. You don't need a complex professional tool; a standard home kit is enough. The main requirement is cleanliness and order so that small parts do not get lost, and the surface of the case remains without scratches.
For work you will need:
- 🔧 A set of wrenches or heads (usually 8, 10 mm)
- 🪛 Screwdrivers (flat and Phillips) for screws and decorative plugs
- 🔨 A small hammer (sometimes needed to knock out pins)
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges
- 🧼 Clean rags for wiping seals
Free up space around the refrigerator. You need access to the unit from all sides, especially the ends. If the floor is slippery, lay down cardboard or an old blanket. This will protect not only the floor covering, but also itself refrigerator body in case you have to lay it on its side (although for most models Atlant this is not required, it is better to work in a vertical position).
⚠️ Attention: do not use sharp metal objects (knives, awls) to pick the plugs. You can damage the plastic or scratch the front panel, which will ruin the appearance of the equipment.
Determine in advance which side you will install the hinges on. Carefully inspect the ends of the housing. On the opposite side there should be mounting holesclosed with plastic plugs. If they are not there, it means that your specific model does not support overhanging, although for the brand Atlant this is rare.
Removing the top panel and door
We start disassembling from the top parts of the unit. This is where the main load-bearing hinge is located, which holds the weight of the door. On some models, the top cover may be removable or hinged. Your task is to gain access to the hinge mounting bolts.
Remove the decorative plug from the top hinge. It can be simply pasted or glued. Gently pry it off with a flathead screwdriver. Underneath you will see the mounting bolts. Before unscrewing them completely, make sure that the door will not fall. It’s best if someone helps you hold the door leaf.
Unscrew the bolts of the upper hinge. Remove the loop and set it aside. The door is now free at the top. Gently lift it up to remove it from the bottom pin and set it aside in a safe place. It is better to place it on a soft surface, face up, so as not to scratch it.
Now take care of the top panel of the refrigerator itself (if it interferes with access to the holes on the opposite side). In models Atlant it is often secured with latches or screws under the decorative strip. Remove the bar, unscrew the fasteners and dismantle the panel to open access to threaded holes at the end of the case.
Transfer of fittings elements to the other side
The most The most important step is rearranging the fasteners. On the side where you plan to hang the door, all the holes are closed with plugs. You need to remove them and rearrange them to the vacant places on the old side.
Proceed sequentially:
- 🔩 Remove the plastic plugs from the holes on the new side of the hinge.
- 🔩 Install these plugs in the holes on the old side (where the loop will no longer be).
- 🔩 Rearrange the stops and stops, if they are provided for in the design of your model Atlant.
- 🔩 Move the door handle if it is symmetrical, or install it in new holes.
Pay attention to the bottom hinge pin. In some models it is pressed into the body or into the hinge itself. If the pin is in the housing, it may have to be knocked out. Do this carefully so as not to deform the metal. If the pin is part of a hinge, simply move the hinge itself to the new side and secure with bolts.
Check the condition sealing rubber. While the door is removed, it's time to wipe it down and check for cracks. If the rubber is deformed, you can try heating it with a hairdryer or soaking it in hot water, but it is often easier to order a new one if the old one has become unusable.
Features of rehanging two-chamber models
In two-chamber refrigerators Atlant The process is complicated by the presence of a middle loop that connects the freezer and refrigerator compartments. Here it is important not to confuse the sequence of removing and installing doors so as not to disturb the geometry.
Procedure for two-chamber models:
- First, remove the upper door (refrigerator compartment).
- Then dismantle the middle one hinge.
- Only after this is the bottom door (freezer) removed.
When installing it in reverse, the order is exactly the opposite: first hang the bottom door, then install the middle hinge, and only then the top one. This ensures correct alignment. If you try to hang the top door ahead of time, you will not be able to get into the holes in the middle hinge due to the displacement of the axes.
| Element | Action during dismantling | Action during installation | Nuance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top hinge | Remove after removing the decorative cover | Install last | Adjusts the fit of the upper part |
| Middle hinge | Remove after the top door | Install after the bottom door | Carries the weight of both doors |
| Bottom hinge | Remove last | Install first turn | Base for the entire structure |
| Plugs | Remove from the new side | Insert into the old side | Do not lose small parts |
It is important to monitor the wires if your model Atlant has an indication or control button on the door. In such cases, the wires pass inside the housing and exit into the loop group. They cannot be pinched or torn. Carefully disconnect the connectors (after photographing the connection diagram) and reconnect them after rehanging.
Installing doors and adjusting gaps
After transferring all the fittings, the assembly process begins. Place the bottom loop in its new location and secure it. Place the bottom door onto the pin. Make sure it fits snugly and doesn't wobble. Now you can install the middle hinge and hang the top door.
When all the doors are in place, do not tighten the bolts “all the way” at once. Leave a little play for adjustment. Your task is to achieve a perfect fit of the seal around the entire perimeter. The gaps between the door and the body must be uniform.
☑️ Final installation check
Adjustment is carried out using bolts on the hinges. By loosening or tightening them, you can move the door up and down or left and right. Models Atlant often provide the ability to adjust the height of the lower hinge pin using gaskets or a threaded connection.
⚠️ Attention: if after adjustment the door still does not fit tightly, check whether something inside (shelves, products) is in the way or not Is the refrigerator body itself warped? Make sure that the unit is strictly vertical in level.
Checking operation and typical errors
After installation is completed, it is necessary to check the quality of work. The door should open freely, without creaking or jamming. When closing, a characteristic clap should be heard, and the seal should fit tightly to the body.
Perform a simple test: close the door by holding a sheet of paper in it. If you can pull out the sheet without effort, it means that the seal is broken and additional adjusting the hingesis required. Also check the operation of the magnetic latch - it should fix the door in the closed position.
What to do if the door creaks?
The creaking usually occurs due to metal-on-metal friction or lack of lubrication. Try putting a little machine oil or graphite grease on the hinge shaft. If the creaking remains after lubrication, it is possible that the hinges are skewed and rubbing against the body.
Typical mistakes that should be avoided:
- ❌ Overtightening the bolts, leading to deformation of the threads or the body.
- ❌ Forgetfulness in installing plugs, which spoils the external view.
- ❌ Ignoring the floor level, which is why the door can open on its own.
- ❌ Trying to rehang the door without turning off the electricity.
If you did everything correctly, your refrigerator Atlant will serve for many years, delighting with ease of use. Remember that regularly checking the tightness of the door will help save energy and extend the life of the compressor.
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging the doors?
It is not necessary to specifically defrost the unit if there is no ice inside that can crumble when tilted or vibrating. However, if the refrigerator operates in No Frost mode and you are afraid of damaging the internal channels due to careless handling, it is better to carry out the defrosting procedure in advance. The main thing is to disconnect the device from the network.
Is it possible to re-hang the door yourself if the refrigerator is under warranty?
Formally, independent intervention in the design (and re-hanging the doors is considered reconfiguration) can become a reason for refusal of warranty service if you damage the components. However, since this operation is provided for in the manufacturer's instructions, the risk is minimal. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to call a specialist from an authorized center.
What to do if the holes on the case do not match?
In 99% of cases, the holes are symmetrical. If they do not match, check to see if you have mixed up the top and bottom, or if you are using fasteners from a different model. In rare cases (for example, during repairs after dents), the geometry of the case may be disrupted. Then you will need the help of a specialist to straighten the metal.
What about wiring the indicators on the door?
If your model Atlant is equipped with a display or buttons on the door, there is a wiring harness inside the case. When rehanging, you need to carefully disconnect the connectors (usually they are located near the top hinge), move the wires to the other side (if the length allows) or reconnect them to new sockets if the design provides for duplication of connectors.