Rearranging furniture in the kitchen or changing the layout often dictates new operating conditions for household appliances. In such situations, the owners are faced with the question: how to change the refrigerator door to the other side, if the model Atlant was originally assembled with right-hand opening. Fortunately, most modern and many old models of this Belarusian brand structurally provide for the possibility of reinstalling hinges and handles without calling a specialist.
The reweighing process does not require deep engineering knowledge, but it does require accuracy, the availability of a basic set of tools and strict adherence to the algorithm of actions. An error at the dismantling stage or an incorrect assembly sequence can lead to misalignment of the door leaf, loss of tightness and, as a result, increased energy consumption. In this article we will analyze in detail how to correctly perform this procedure for various types of refrigerators Atlant.
Preparation of the workplace and the necessary tools
Before starting the active phase of work, it is necessary to prepare the space around the unit. The refrigerator should be moved away from the wall, allowing easy access from all sides, including the top. It is strictly forbidden to carry out work while the device is connected to the mains, so the first step is always to remove plugs from the socket.
To successfully complete the task, you will need a minimum set of tools, which are usually found in your home drawer. The main tool will be a wrench or a set of sockets, since most fasteners in the Atlant technology have a turnkey threaded connection. You also cannot do without a Phillips screwdriver, which may be needed to remove decorative plugs or handles.
Particular attention should be paid to preparing the surface on which the removed element will be temporarily installed. The refrigerator door is a heavy and large part, covered with enamel or stainless steel. To avoid scratches and chips, cover the floor with thick cardboard, a blanket or special soft pads. This will prevent damage to both the refrigerator itself and the floor covering.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to defrost the refrigerator compartment and remove all food. Water and heavy glass shelves will significantly increase the weight of the door, which will make its removal dangerous and inconvenient.
☑️ Tools for hanging the door
Design features of different Atlant models
Technology Minsk plant is produced in various modifications, and the design of door units may differ significantly. Understanding the type of unit you have is key to getting the job done correctly. Conventionally, all models can be divided into several categories according to the type of control and the presence of the system No Frost.
In classic two-chamber models with mechanical control, where the temperature regulator is located inside the chamber or on the body, the re-hanging procedure is the simplest. Here you usually only need to rearrange the main loops and move the handle. The situation becomes more complicated if an electronic control panel or display is installed on the door.
For models with electronics on the door, special care must be taken. In such cases, hidden electrical cables, going to the control board, are hidden under the decorative overlays. They cannot simply be disconnected and forgotten: the length of the wire may not allow moving the door to the other side without additional extension or reconnection, which requires a qualified electrician.
Models with a display on the door
If there is a screen or control buttons on the outside of the door of your Atlant refrigerator, carefully study instructions. In 90% of cases, the manufacturer does not provide for independent re-hanging of such doors due to short loops. An attempt to transfer may lead to broken contacts and failure of the electronics.
Below is a table that helps determine the type of your model and the complexity of the work ahead:
| Model type | Handle location | Electronics on the door | Difficulty of advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic (MXM 1700, etc.) | Vertical/Horizontal | No | Low |
| No Frost with mechanics | Mortise / Overlay | No | Medium |
| With display (Series 4000+) | Integrated | Yes | High/Not recommended |
| Single-chamber | Any | No | Low |
Removal of the upper part and Removing the door
The process of removing the door always begins with the top hinge, since it is this that holds the main weight of the door leaf. First you need to remove the decorative cover that covers the mounting bolts. Depending on the model Atlant, this may be a plastic cap, which is removed with a slight upward movement, or a metal plate secured with one screw.
After gaining access to the fasteners, do not rush to immediately unscrew the bolts. The refrigerator door is heavy and may fall if the top fastening is loosened. You will need an assistant to hold the door while you work with the tool. If there is no assistant, use improvised means for fixation, but this is risky for the coating.
Using a wrench, loosen the top hinge bolts, but do not remove them completely until the door is securely fixed. Then carefully lift the door up, removing it from the lower support sleeve. At this point, it is important not to damage the sealing rubber and the magnetic valve, if provided by the design.
The removed door must be carefully set aside, placing it on a prepared soft surface with the outer side up. Now you can begin to dismantle the lower hinge, which is often hidden under a decorative plug in the base part of the unit.
Transfer of fittings and lower fastening
The next step is to move the lower support sleeve and hinge to the opposite side. At the bottom of the refrigerator body Atlant there are usually technological holes closed with plastic plugs. They need to be carefully removed using a thin flat screwdriver or knife.
Remove the bottom hinge from the current side and transfer it to the vacated holes on the other side. When installing, make sure that the hinge pin fits exactly into its seat. If the design involves the use of bushings or washers to adjust the height, do not forget to move them too.
The door handle requires special attention. If it is horizontal and secured with screws, you need to unscrew them, seal the holes with the included plugs (or those that were removed earlier), and screw the handle on the other side. In models with vertical handles that cover the end of the door, it is often enough to remove the clamps and rearrange the handle itself by turning it over.
⚠️ Attention: When moving the handle, be careful not to overtighten the fastening screws. The plastic of the handles is fragile and can break if you force it too hard. Tighten the bolts all the way, but without fanaticism.
Do not forget about the magnetic valve that holds the door in the closed position. It is also transferred to the opposite side of the case. Usually it is simply inserted into a groove or screwed on with one screw. Check its operation: when opening the door, a characteristic depressurization click should be heard.
Installing the door and adjusting the gaps
After all fastening elements have been transferred to the new side, you can begin installing the door. Carefully lift the door leaf and slide it onto the bottom hinge pin. Make sure the door sits straight and is upright. Now you need to fix the top hinge.
Put the top hinge in place and tighten the bolts by hand. There is no need to tighten them completely yet. First, check how the door fits to the body around the entire perimeter. The gap between the seal and the housing must be uniform. If you notice a distortion, it can be eliminated by slightly loosening the fasteners and changing the position of the door.
Some models Atlant provide for adjusting the door height by tightening the lower bushing or using adjusting washers. If the door touches the body when opening or does not fit tightly at the bottom, try adding or removing a washer under the bottom hinge.
The final touch is the installation of decorative overlays on the hinges. They not only improve the appearance, but also protect the metal from moisture and dust. Make sure that all plugs on unused holes are in place.
Checking tightness and setting
After completing the installation work, you need to check the quality of the work performed. The main parameter is the tightness of the refrigeration chamber. Violation of the tightness will lead to constant operation of the compressor, the formation of ice and spoilage of food.
There is a simple and effective way to check the seal. Take a regular sheet of A4 paper. Open the door slightly and press the sheet between the seal and the refrigerator body. Close the door. Now try to pull out the sheet.
If the paper is pulled out with noticeable force and breaks, the tightness is normal. If the sheet falls out on its own or is pulled out too easily, it means that the fit is broken in this place. Walk in this way around the entire perimeter of the door, especially in the corners.
If you find a loose fit, try warming the problem area of the seal with a hairdryer (without overheating the plastic) and press the door tightly for a few minutes. If this does not help, you may need to replace the sealing rubber or more precise adjustment of the hinges.
⚠️ Attention: Do not plug in the refrigerator immediately after rearranging if you have carried out work to replace the seal or have heated it very much. Allow the materials to cool and take their original shape within 2-4 hours.
Frequent errors and ways to eliminate them
In the process of self-repair, even experienced craftsmen can make mistakes that will subsequently affect the operation of the equipment. One of the most common problems is overtightened or undertightened hinge bolts. This leads to the fact that over time the door begins to sag or, conversely, warp.
Another mistake is the loss or ignoring of technological plugs. Holes left open on the refrigerator body become an entry point for dust, moisture and small insects, which can damage the insulation or electronic components.
Also, users often forget to check the horizontal installation of the refrigerator itself after all manipulations. If the unit is not level, the door may open or close spontaneously. Adjusting the legs of the refrigerator is a mandatory final step.
What to do if the door creaks?
If after rehanging the door begins to creak, lubricate the rubbing metal parts of the hinges with special oil or graphite lubricant. Do not use edible oil or petroleum jelly - they thicken over time and create an abrasive effect.
Following all recommendations and being careful in your work will allow you to successfully change the opening direction of the refrigerator door Atlant, adapting the equipment to new conditions in your kitchen without loss of functionality and warranty obligations.
Is it possible to rehang a door if there is a display on it?
In most models Atlant with a display on the door, independent reversing is impossible or extremely difficult. The length of the wiring loops usually does not allow moving the door to the other side without extending the wires, which requires the intervention of a certified specialist and can lead to loss of warranty.
Is it necessary to call a technician to reposition the door?
For models without electronics on the door, calling a technician is not necessary. This is a simple procedure that takes 20-30 minutes. However, if you are not confident in your abilities or you have a model with a display, it is better to contact an authorized service center.
Will the warranty remain valid after re-positioning the door yourself?
According to the law, re-positioning the door yourself does not void the warranty on the refrigerator if the unit components were not damaged in the process (threads were torn off, plastic was broken, the seal was damaged). However, any damage caused by improper installation will not be covered under warranty.
What to do if the bolts are rusty and cannot be unscrewed?
Do not use excessive force to avoid stripping the threads. Treat the joints with a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40), wait 10-15 minutes and try again. You can also slightly warm up the bolt with a hairdryer, but be careful with the paintwork.
Why does the door not close completely after overweight?
Most likely, the installation level of the refrigerator itself is broken. Check the level of the body using a building level and adjust the height of the front legs. Also check whether the contents of the shelves are preventing the closing or whether the shelf itself is installed incorrectly.