The situation when the refrigerator Atlant has to be moved to the other side of the kitchen arises quite often. This may be due to a new layout, replacement of kitchen units, or simply a desire to change the ergonomics of the space. However, the standard arrangement of handles and hinges may interfere with convenient opening in new conditions, requiring re-hanging of the doors.
Fortunately, the design of most models of the Belarusian manufacturer initially provides for this possibility. The process of changing the opening side is not technically difficult, but requires accuracy, adherence to a sequence of actions and a minimum set of tools. In this article we will analyze in detail all stages of work.
It is important to understand that before starting any manipulations, you must make sure that all the necessary parts are included in the kit. If you bought a new refrigerator, check the plugs and additional hinges. In older models, some elements may require a careful dismantling procedure.
Preparing the workplace and tools
The first thing you need to do is to clear access to the refrigerator from all sides. Hanging doors requires free space so that you can easily walk around the device and set aside the removed doors. Move the unit away from the wall at least one meter.
Be sure to disconnect refrigerator from the power supply. This is a basic safety rule that cannot be ignored. While the equipment is de-energized, it makes sense to carry out a complete defrost if there is ice in the chambers, and thoroughly wash the interior space.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to remove all shelves, drawers and containers from the refrigerator and freezer compartments. This will reduce the weight of the structure and prevent glass or plastic from breaking in the event of an accidental impact.
To complete the task you will need the following set of tools:
- 🔧 Socket wrenches or heads (usually 10 mm and 8 mm)
- 🔧 Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
- 🔧 Hex key (often included)
- 🔧 Knife (for carefully removing decorative plugs)
Prepare a soft surface where you will put the removed parts and the door itself. This could be a folded blanket or thick cardboard spread on the floor. This will protect the enamel from scratches.
☑️ Preparing for rehanging
Design features of Atlant refrigerators
The model range Atlant is quite wide, and hinge designs may differ. Most modern two-chamber models use a system where the upper and lower hinges have symmetrical holes for fastening on the other side.
However, there are nuances. In some series, especially in older models or in refrigerators with the No Frostsystem, there may be hidden loops or specific latches. It is also worth paying attention to the control system if the display is located on the door.
The influence of the No Frost system on overhang
Models with No Frost often use a more complex system of seals and air ducts. When removing the door, be careful not to damage the corrugated air supply hoses if they go to the door (although in most cases they go through the body).
The presence of matching holes in the body is critical. Factory assembly usually assumes that the holes on the “non-working” side are already drilled and closed with decorative plugs. If you do not find any holes, it is possible that your model does not provide overhang, which is extremely rare for this brand.
Deserves special attention magnetic valve, which can be installed in some modifications for sealing. It will need to be moved to the opposite side, following the instructions for the specific model.
Removing the top door and hinges
We start the process from the top of the refrigerator. The first step is to remove the top decorative panel or plug, behind which the fasteners for the top hinge are hidden. Usually it is held on by latches or one screw.
Using a wrench of the appropriate size (usually 10 mm), unscrew the bolts securing the upper hinge. Don't remove them all at once - loosen them so that the loop can move but holds weight. Then finally remove the fasteners.
Now you need to remove the door itself. It is better to do this together, since the sash with the seal and glass (if any) is quite heavy. One person holds the door, the second finally unscrews the hinge screws.
⚠️ Warning: The refrigerator door has significant weight and can drop you if you lose your balance. Do not try to remove it with one hand while holding (tools) with the other.
After removing the top door, set it aside in a safe place. Now you will have access to the middle loop (if your model has one) or to the area between the cameras. In two-chamber models, it is often necessary to remove the middle part of the fastening.
Remove the decorative cover of the middle hinge. Unscrew the mounting bolts. Pay attention to the pin on which the bottom door fits - it will also need to be removed or rearranged.
Removing the bottom door and preparing the body
The bottom door (freezer) is removed in the same way. Loosen the bottom hinge, lift the door to remove it from the axles, and set it aside. Now you have two removed flaps and a freed body in your hands.
The next stage is preparing the body for installing the hinges on the new side. Locate the holes on the body where the hinges are currently installed. Threaded bushings (plugs) are screwed into them. They need to be unscrewed.
To do this, use pliers or a wrench. Carefully unscrew the bushings from the “old” holes. Don't lose them, they will be needed for installation on the other side. The holes that are vacated are closed with plastic plugs from the kit.
- 🔩 Unscrew the metal bushings from the working holes.
- 🔩 Screw these bushings into the symmetrical holes on the opposite side.
- 🔩 Close the vacated holes with decorative ones plugs.
Check that all bushings are screwed in tightly and all the way. If they protrude, the door will not sit straight and the seal will be compromised. The threads must sit strictly vertically.
Installing doors on the new side
Now we move on to installation. We start with the bottom door. Install it in place, aligning the holes in the door leaf with the previously screwed in bushings in the body. Insert the bottom hinge and tighten the bolts, but do not tighten them completely.
Align the door vertically and horizontally. Only after making sure that it is level and the gap between the door and the body is the same along the entire length can you finally tighten the fasteners. Use a level for control.
Next, install the middle hinge (if it is suitable for your model) and put on the top door. The process is similar: baiting, leveling, final tightening. Make sure that the middle hinge pin is in the hole of the lower door.
| Stage | Action | Key tool | Check parameter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Removing the upper door | 10 mm wrench | Seal integrity |
| 2 | Rearrangement of bushings | Pliers | Fit tightness |
| 3 | Installation of the lower door | Phillips screwdriver | Installation verticality |
| 4 | Final adjustment | Level | Uniformity gap |
After installing all the hinges, check the operation of the doors. They should open smoothly, without creaking or jamming. When closing, a characteristic pop should be heard, indicating the operation of the magnetic seal.
Adjustment and checking the tightness
After the doors are installed, it is necessary to check their tightness. Take a sheet of A4 paper. Clamp it with the refrigerator door around the perimeter. The sheet should be removed with noticeable force.
If the paper flies out freely or, conversely, the door does not close completely, it requires height adjustment hinges. The design of the hinges Atlant often provides adjusting screws or the ability to tighten the height of the studs.
Also check the operation of the light switch. When the door is opened, the light should come on, and when closed, it should go out. If the sensor is located on the body, make sure that the door presses the button when closing.
⚠️ Attention: If after hanging the doors do not close tightly, check whether the seal in the corners is twisted. During installation, it is often jammed, which breaks the seal.
Plug in the refrigerator. Let it run for several hours without loading food. Listen to the work: are there any new vibrations or knocks that may be caused by a misalignment of the case.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
One of the most common mistakes is the loss of fasteners. Bolts on the left and right sides may differ in length or thread pitch. It is recommended to lay out the parts in the order in which you removed them, or label them.
Another mistake is excessive tightening force. The aluminum housing or plastic hinge inserts are easily damaged if the bolts are overtightened. Screw them all the way by hand, then pull them lightly with the key.
- ❌ Forget about rearranging the decorative plugs (an aesthetic defect).
- ❌ Ignore checking the floor level (the refrigerator can open on its own).
- ❌ Pull the door hard handle immediately after installation (you need to let the seal straighten).
If you find that the door is hanging crookedly and adjusting the screws does not help, check the floor. The legs of the refrigerator may not be twisted evenly. Adjust the support screws at the bottom of the case.
What to do if the plug is lost?
If you have lost the decorative plug for the old hole, do not leave the hole open - moisture will get in there. Temporarily seal the hole with a piece of tape that matches the color of the body or use a plug from another, less noticeable part if the dimensions are the same.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to call a specialist to rehang Atlant doors?
No, in most cases this is a simple procedure that you can do yourself in a few minutes 30-40 minutes. A technician will only be needed if you have damaged the threads in the body or the hinges are deformed.
Is it possible to rehang doors if one of them has a built-in display?
If the display is built into the door itself and the cable goes through the hinge, it will not be possible to rehang the door without resoldering the cables or extending the wires. In Atlant models, displays are often located on the body, which simplifies the task.
Why does the door open by itself after rehanging?
Most likely, the angle of the refrigerator is broken. Doors should close on their own under the influence of gravity. Adjust the front support legs by unscrewing them so that the front of the refrigerator is slightly higher than the back.
Will the warranty remain valid after re-hanging it yourself?
According to the law, independently replacing the door opening side is not a complex repair and should not void the warranty if you have not damaged the unit components. However, it is always better to have receipts on hand and act carefully.