Situations when the standard arrangement of refrigerator doors no longer suits the owners arise quite often. This may be due to the redevelopment of the kitchen, the particular arrangement of furniture, or simply the desire to make operation more convenient. Most modern models of the Belarusian brand Atlant provide the possibility of reversing the doors, which greatly simplifies life for users.
This process is not technically difficult, but requires care and adherence to a certain sequence of actions. Improper dismantling can lead to damage to the coating or a leak in the airtightness fit. It is important to understand that the design of different series of refrigerators may differ, so there are no universal instructions for all models, but the general algorithm of actions is similar.
Before starting work, it is necessary to prepare the workplace and tools. You will need free space in front of the refrigerator and, preferably, the help of a second person, since door leaves have significant weight. Hinge mechanisms they hold a heavy structure, and the risk of dropping it is high if you act alone.
Necessary tools and preparation
To successfully complete the task of hanging doors, you will need a minimum set of household tools. The main element will be a set of open-end wrenches or heads with a ratchet, since the bolts can be tightened quite tightly. Depending on the model Atlanta, you may need keys ranging in size from 8 to 13 mm.
It is also a good idea to have a flat-head screwdriver and a knife on hand to carefully pry off the decorative plugs. Some plastic elements fit very tightly, and using a metal tool without protection can scratch the body. Be sure to prepare a soft bedding on the floor where you will place the removed doors so as not to damage their inner surface or floor.
Remember to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply before starting any works Although we don't touch electrical components directly, safety should be a priority when working with large appliances. Defrosting the unit is not necessary, but if there are a lot of products inside, it is better to remove them to reduce the weight of the structure.
- 🔧 Set of open-end wrenches or sockets (8-13 mm)
- 🪛 Flat-head screwdriver for plugs
- 🧤 Work gloves for protection hands from sharp edges
- 🛋️ Soft blanket or cardboard for laying doors
Removing the top panel and top hinge
We start the process from the top of the refrigerator. On many models Atlant the top cover may interfere with access to the top fasteners or simply be removable for convenience. If your model has a decorative panel on top, it must be removed by unscrewing the fixing screws.
Next, attention turns to the top hinge. It is she who holds the bulk of the door leaf. Before unscrewing the bolts, make sure that the door is securely locked in the closed position or that someone is holding it. Suddenly removing the load from one side can cause it to warp and fall.
After removing the top hinge, the door will usually come free. Carefully remove it from the lower axle and set it aside. Now you can move on to preparing the holes on the opposite side of the case. In place of the old fasteners, there will be through holes that will need to be closed.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use excessive force when unscrewing rusty bolts, so as not to strip the threads. If the fastener does not give in, it is better to additionally treat it with lubricant rather than risk the integrity of the metal sleeve.
Rearranging handles and plugs
One of the most noticeable operations is rearranging the handles. On refrigerators Atlant handles are often symmetrical or have special mounting holes on both sides. If the handle is asymmetrical, it must be dismantled and moved to the new side using the holes provided by the manufacturer.
The holes that were formed after dismantling the handles and hinges on the old side must be closed. For this purpose, plastic plugs are usually included with the refrigerator. If they are lost, you can use decorative stickers or pick up similar ones in color and size at a hardware store.
It is important to check that the handle is fastened tightly and does not wobble. Handle play may lead to its breakage during active use. Use the same screws that previously secured it if their length is suitable for the new side, or use the fasteners from the kit for re-hanging.
☑️ Check before installation
Sometimes it happens that the holes on the new side are closed with factory plugs that need to be removed. Do this carefully so as not to damage the enamel around the hole. If the plastic has turned sour, you can slightly warm it up with a hairdryer, but do not overheat the surface.
Features of hanging doors in two-chamber models
In two-chamber refrigerators Atlant the process is complicated by the presence of a central partition and, often, a common cooling system. Here it is important to correctly dismantle the freezer door, which is usually located at the top or bottom depending on the model.
When rearranging doors in such models, it is often necessary to move not only external hinges, but also internal mechanisms. In some series it is necessary to remove the middle hinge that separates the refrigerator and freezer compartments. This requires special care, since tubes or backlight wires may pass through this area.
If your model provides for rearrangement, then there will be threaded holes or bushings on the opposite side of the case. Symmetry of the structure allows you to perform this operation without drilling new holes. The main thing is not to confuse the upper and lower loops, since they may have different geometries.
| Element | Action | Tool | Nuance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Dismantling and transfer | 10 mm key | Requires door support |
| Handle doors | Rearrangement | Screwdriver | Check the length of the screws |
| Plugs | Replacing seats | Knife/Tweezers | Do not scratch the enamel |
| Bottom axis | Rearranging the bushing | Pliers | May be required lubrication |
Special attention should be paid to the seal. When removing and reinstalling the door, it is important not to damage the rubber contour. If the seal has become deformed when storing the door in a horizontal position, it can be heated with a hairdryer or filled with hot water to restore its shape.
Working with electrical components and sensors
Modern refrigerators Atlant are equipped with door opening sensors, which are often located in the upper part of the case. When rehanging the door, it is necessary to move this sensor to the new side or reconnect the wires, if the design allows for this.
In some models, the wires run inside the door leaf. If you are faced with such a design, you must be extremely careful to disconnect the connectors before completely removing the door. Electrical contacts Must be dry and clean before reassembly.
What to do if the wires are short?
If the wires are not long enough to transfer the sensor to the other side, do not try to stretch them. In such cases, the sensor can often be moved to a symmetrical hole on the new side, and the old one closed with a plug.
After connecting all communications, check the operation of the indicators. The door must respond correctly to opening and closing, turning on and off the light in the chamber. If the light does not light up, check that the contacts are securely connected.
⚠️ Attention: Before connecting electrical components, make sure that the refrigerator is unplugged. A short circuit in the control circuit can damage the electronic module.
Adjusting the gaps and final settings
After all the doors are installed in new places, it is necessary to make the adjustment. The door should fit tightly around the entire perimeter of the body. If you notice a misalignment, it can be eliminated by adjusting the height of the lower support or tightening the hinge screws.
Use a building level to check that the refrigerator itself is installed vertically. The legs of the unit must be unscrewed so that the body has a slight tilt back. This ensures automatic closing doors under their own weight.
Check the operation of locks and latches, if your model has them. All mechanisms must move freely, without jamming. If the door opens tightly, the hinges may be overtightened or skewed.
The final stage will be to plug in the refrigerator. Let it idle for at least 2-3 hours before loading it with food. This will allow the system to enter operating mode and make sure that the tightness is not broken.
Frequent errors and troubleshooting
When rehanging doors themselves, users often make mistakes that can lead to problems in the future. One of the most common is the loss of fasteners. Small screws and washers are easily lost in carpet or grass if work is done outside.
Another mistake is ignoring the condition of the seal. An old, hardened rubber profile may not provide a tight seal after rearrangement. In this case, it is better to replace it with a new one, since the cost of the seal is not comparable with the loss of food due to defrosting.
- ❌ They forget to rearrange the decorative plugs, leaving holes in the body.
- ❌ They tighten the hinge bolts, deforming the metal.
- ❌ They do not check the operation of the light sensor after assembly.
- ❌ They load the products until the temperature is completely stabilized.
If after installation the door does not fit tightly, try warming up the seal hairdryer or place a thin strip of foam under it in a problem area. Also check if anything from the inside (shelves, containers) is preventing it from closing tightly.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to hang the door on the Atlant refrigerator without instructions?
Technically, it is possible if you act logically and carefully. However, having a hinge diagram for a specific model greatly simplifies the process and reduces the risk of error. It is recommended to find the model of your refrigerator on the Internet before starting work.
Do you need to completely defrost the refrigerator before rehanging it?
Complete defrosting is not a mandatory requirement, but it is necessary to remove all food and shelves. This will lighten the weight of the structure and protect the products from damage in case of delays during installation.
What to do if the holes for the hinges on the new side do not match?
In the original refrigerators Atlant the holes should match symmetrically. If this does not happen, the model may not be designed to be re-hanged, or you may be using the wrong holes. You cannot drill new holes in the body.
How long can you store a removed door?
You can store the door in a disassembled state for as long as you like, the main thing is to protect it from mechanical damage and direct sunlight so that the plastic does not burn out and the seal does not deform.