The situation when the standard arrangement of door leaves no longer suits the owner occurs quite often when moving or remodeling a kitchen space. The two-chamber models of the Belarusian brand Atlant are designed taking into account the possibility of changing the opening side, which greatly simplifies the life of users. However, the process itself requires care, the availability of a basic set of tools and an understanding of the design of the hinge mechanism.
An incorrectly carried out procedure can lead to misalignment of the valves, a violation of the tightness of the seal and, as a result, increased energy consumption. That is why, before starting work, it is necessary to study the structure of the specific series of your unit, since attaching hinges may differ depending on the year of manufacture and model. In this material, we will analyze a step-by-step algorithm of actions that will help you avoid common mistakes.
It is worth noting that for some models with a system No Frost or electronic control, the procedure may have its own nuances related to the routing of wires. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to contact a service center, but for most mechanical models Atlant this task can be completely solved at home. The main thing is to act consistently and not to use excessive physical force where precision is required.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
Before you begin dismantling heavy door panels, you should prepare all the necessary equipment. You'll need a stable surface to place the removed parts on without damaging them or scratching the floor. It is also critical to free up space around the refrigerator, providing access to it from all sides, since you will have to work both in front and behind the unit.
The basic set of tools usually includes open-end or socket wrenches, most often sizes 8, 10 and 12 mm, as well as a Phillips screwdriver. Some models Atlant may require a hexagon, so it is better to check the package in advance or have a universal set on hand. It would be a good idea to prepare a rag and a container for small fasteners so that the bolts and washers do not get lost during the work.
- 🔧 A set of wrenches and a ratchet for conveniently unscrewing the bolts.
- 🔩 Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers (sometimes are needed to remove decorative plugs).
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges.
- 📏 A level or assistant to control the position of the door during installation.
Pay special attention to safety: although the voltage in household refrigerators is low, it is best de-energize the appliance before starting any manipulations. This will eliminate the risk of a short circuit if you suddenly have to touch the sensor or lighting contacts. In addition, an empty refrigerator is easier to maneuver, so it is recommended to empty the shelves of food in advance.
Dismantling the top door and removing the handles
The process starts with the top chamber, as it has less weight and is easier to handle. The first step is always to remove the handle if the design of your model Atlant involves its separate installation. In most cases, the handle is fastened with two screws from the inside, access to which is gained after removing the decorative plug or lining.
After dismantling the handles, it is necessary to loosen the fastening of the upper hinge. Do not remove the bolts completely at once - just unscrew them first so that they stay on the threads, but do not put pressure on the metal. Then carefully lift the door off the bottom support pin and set it aside in a safe place. Now you can completely unscrew the top hinge fasteners and remove the metal plate itself.
⚠️ Attention: When removing the top hinge, be careful not to lose the bushings or plastic spacers that may be located between the hinge metal and the body. Their loss will lead to incorrect operation of the closing mechanism.
If your model has decorative hinge covers, they need to be pryed off with a flat screwdriver or knife. Be careful not to break the plastic clips. After removing the upper part of the structure, you will have access to the middle hinge fastener, which connects the upper and lower doors.
☑️ Checklist before removing the doors
Re-hanging the main lower door
The lower door of the refrigerator or The freezer compartment (depending on the layout) is the heaviest and most massive part of the structure. To remove it, you will need an assistant who will hold the blade while you unscrew the bolts of the central hinge. First, remove all decorative elements that hide the fasteners using a thin screwdriver blade or a knife.
Unscrew the bolts securing the central hinge, but do not remove them completely until the door is secured. Carefully lift the bottom door, remove it from the support sleeve and set it aside. Now you have access to the bottom bracket, which also needs to be dismantled if the design allows for its relocation to the opposite side.
When rearranging, these elements may require replacement with mirror analogues, which often come complete with the refrigerator itself or are sold separately.
- 🚪 Remove the decorative plugs on the opposite side body.
- ⚙️ Rearrange the support bushings and studs to new places.
- 🔧 Install the hinges on the new side, tightening the bolts without fanaticism.
- 🧐 Check the horizontal installation of the hinges before final tightening.
If you are faced with a model where the hinges are welded or have a complex hidden installation system, it is better to contact technical documentation. In such cases, simply reversing the bolts may not be possible without replacing the entire hinge assembly. For standard models, it is enough to transfer the fastening elements to the holes provided by the factory.
What to do if the holes do not match?
In some older Atlant models, the holes for the hinges on the opposite side can be closed with plastic plugs or filled with foam. In this case, you must carefully remove the plug. If there are physically no holes (a rare case for older series), then re-hanging is impossible without drilling the case, which is highly not recommended to do yourself, since the thermal insulation layer or refrigerant pipelines can be damaged.
Features of installing hinges and fasteners
Installation of hinges on the new side is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. First, the bottom bracket is installed (if it was removed), then the bottom door is hung. It is critically important at this stage not to tighten the bolts “all the way”, but to leave a small amount of play for subsequent work. This will allow the seal to fit perfectly around the entire perimeter. adjusting the gaps. This will allow the seal to fit perfectly around the entire perimeter.
Next, install the middle hinge onto which the upper door is placed. Pay attention to the orientation of the studs and bushings: they should fit exactly into their seats. If you feel resistance, do not press with force - check whether the parts are mixed up or whether debris has entered the threaded connection.
| Fastening element | Bolt size (approximate) | Tightening torque | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top hinge | M8 x 20 mm | Medium | Requires precise positioning |
| Medium loop | M8 x 25 mm | Strong | Carries the main load |
| Handle fastening | M4 x 10 mm | Weak | Easy to strip threads |
| Support sleeve | No thread | - | Lubricated with lithium grease |
The final stage of installation is fixing the top hinge and hanging the top door. After all the bolts are tightened, it is necessary to check the operation of the mechanism. The door should open smoothly, without creaking or jamming, and close tightly, with a characteristic pop when pushed.
Adjusting the position of the doors and eliminating distortions
After assembly, a situation often arises when the doors are uneven or do not fit tightly to the body. This is normal and requires final adjustment. Adjustment is carried out by loosening the hinge mounting bolts and slightly moving the door leaf in the desired direction. For control, use a building level, applying it to the end of the door.
If the door is skewed vertically (one corner is higher than the other), it is necessary to adjust the height of the support pins or place washers under the hinges, if the design allows it. In models Atlant often it is enough to simply loosen the bolts of the middle hinge, align the door and tighten them again while an assistant holds the structure in the correct position.
⚠️ Attention: Excessive force when tightening the bolts can lead to deformation of the metal hinge plate or breakage of the threads in the refrigerator body. Tighten the bolts gradually, alternating them diagonally.
It is also worth checking the operation of magnetic latches or mechanical locks, if present. They must operate clearly and secure the door in a closed position. If after adjustment there is still a gap in the upper or lower part, it may be necessary to replace the sealing rubber, which loses its elasticity over time.
Tightness check and final tests
The final stage of work is to check the tightness of the refrigerator compartment. The easiest and most reliable way is to test with a sheet of paper. Attach a regular A4 sheet to the refrigerator opening and close the door. The sheet must be clamped with a seal around the entire perimeter with the same force.
If the sheet is pulled out too easily in some place, it means that a gap has formed there through which the cold will escape. In this case, you need to loosen the hinges again in the problem area and move the door a little. Also, the cause of leakage may be contamination or damage to the sealseal itself, which should be wiped or replaced.
- 📄 Carry out a test with paper along the entire perimeter of all four sides.
- 👀 Visually inspect the joint line doors and housing - it should be uniform.
- 👂 Listen to the operation of the compressor after turning it on - it should not work without stopping.
After successfully passing the tests, you can turn on the refrigerator and load food. It is recommended not to open the doors too often during the first day so that the unit returns to operating mode and stabilizes the temperature. If no problems are identified after 24 hours, the work can be considered to have been completed efficiently.
Why does the door slam too hard?
If, after rehanging, the door begins to slam shut with a loud bang, you may have tightened the hinges too much or set the angle of the refrigerator incorrectly. Try to unscrew the front adjustable supports a little so that the body tilts slightly back - then the door will close more smoothly under the influence of gravity.
Is it possible to reverse the doors if the refrigerator is built into a kitchen unit?
This is extremely difficult and often impossible without completely dismantling the refrigerator from the niche. To rehang, you need free access from all sides, especially from the back and sides, to remove the panels and change the hinges. Built-in models require the removal of decorative fronts, which adds another layer of complexity. It is recommended to completely remove the equipment from the furniture before starting work.
What to do if the decorative plugs for the holes are lost?
The holes on the old opening side will remain free. You can order a set of plugs at the service center Atlant, selecting them by color. As a last resort, you can carefully seal the holes with furniture stickers of a suitable color or use small self-tapping screws with decorative caps, screwing them into plastic dowels to close the holes.
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging?
Full defrosting is not mandatory requirement, but highly desirable. First, an empty refrigerator is easier. Secondly, if during work you accidentally damage the seal or keep the door open for a long time, the ice may begin to melt and flood the floor. It is better to carry out the defrosting procedure in advance.
Why did a whistle or creaking appear after rehanging?
Most likely, the hinges were installed without lubrication or were overtightened, which caused metal-to-metal friction. The sound source may also be a seal deformed during dismantling. Try to lubricate the hinges and check whether the door touches the body or shelves when opening.