The situation when the standard arrangement of refrigerator doors becomes inconvenient occurs quite often when moving or remodeling a kitchen. The brand's models Atlant are famous for their maintainability and design flexibility, which allows owners to independently change the opening direction of the valves without calling a technician. The process requires accuracy and a minimal set of tools, but the result is worth it - the ergonomics of the kitchen space is significantly improved.
Before taking active steps, you need to clearly understand the internal structure of the opening mechanism of your unit. In two-chamber models Atlant the upper and lower doors have different fastening points and specific installation handles. An incorrect sequence of operations can lead to damage to the plastic plugs or disruption of the seal, so it is important to act methodically.
In this guide we will analyze in detail each stage of the transformation of your refrigerator. You will learn how to safely dismantle the fittings, move the fasteners to the opposite side and correctly adjust the position of the doors after installation.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
For high-quality rearrangement of doors, you will need a basic set of home craftsman. The main tool will be hex wrench (usually 4 or 5 mm in size), which often comes with the refrigerator, or a set of open-end wrenches. You also cannot do without flat-head and Phillips screwdrivers, which will be needed to remove handles and decorative panels.
Be sure to prepare a container for storing small parts - bolts, washers and plugs. The loss of even one fastener can be a serious problem, since standard hardware from a hardware store may not fit the thread or length. It is recommended to use a magnetic tray or small plastic containers with labels.
Particular attention should be paid to preparing the refrigerator itself. Before starting work, the unit must be completely defrosted, all shelves and drawers removed, and also disconnected from the power supply. This will not only protect you from electric shock, but will also make the structure much lighter, which is critical when working with heavy door panels.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to carry out work on a slippery floor. Ensure that the refrigerator is in a stable position to prevent it from tipping over while dismantling the hinges.
☑️ Preparing for rehanging
Dismantling the upper door of the refrigerator compartment
The process begins with the upper door, as it has a more complex system for fastening handles and is often equipped with additional controls. The first step is to remove the top decorative panel that hides the top hinge. Depending on the model Atlant, it may be held on by latches or screws that need to be carefully unscrewed.
After gaining access to the top hinge, do not rush to unscrew it completely. The refrigerator door is heavy and without support it can fall, damaging the floor or its own corners. Ask an assistant to hold the sash or use special stops to fix its position before finally removing the fasteners.
Then it should be dismantled door handle. In most models, it is attached with screws from the inside or hidden under decorative overlays. Carefully unscrew the fasteners and remove the handle so that it does not interfere with further manipulations with the hinges and the body.
Removing and preparing the bottom freezer door
The bottom door in two-chamber refrigerators Atlant is usually attached to one main bottom hinge and an intermediate one, which also serves as a support for the top chamber. Removing the bottom flap requires special care, since it is often heavier than the top one due to the design of the freezer.
First, you need to free access to the bottom hinge. Remove the plinth grille or decorative cover at the bottom of the unit. Unscrew the bolts securing the hinge to the refrigerator body. As in the case of the upper door, be sure to hold the door with your second hand or call an assistant.
After removing the door, inspect sealing rubber. If there are any creases left from the old position, you can try to straighten them with a hairdryer, gently heating the material. However, it is best to give the seal time to restore its natural shape in a new position.
| Element | Type of fastening | Tool | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Hex bolts | 4-5 mm key | Requires door fixation |
| Bottom hinge | Bolts for open-end wrench | 10 mm key | Hidden by the plinth |
| Door handle | Screws (internal/external) | Philipps screwdriver | Removed before dismantling the hinges |
| Intermediate axis | Threaded connection | Hexagon | Connects the cameras |
Transfer of fasteners and handles
The most important stage is transferring the fittings to the opposite side of the case. At the end of the door and the body of the refrigerator you will see symmetrical technological holes closed with plastic plugs. Carefully remove the plugs from the new side of the installation using a thin screwdriver and install them in the vacant spaces of the old side.
Door handles in models Atlant are often universal or symmetrical, but may require turning or rearranging the mounting screws. Carefully read the instructions for your specific model, as the mounting configuration may vary. If the handle is asymmetrical, you may need components for the other side, although in 90% of cases they are adaptable.
When installing the hinges in a new location, make sure that you use the exact bolts that are intended for that side. Sometimes the length of the threaded part may differ slightly for the left and right sides, which affects the tightness of the door to the body.
⚠️ Attention: Do not over-tighten the screws when screwing into the plastic case. This can lead to the formation of cracks in the seats, which cannot be eliminated without replacing the panel.
Installing doors and adjusting gaps
After all the hinges and handles have been moved, the moment of installation comes. Place the bottom door on the bottom hinge and secure it. Then install the top door, lining up the holes with the top hinge. At this stage, it is important not to tighten the bolts “all the way”, but to leave a small gap for subsequent adjustment.
The key point is adjusting the position of the doors. The door should open freely, without jamming, and fit tightly to the body around the entire perimeter. If you notice a misalignment, loosen the fastenings of the intermediate hinge and slightly move the door up or down, achieving an ideal horizontal position.
Check the operation of the magnetic lock and the tightness of the seal. To do this, you can use a simple test with a sheet of paper: hold the sheet with a door and try to pull it out. If the sheet is removed with force along the entire perimeter, it means that the door is adjusted correctly.
What to do if the door does not close tightly?
If there is a gap after installation, check if there is anything in the way inside the chamber (shelf, bottle). Also make sure that the refrigerator is strictly horizontal - the adjustable legs will help you set the level. If the misalignment is caused by deformation of the seal, try warming it with a hairdryer or temporarily placing the seal under the rubber band at the gap.
Typical errors and precautions
One of the most common mistakes is ignoring the weight of the doors. Trying to hold a heavy sash with one hand while the other unscrews the bolts often leads to the thread breaking or the element falling. Always use a secure hold or the assistance of a second person.
Another problem is the loss of hole plugs. If you have lost plastic plugs, do not leave the holes open as this will compromise the insulation and aesthetics. You can temporarily close them with a piece of electrical tape or buy a universal set of plugs at a hardware store.
Do not forget that the design of refrigerators Atlant may have nuances depending on the year of manufacture. In older models, the hinges may be welded or have a specific shape, requiring not only rearrangement, but also replacement of some elements.
Do I need to call a technician if I am afraid of breaking something?
Calling a technician is justified if you do not have the necessary tools, confidence in your abilities, or if the refrigerator is under warranty (although re-hanging it yourself usually does not void the warranty if the seals on the refrigerator are not damaged compressor, it is better to clarify this point). However, the procedure itself is quite simple and does not require special engineering knowledge.
Is it possible to re-hang the door without draining the oil from the compressor?
Yes, when re-hanging the doors, it is not necessary to drain the refrigerant or oil from the compressor. You work only with the mechanical elements of the body and attachment. The main thing is not to tilt the refrigerator excessively (more than 40 degrees) during work so that oil does not get into the cooling circuit.
What to do if a creaking appears after rehanging?
The creaking can occur due to metal-to-metal friction in the hinges or due to the door touching the body. Lubricate the hinges with a small amount of silicone lubricant (do not use WD-40, it will wash away the factory lubricant). If the door touches the body, re-adjustment of the height and inclination is required.
Does re-hanging the doors affect the warranty?
According to the legislation and rules of most service centers, re-hanging the doors yourself is not a basis for voiding the warranty if other components were not damaged in the process (for example, glass is broken, the seal contour is damaged or the thread in the body). However, if in doubt, it is better to keep all the removed parts.