The sudden appearance of ice in the chamber or constant operation of the compressor without shutting off often indicates a loss of tightness of the door circuit. Equipment owners Atlant face this problem regularly, as the rubber seal dries out, cracks or deforms over time. If you notice that air is passing between the door and the body, and ice is accumulating in the corners of the chamber, then it’s time to replace this element.
Replacing the rubber band yourself is not only a way to save on calling a technician, but also an opportunity to extend the life of the compressor, which will stop working in overload mode. The process does not require complex special tools, but it does require accuracy and attention to the design details of your particular refrigerator model.
In this article we will look in detail at how to determine the need for replacement, choose the right type of seal and carry out installation work correctly. You will learn about the nuances of fastening the tape in various series of refrigerators Atlant and get answers to frequently asked questions that arise during the repair process.
Diagnostics of the condition of the sealing rubber
The first sign of wear is a visual assessment of the condition of the tape. Over time, the material loses its elasticity, becomes hard to the touch and no longer adheres tightly to the metal body. Microcracks may appear on the surface through which cold air escapes, and moisture and mold may accumulate in the folds.
There is a simple and effective way to check the tightness, known as the “paper test”. Take a regular A4 sheet, clamp it with the refrigerator door around the perimeter and try to pull it out. If the paper comes out freely, without noticeable resistance, it means that the seal is broken in this place.
⚠️ Attention: If the paper is pressed unevenly around the perimeter, this may indicate not only wear of the rubber band, but also a misalignment of the door or loosening of the hinges.
It is also worth paying attention to the operation of the motor-compressor. If it starts to turn on more often than usual or works almost non-stop, and it’s warm inside the chamber, this is a direct signal about the depressurization of the circuit. The compressor tries to compensate for the leakage of cold, working towards wear and tear, which can lead to its expensive repairs.
Choosing a suitable seal for the Atlant model
Refrigerators Atlant have been produced for several decades, and during this time the design of the seals has changed. It is important to understand that there are no universal elastic bands: the profile, width and method of fastening can differ radically even within the same brand. An incorrectly selected seal will not provide the required tightness.
When choosing a new part, be guided by the exact model of your unit. The model number is usually found on a sticker inside the camera or on the back of the camera body. For different series (for example, KSh-268, MHM-1704, two-chamber models with No Frost) different spare parts numbers are used.
Modern seals often have a magnetic insert along the entire length, which simplifies the fit, but requires precise fit into the groove. Old models could be equipped with elastic bands that were attached only in the corners or glued. Below is a table of compatibility of popular series.
| Refrigerator series | Mounting type | Profile features | Article number (example) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlant MHM 1700 | Insert into the groove ("herringbone") | Single-chamber, magnet around the perimeter | 1704-103-010-0 |
| Atlant KSh 268 | Adhesive / Corner | Old model, often requires adjustment | 268-103-010-0 |
| Atlant MXM 2808 | Insert into the groove | Two-chamber, reinforced magnet | 2808-103-010-0 |
| Atlant 4000 series | Insert into the groove | No Frost, complex profile | 4009-103-010-0 |
When purchasing, pay attention to the smell: high-quality material should not have a strong chemical aroma. Also check the elasticity by slightly stretching the tape in your hands - it should easily return to shape and not remain stretched.
Necessary tools and preparation
Before proceeding with dismantling, you need to prepare the workplace and tools. You don’t need complex power tools, but you should have items on hand that will help you carefully remove the old rubber and install a new one without damaging the plastic of the door.
The main task is to maintain the integrity of the door leaf and plastic panels. Careless use of sharp objects can lead to scratches or chips, which will subsequently be difficult to disguise.
- 🔧 Flat-head screwdriver - for prying up the edges of the seal.
- 🔨 Hammer (optional) - for lightly tapping elements if they fit very tightly.
- 🧼 Soap solution and sponge - for degreasing and cleaning the groove before installation.
- 🌡️ Construction or household hair dryer - to soften the new rubber band before installation.
- 🧤 Gloves - to protect your hands from dirt and possible mold on the old one rubber.
Be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply before starting work. Although seal replacement does not involve electrical components, safety should be a top priority when working with appliances. It is also recommended to empty the door shelves of products to reduce the load on the hinges and facilitate access to the ends.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use aggressive solvents (acetone, gasoline) to clean the door surface, as they can damage the painted layer or plastic.
☑️ Preparation for replacement
Removing the old seal
The process of removing the old rubber band depends on the type of fastening. In most modern models Atlant the seal is simply inserted into a special groove around the perimeter of the door. In older versions, it can be glued or attached with screws in the corners.
Start from one of the top corners. Carefully pry up the edge of the seal with a flathead screwdriver or knife, being careful not to damage the metal of the door. Pull the tape towards you while moving along the perimeter. The movements should be confident, but smooth, so as not to tear the rubber ahead of time, as it can be fragile.
If the seal is glued, the process will take longer. You will need to gradually peel off the tape, perhaps using a hair dryer to heat the adhesive. Remains of the adhesive must be carefully removed so that the new elastic lies flat. The surface of the groove must be perfectly clean and dry.
What to do if the rubber band breaks during removal?
If the old rubber band is removed in pieces, do not worry. The main thing is to completely clear the groove of any residue. You can use tweezers to remove small fragments from hard-to-reach places.
After complete dismantling, carefully inspect the door itself. Sometimes, during long-term use, rust or dirt may accumulate in the groove and need to be cleaned out. This will ensure better adhesion and tightness of the new element.
Installing a new seal
Installing a new rubber band is the most critical step. New tape is often stiff and curled into a ring of packaging, so it needs to be shaped into the correct shape. It is recommended to preheat the seal with a hairdryer or soak it in warm water for 10-15 minutes to make it more elastic.
Start installation from the top corner. Insert the edge of the seal into the groove, making sure that the magnetic strip (if there is one) is positioned correctly. Then, moving around the perimeter, gradually tuck the tape inward. It is most convenient to do this with your thumbs, pushing the “herringbone” of the profile deep into the groove.
Move from corner to corner, without missing sections. Pay special attention to the corners - this is where gaps most often form. The elastic should fit tightly, without waves or sagging. If you feel that it fits too tightly in a place, you can lightly lubricate the groove with soapy water to make it glide.
In some models where fastening with screws is provided, first secure the corners, and then insert the central parts of the sides. Make sure that all fasteners are tightened evenly, without distortions.
Checking the quality of installation and tightness
After the new seal is installed, the work cannot immediately be considered complete. It is necessary to let the rubber “sit down” and straighten out. Leave the door closed for several hours (preferably overnight) so that the material takes the desired shape under the influence of temperature and its own weight.
The next day, recheck the tightness. Again use the paper method and go around the entire perimeter. The sheet should be pulled out with noticeable effort. Also visually assess the tightness of the fit: there should be no gaps anywhere.
If you find an area where the elastic does not fit tightly, try to carefully bend it and adjust the fit in the groove. Sometimes reheating the problem area with a hairdryer and then pressing firmly helps.
Turn on the refrigerator and monitor its operation during the first day. The compressor should operate normally, turning on and off at certain intervals, and there should be no new ice build-up inside the chamber.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to restore an old rubber band instead of replacing it?
Temporary restoration is possible if the rubber is intact, but I just lost my form. You can try soaking it in boiling water or heating it with a hairdryer. However, if there are cracks or breaks, replacement is inevitable, since the seal cannot be restored.
How often do you need to change the seal on the Atlant refrigerator?
The average service life of the seal is 5-7 years, but this depends on the operating conditions. Frequent opening of the door, the presence of pets or exposure to direct sunlight can reduce this period to 3-4 years.
Why did the door become worse to close after replacement?
The new rubber is always thicker and stiffer than the old one. The door may open on its own or close tightly for the first 2-3 days. This is fine. If the problem persists longer, check whether the profile is correctly inserted into the groove along the entire perimeter.
Where can you find the article number of the seal if the sticker on the refrigerator has worn off?
If the sticker is unreadable, you can measure the parameters of the old rubber band (width, profile) and consult with the spare parts seller, naming the approximate year of manufacture and dimensions of the refrigerator. Also, the article is often stamped on the rubber itself from the inside.