Refrigerators Atlant for many years they have remained one of the most popular in the post-Soviet space thanks to its reliability and maintainability. However, the standard factory layout is not always convenient for a particular kitchen layout. It often happens that when opening the door, it hits furniture, the entrance to the room, or simply interferes with free passage. In such situations, the only correct solution is rehanging the doors to the opposite side.
This procedure does not require calling a specialist and special expensive tools if you act carefully and consistently. It is important to understand that the design of different models may differ slightly, but the general principle remains the same for most series Atlant. In this article, we will analyze in detail the process of changing the opening side, paying attention to the nuances that beginners often miss.
Before starting any work, it is necessary to prepare a workplace and free access to the unit from all sides. Safety is the first rule: be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply by removing the plug from the socket. This will protect you from electric shock and prevent accidental starting of the compressor while manipulating wiring or sensors if they are located in the area of the door hinges.
Required tools and preparation for work
To successfully complete the task of hanging doors, you will need a minimum set of tools, which can be found in any home. The main tool will be hex wrench (usually 4 or 5 mm in size), since most hinge fastenings are made specifically for it. You may also need a 10 mm open-end wrench for nuts and a flat-head screwdriver for removing decorative plugs. Atlant made exactly for him. You may also need a 10 mm open-end wrench for the nuts and a flathead screwdriver for removing the decorative caps.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to empty the shelves and drawers inside the refrigerator and freezer compartments. A door without a load is easier to hold, and the risk of dropping a heavy glass shelf or breaking food is minimal.
Make sure in advance that all the necessary elements are at hand. Sometimes the refrigerator comes with spare plugs or fasteners, but most often a standard one is used, which is simply rearranged. If you have lost the original hexagon, you can easily find it in any hardware store or use a universal set of keys.
It is also recommended to prepare a soft cloth or cardboard to place under the door while working. This will save the floor from scratches, and the door enamel from chipping if accidentally touched. An assistant will not be amiss, especially if you plan to hang the heavy bottom door of the freezer, although you can often handle the refrigerator compartment alone.
- 🔧 Hex key (4-5 mm) - the main tool for hinges.
- 🔩 10 mm open-end wrench - for nuts and bolts.
- 🪛 Flat-head screwdriver - for removing plugs and plastic covers.
- 🧣 Soft rags - to protect the floor and door covering.
☑️ Preparing for rehanging
Dismantling the upper door of the refrigerator compartment
The process always starts from the top door, since it blocks access to the fastenings of the lower section in two-chamber models. The first step is to remove top decorative panel, if available. It can be attached with latches or screws hidden under plastic plugs. Carefully pry up the plugs with a flat screwdriver, being careful not to damage their sharp edges.
After removing the decor, you will see the top hinge. Before unscrewing the bolts that hold the hinge to the body, the door must be secured. Have a helper hold it, or use wedges/supports from below to prevent the door from falling on your feet when the fastening is loosened. Unscrew the bolts top hinge counterclockwise and remove the hinge itself along with the axle.
Now you can remove the door. Carefully lift it so that the axle comes out of the bottom hinge hole (or bushing) and set it aside in a safe place. At this stage it is important not to lose the bushings and washers if they have been installed. Carefully inspect the removed hinge: it may have holes on both sides, which allows you to perform rehanging to the other side.
What to do if the bolts are rusty?
If the hinge bolts are stuck and cannot be unscrewed, do not use excessive force to avoid stripping threads. Treat the joint with a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) and leave for 10-15 minutes. After this, you can repeat the attempt to unscrew.
After dismantling the door, pay attention to the end of the body, where the holes from the old hinge remain. They need to be closed plastic plugs, which are usually included in the kit or are already installed on the other side. Remove the plugs from the opposite side (planned for installation) and insert them into the empty holes. This will maintain an aesthetic appearance and protect the metal from corrosion.
Removing and reinstalling the lower freezer door
After the upper part is freed, we move on to the lower door. In models Atlant with two chambers, the lower hinge is often common or has a complex design with an axis passing through the entire height. If your model has a middle hinge that separates the cameras, it will also need to be removed. Unscrew the fastenings of the middle hinge and remove it, first holding the lower door.
Remove the lower door by lifting it up. Now you need to move the lower support loop to the opposite side of the body. To do this, unscrew the mounting bolts from the old holes and screw them into new, mirror-like holes at the end of the refrigerator. Make sure that the bolts are tightened as tight as possibleas they bear the bulk of the weight of the door with the products.
Install the bottom door into place, sliding it onto the axis of the bottom hinge. If the design provides for a middle hinge, install it now on the other side, aligning the holes and securing it with bolts. Don't forget to rearrange stops or the opening limiters, if your model has them. They prevent the door from hitting the side of the refrigerator when opening suddenly.
Some models may require repositioning the handle. If the handle is asymmetrical or has a fixed position, it must be removed. It is usually attached with screws to the inside of the door or snapped into place. Move the handle into the prepared holes on the opposite end of the door leaf.
Nuances of working with electronics and sensors
Modern refrigerators Atlant are often equipped with electronic controls, displays on the door and opening sensors. When rehanging doors, the question arises: what to do with the wires? In most cases, the sensor cables are long enough to simply be moved to an adjacent channel, or the connectors are located so that they can be rearranged.
If a control button is installed on the door, carefully inspect the wiring harness inside the door. You will need to carefully remove the wires from the old channel and route them through the new one corresponding to the new opening side. Be careful not to damage the insulation or thin contacts. display or control button, carefully inspect the wiring harness inside the door. You will need to carefully remove the wires from the old channel and route them through the new one corresponding to the new opening side. Be careful not to damage the insulation or thin contacts.
⚠️ Attention: Do not bend the wires at an acute angle or pinch them with the metal elements of the loop. This can lead to a short circuit or electronic failure.
The magnetic door opening sensor (reed switch) deserves special attention. It can be installed in the body or in the door itself. If the sensor is located in the door, it must be moved to a new slot on the opposite end. If the sensor is in the housing, make sure that with the new configuration the magnet on the door will be opposite it. Sometimes it is necessary to rearrange the magnet itself into the door leaf.
- 🔌 Check the integrity of the wire insulation before assembly.
- 🧲 Make sure that the sensor magnet matches the receiver in the housing.
- 💡 Test the operation of the display and buttons to complete final assembly.
- 🔩 Do not leave the wires dangling without fixing in the channels.
Adjusting the position of doors and eliminating distortions
After all the elements are installed in new places, it is necessary to carry out adjustment. Even with careful operation, the door may hang unevenly or not fit tightly to the body. Check the horizontal installation of the refrigerator itself using a building level. If the floor is uneven, tighten the front adjusting supports to tilt the body slightly back - this will ensure that the door closes automatically.
If the door is skewed vertically (one corner lower than the other), this can be corrected by loosening the middle or top hinge and slightly moving the door leaf. Once aligned, re-tighten the bolts securely. The gap between the door and the body along the entire perimeter should be uniform.
Pay attention to the rubber seal. When overweighted, it could become deformed or displaced. If you notice a loose fit in some place, try warming this area with a hairdryer (not too hot air) and press the door with your hand until the rubber cools. This will help restore the shape of the seal.
| Problem | Possible cause | Remedy |
|---|---|---|
| The door does not close itself | Incorrect angle of the body | Tighten the front supports, increasing the tilt back |
| Uneven gap at top/bottom | Distortion of the hinge or door | Loosen the hinge, align the door, tighten the bolts |
| A whistle is heard when closing | The drainage hole is clogged or the seal is tight | Clean the drainage or develop a seal |
| The door opens too easily | Weak magnetic adhesion | Check the cleanliness of the seal and the presence of foreign objects |
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do I need to buy new hinges for hanging?
In most cases, no. The design of refrigerators Atlant provides for a symmetrical arrangement of holes for hinges. You use the same parts, just switch them to the other side. The purchase of new ones is only required in case of breakdown or loss of original components.
Is it possible to hang the door by one person?
Theoretically, it is possible, especially with the upper refrigerator compartment, since it is lighter. However, the bottom door of the freezer is quite heavy, and it is difficult to hold it while getting it into the hinge holes. Having an assistant greatly simplifies the process and reduces the risk of dropping the door or damaging the coating.
What to do if there is excess wire left after rehanging?
If the sensor or display wires are too long for the new configuration, they cannot be cut. Carefully fold the excess harness into the free space inside the door or body, securing it with electrical tape or a tie so that it does not fall into the moving mechanisms of the hinges.
Will re-hanging the doors violate the warranty?
Re-hanging the doors yourself, as a rule, is not considered a violation of the warranty, unless parts were damaged or torn in the process threads or damaged electronics. However, if you doubt your abilities, it is better to contact an authorized service center in order to maintain the warranty in full.