Disassembling household appliances requires accuracy and understanding of the design, especially when it comes to popular Belarusian-made models. The question of how to remove various elements from the refrigerator often arises when it is necessary to transport the unit through narrow doorways or when carrying out complex repairs. Improper dismantling can lead to damage to the tubes, freon leakage or breakage of plastic fasteners. Atlant various elements, often arises when it is necessary to transport the unit through narrow doorways or when carrying out complex repairs. Improper dismantling can lead to damage to the tubes, leakage of freon, or breakage of plastic fasteners.
Before starting any work, you must completely disconnect the device from the power supply by unplugging the plug from the socket. This is basic safety ruleignoring which can lead to electric shock, since some elements of the circuit are energized even when turned off. In addition, the equipment must stand unplugged for several hours so that the oil flows into the compressor and the condensate has time to evaporate.
Depending on the model - be it a classic two-chamber version or a system No Frost - the sequence of actions and the set of tools may differ significantly. Owners should prepare in advance screwdrivers with different types of tips, pliers and a container to collect possible water. Understanding the structure of your unit will help you avoid fatal mistakes during the disassembly process.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting disassembly, make sure that there is no food left in the freezer that can melt and spoil, as the dismantling process can take a significant amount of time, during which the temperature inside will begin to rise.
Worker Preparation places and necessary tools
High-quality preparation of the place for repairs is half the success. You will need clear space around the refrigerator to allow access from all sides. It is advisable to cover the floor with a soft material, for example, cardboard or an old blanket, so as not to scratch the floor covering and the body of the equipment itself if parts accidentally fall.
The set of tools should be the minimum necessary, but sufficient for various types of fasteners. Most often, refrigerators Atlant use screws for a Phillips screwdriver, but there may also be slotted options, as well as turnkey bolts. It wouldn’t hurt to have a knife on hand to carefully pry up the plastic plugs without breaking them.
- 🔧 Screwdrivers: Phillips (PH1, PH2) and flat (blade width 3-5 mm).
- 🔩 Wrench or 8 mm socket and 10 mm for dismantling the compressor.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🧽 A rag and a container for water in case of defrosting of remaining ice.
It is important to organize lighting for the work area. Dim light deep in the refrigerator compartment or behind the unit may cause you to miss small but important fastening parts. Good visibility allows you to control the force applied to the screws, preventing thread stripping or plastic breakage.
Removing door panels and hinges
Removing the doors is the first and most important step if you plan to move the refrigerator. The doors of the models Atlant are quite heavy, so it is better to perform this operation together. First, you need to empty the shelves and door baskets of their contents in order to reduce the weight of the structure and avoid falling glass elements.
The process begins with the upper canopy. Using a screwdriver or knife, carefully pry up the decorative plug hiding the mounting bolts. After unscrewing the top screws, the door must be held as it is no longer secured at the top. Then the middle hinge is removed (if the door is double-leaf or there is a partition) and the lower support.
☑️ Door removal checklist
Particular attention should be paid to the electrical wires if indicators or lights are built into the doors. In modern models Wiring connectors they can be located inside the loop or pass through a special channel in the body. A sharp jerk of the door will lead to breakage of the contacts.
| Type of fastening | Tool | Dismantling nuances |
|---|---|---|
| Top hinge | Phillips screwdriver | Often hidden by a plastic cover |
| Middle hinge | 10 mm wrench | Requires upper door support |
| Lower stop | Phillips screwdriver | Fixes the door in the closed position |
| Panel decor | Flat knife | Removed before unscrewing the screws |
⚠️ Attention: When When removing the hinges, do not lose the adjusting washers, which may be located under the mounting bolts. They are necessary for correct installation of the door back and to prevent distortions.
Removing the rear panel and accessing the compressor
To access the motor-compressor and the condenser, you must remove the rear metal panel (casing). It is secured around the perimeter with many screws. Before unscrewing, make sure that the refrigerator is moved away from the wall at a sufficient distance for comfortable operation.
After removing the panel, a view opens onto compressor unit, the capillary tube and the filter-drier. It is important to act with extreme caution here: copper tubes are very soft and easily deformed. Any damage to the tube will lead to the release of refrigerant and will require expensive refilling.
If your goal is to replace the compressor, then before disconnecting the tubes it is necessary to bleed off the remaining freon in a well-ventilated area. To unscrew the tube nuts, two keys are used: one holds the fitting, the other unscrews the nut so as not to turn the tube itself.
How to distinguish a faulty compressor?
The compressor may be faulty if it hums, but does not start, or starts for a couple of seconds and turns off with a click. Another sign is the lack of heating of the capacitor when the engine is running. However, only a master can make an accurate diagnosis using a pressure manifold.
When removing a compressor Atlant rubber shock absorbers or metal studs are often used. If the compressor is welded, it can be cut off with a pipe cutter, but soldering will be required to reinstall it. In most cases, for DIY repairs, it is recommended to completely replace the assembly with the selected model.
Disassembling the interior and the No Frost system
In refrigerators with a system No Frost or Frost Free rear wall inside The chamber is part of a complex air circulation system. To remove the plastic panel, you must first remove all the drawers, shelves and guides.
The rear panel can be secured with screws hidden under the plugs, or with plastic latches. If you feel resistance, do not use force - inspect the perimeter for fasteners. Under the panel there is evaporator and the defrost heater, which are fragile elements.
- ❄️ Carefully disconnect the temperature sensors attached to the evaporator.
- 💨 Check the air ducts for presence ice jams.
- 🔌 Disconnect the blower fan connectors if it is located in a niche.
Water or ice often accumulates under the panel if the drainage hole has been clogged. Before installing the panel back, you must thoroughly dry the niche and clean the drainage. To do this, you can use a soft wire or a special brush, pouring warm water into the drain funnel.
Removing the base panel and start relay
At the bottom of the refrigerator, behind a decorative grille or base panel, the start relay and thermostat are often hidden. Removing this panel from models Atlant is usually not difficult: it is held on by latches or two or three screws.
After removing the grille, you will have access to the compressor from below. The starting relay (black or white box on the side or top of the motor) can be removed simply by hand after disconnecting the wires. However, before doing this, be sure to take a photo the connection diagram, so as not to mix up the contacts during assembly.
If you change a relay, make sure that the new one matches the markings of the old one. Universal relays are not suitable for all compressor models Atlant. An error in selection can lead to burnout of the motor windings.
| Element | Location | Mode of fastening | Tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start relay | Side of compressor | Latch/Tight fit | No/Screwdriver |
| Thermoregulator | Next to the relay | Clip/Screw | Flat screwdriver |
| Capacitor | Next to the relay | Metal bracket | Phillips screwdriver |
| Plinth panel | Bottom rear | Latch/Screws | Phillips screwdriver |
⚠️ Attention: When working with electrical components in the bottom of the refrigerator, make sure that the capacitors are discharged, although in domestic refrigerators the risk of electric shock after disconnection is minimal, caution will not hurt.
Transportation and storage of removed parts
After that Once you managed to remove Atlant necessary components from the refrigerator, the question of their safe storage arises. Doors, if they are removed for transportation, are best secured with masking tape in the closed position, after placing soft cloth or foam plastic between the doors to avoid scratches.
Removed shelves and drawers should be washed and dried separately. Glass shelves should not be exposed to sudden temperature changes - do not place cold shelves under hot water. Plastic parts can become brittle in the cold, so in winter it is better to store them in a warm room.
If the refrigerator is disassembled for disposal, remember about environmental safety. The refrigerant and insulating foam may contain harmful substances. Compressed gas from the system must be released only in the open air, away from sources of fire.
When storing a disassembled unit for a long time, it is recommended to leave the doors ajar to prevent mold from growing inside and a musty smell. The compressor, if removed, must be stored in a vertical position so that oil does not enter the circuit if this is not provided for by the design.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to remove the doors of the Atlant refrigerator alone?
Technically this is possible, but it is highly not recommended. Doors are heavy and can tear the hinges out of the frame or fall on your feet. In addition, it is difficult for one person to simultaneously hold the door and unscrew the bolts. It’s better to call an assistant.
Is it necessary to drain the oil from the compressor when removing it?
If the compressor is removed for replacement, there is no need to specifically drain the oil, it will remain inside. The main thing is not to turn the compressor upside down or put it on its side so that oil does not get into the circulation circuit if you plan to reuse it (reuse), although more often compressors are replaced entirely.
Why is the rear plastic panel inside not removed?
Most likely, you did not find all the fastening screws. In models Atlant they can be hidden under decorative plugs, inside a niche for a light bulb or under a seal. Also, the panel could freeze - let the refrigerator completely defrost.
How to remove the door handle if there are no visible screws?
In many models Atlant the handles are attached to powerful screws from the bottom or top, closed with decorative plugs. Sometimes you need to move the handle itself to the side or remove the entire decorative door trim to gain access to the fasteners.
Is it dangerous to disassemble the refrigerator yourself under warranty?
Yes, if you break seals or damage components during unqualified disassembly, you will be deprived of warranty service. Removing doors to bring into an apartment is usually possible if you do not damage the electrical connections and hinges, but opening the compressor casing or internal panel is strictly prohibited.