Two-chamber refrigerators Atlant are deservedly popular due to their reliability, but even the highest quality equipment requires maintenance over time. Often, owners are faced with the need to replace the compressor, clean the condenser, or eliminate mechanical damage to the housing, which cannot be done without dismantling the top cover. This structural element protects the upper part of the unit and often hides important components of the control system or wiring.
The process of removing the cover may seem simple, but the design of Belarusian refrigerators has its own technical features, ignoring which can lead to breakage of plastic latches or damage to the paintwork. Safety and sequence of actions they play a decisive role here role, since careless handling of metal panels can result in cuts or deformation of the metal. In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for various models.
Before starting work, you need to prepare the workplace and free up space around the refrigerator. You will need access to the device from all sides, especially the top and back where the mounting hardware is typically located. You shouldn’t rush and try to tear off the panel by force if it doesn’t give in - the design Atlant always has hidden screws or fasteners that need to be found.
Necessary tools and safety measures
To properly dismantle the top cover refrigerator Atlant you will need a minimum set of tools that any craftsman can find in his home. The main tool will be a Phillips screwdriver, preferably with a magnetic tip, so as not to drop the fasteners inside the unit body. You may also need a flat-head screwdriver to carefully pry up decorative plugs or plastic clips.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work on disassembling the refrigerator, be sure to disconnect the device from the power supply! Unplug the socket and make sure that access to electricity is completely blocked. Working with live electrical appliances is strictly prohibited.
In some cases, if the screws are stuck or rusty, a penetrating lubricant, such as WD-40, may be needed, but for modern models Atlant this is rarely required. Protective gloves with a rubber coating will help to avoid cuts from the sharp edges of the metal sheet, since after removing the cover you will be working with the raw ends of the metal. Do not neglect personal safety, even if the operation seems trivial to you.
It is important to prepare a container for folding fasteners, since screws can be of different sizes and are easily lost. It is recommended to use a magnetic tray or small box where all the parts will be at hand. If you plan to remove the cover for the first time, prepare a camera or smartphone to record the disassembly steps, which will help during reassembly.
☑️ Preparing for dismantling
Design features of the upper part of the Atlant
Top cover refrigerators Atlant in a two-chamber design are most often a stamped metal panel, painted in the color of the body or covered with white enamel. It is attached to the vertical walls of the case and the rear panel using screws, the number and location of which depends on the specific series and year of manufacture of the model. In older models, the fastening may be more massive, while in new series, manufacturers strive to minimize visible fasteners.
Under this cover there are often located the upper ends of the evaporation tubes, wiring of temperature sensors, and in some models with the system No Frost elements of the ventilation system. That is why it is important to understand that the cover is not just a decorative element, but part of the structure that ensures the rigidity of the case. Incorrect dismantling can disrupt the geometry of the opening, which will subsequently lead to a loose fit of the door or the appearance of extraneous noise during compressor operation.
It is worth noting that for different modifications Atlant the thickness of the metal and the type of coating may differ. On panels with a polymer coating, you should be especially careful with the tool so as not to leave scratches, which will later become sources of corrosion. Plastic elements, if they are present in the upper part (for example, decorative overlays), require careful handling, since the plastic becomes brittle over time.
Features of models with a top control panel
In some Atlant models, the electronic control panel is located on the top cover. In this case, dismantling requires first disconnecting the cables and taking special care not to damage the display or buttons.
Step-by-step instructions for dismantling the cover
Start the process of inspecting the top of the refrigerator Atlant by searching for visible fasteners. Typically the screws are located at the corners of the top panel or along the rear edge. In some models, the fasteners may be hidden under decorative plastic plugs, which must be carefully pryed off with a flat-head screwdriver. If the screws are located at the back, you may need to move the refrigerator away from the wall at a sufficient distance.
After all visible screws have been unscrewed, do not rush to sharply pull the lid up. Try moving the panel slightly horizontally - forward or backward. This is necessary in order to disengage the mounting tabs from the housing. Movements should be smooth, without using excessive force. If the cover does not move, double-check that all screws have been removed, including those that may be under the rubber feet on the cover itself (rare, but it does happen).
When you feel that the latches are out of the grooves, carefully lift the cover. Be careful: there may be wires running inside that go to the lights or sensors if they are located in the upper part. In classic two-chamber models Atlant the wiring often runs along the inner wall, but it’s better to be safe. Place the removed cap on a soft surface so as not to scratch the front side.
Nuances for different series of refrigerators
The model range of refrigerators Atlant is extensive, and the design of the upper part may vary. In series with a traditional defrosting system, the lid is relatively easy to remove, since there are a minimum of additional elements. However, in models with a system No Frost the situation may be more complicated due to the presence of air ducts and additional mounts for fans that can be fixed on the inside of the lid.
Models with a freezer compartment on top deserve special attention. In these, the top lid is often part of the freezer compartment structure and may have a more complex sealing system. When removing, it is important not to damage the sealing rubber, which ensures tightness. In some cases, it is necessary to first remove the freezer door to gain easy access to the internal screws.
Two-compressor models Atlant are characterized by the presence of additional wiring and controls that can pass through the top of the case. It is critical here not to pinch or damage the cables during dismantling. If you doubt your abilities or the design of your refrigerator looks non-standard, it is better to turn to official documentation or specialized services.
Typical mistakes and how to avoid them
One of the most common mistakes when dismantling the top cover is the use of force where accuracy is required. Many users, not finding hidden screws, simply try to tear off the panel, which leads to breakage of the plastic fasteners or deformation of the metal. Deformed metal later it will be difficult to install in place, and the seal of the case may be broken.
Another common mistake is the loss of fasteners. Refrigerator lid screws Atlant often have a specific thread or length, and replacing them with random bolts from the hardware store can result in the lid not holding firmly or, conversely, damaging the threads in the case. Always keep the original fasteners in a safe place.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use sharp metal objects such as knives or chisels to pry off the cover. This is guaranteed to lead to damage to the paintwork and the appearance of chips in the enamel, which will start the corrosion process.
It is also considered a mistake to ignore the condition of the seals and wires when the cover is removed. While you have access to the insides, it is recommended to inspect the condition of the wire insulation and the integrity of the tubes. If you notice scuff marks or signs of corrosion, this is a good time to fix them immediately while the cover is removed. Prevention is always cheaper and easier than subsequent repairs.
Table: Comparison of fastening methods in different models
To make it easier to understand the differences in design, we present a comparative table that will help identify the type of fastening of your refrigerator Atlant. This will allow you to prepare the necessary tool in advance and avoid surprises during the work process.
| Atlant model type | Screw location | Fastening type | Complexity dismantling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic (two-chamber) | Rear and top corners | M4, M5 screws | Low |
| No Frost models | Back, inside the camera (sometimes) | Screws + plastic clips | Medium |
| Series with a control panel on top | Under the decorative cover | Hidden screws, cables | High |
| Built-in models | Depends on the furniture niche | Combined | High |
Assembling and checking the result
After carrying out the necessary repair or maintenance work, the stage of reinstalling the top cover begins. Make sure that all internal components, wires and tubes are laid correctly and do not protrude beyond the chassis dimensions. The lid should fit in place freely, without distortion. If you feel resistance, do not press - check to see if any element is pinched.
When installing, align the mounting holes and grooves, then carefully insert the mounting screws. Tighten them evenly, without tightening them all the way all at once. First, tighten all the screws and then finally tighten them diagonally to ensure that the cover fits evenly. This is especially important to prevent vibrations and humming of the refrigerator Atlant during operation.
After installing the lid, wipe the surface with a soft cloth to remove fingerprints and dust. Plug in the refrigerator and listen to its operation. The absence of extraneous sounds and vibrations of the top panel indicates a correctly completed assembly. If you notice that the lid is rattling, it is possible that one of the screws is not tightened completely or, conversely, too tightly, which causes stress on the metal.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to remove the top cover without moving the refrigerator from the wall?
In most cases, to access the rear screws securing the top cover of the refrigerator Atlant a gap between the rear wall of the unit and the wall is required at least 30-40 cm. If the refrigerator is standing close to each other, remove the cover It will not be possible without the risk of damaging the wall or body. In some models, the screws may only be on the top, but you should not rely on this without a preliminary inspection.
What to do if the wire came off when removing the cover?
If you damaged the wiring during dismantling, do not plug in the refrigerator under any circumstances. It is necessary to insulate the damaged area using electrical tape or heat shrink, and ideally restore the connection by soldering. If you do not have the skills to work with electricians, it is better to call a specialist, since improper restoration can lead to a short circuit.
Does it need to drain the freon before removing the top cover?
No, removing the outer metal housing cover does not require intervention in the refrigeration circuit and does not involve draining the refrigerant. Freon circulates inside the sealed tubes of the evaporator and condenser. However, if your further actions involve working with the compressor itself or depressurizing the system, then you will need to call a specialist with equipment for pumping out freon.
How can I seal a scratch if I have damaged the covering of the cover?
To mask small scratches on the metal cover, you can use special restoration pencils for cars or aerosol enamel, selected in tone Before applying the coating, the surface must be degreased. This will prevent the development of corrosion, which is especially dangerous for the upper part of the refrigerator, where condensation may accumulate.