The need to change the direction of opening the refrigerator door often arises when remodeling the kitchen or purchasing a new model that does not fit into the usual interior. Equipment owners Atlant often face a situation where a standard left-hand link prevents full access to shelves or aisles. Fortunately, the design of most units of this brand provides the possibility reversible installationthat allows you to do the work yourself without calling a specialist.
The rehanging process does not require deep engineering knowledge, but it absolutely requires accuracy and adherence to the sequence of actions. Any mistake when installing hinges or incorrectly adjusting the gaps can lead to the door not fitting tightly, causing ice to freeze and increased energy consumption. Before starting work, it is important to clear the space around the unit and prepare the necessary tools.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for various models of refrigerators Atlant, including two-chamber options with an upper and lower freezer. You will learn about the nuances of dismantling the fittings, the peculiarities of rearranging the handles and the critical points of adjusting the tightness of the seal.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
To successfully complete the task, you will need a basic kit for a home craftsman. The main tool will be an open-end wrench or a 10 mm socket, since this is the size of the fastener most often used in refrigerators Atlant. You also cannot do without Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers, which will be needed to remove decorative plugs and adjust the legs.
In addition to the main tool, you should prepare auxiliary materials that will facilitate the process and protect the coating of the equipment. Since the door will have to be removed and placed on the floor, it is extremely important to have thick cardboard, an old blanket or a soft rag on hand. This will prevent scratches on the enamel and dents on the ends of the door leaf.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work with electrical appliances, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Remove the plug from the socket to eliminate the risk of short circuit or electric shock if the wiring is accidentally damaged during dismantling.
The work area should be well lit, and a space of at least one meter should be cleared around the refrigerator. This will allow you to freely walk around the unit, place the removed parts and not lose small fasteners. Determine in advance the place where you will put the bolts and plugs so that they do not get lost.
- 🔧 Open-end wrench or 10 mm socket head (main tool for hinges).
- 🪛 Set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) for plugs and adjustment.
- 🧤 Construction gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 📦 Container for folding small parts (so as not to lose screws).
Dismantling the top hinge and removing the refrigerator door
The process begins from the top of the unit. If you have a model with an upper freezer compartment, then it is the first one to be removed. On most models Atlant the upper loop is closed with a decorative plastic plug, which must be carefully pryed off with a flat screwdriver. Be careful not to break the plastic cover fasteners.
After removing the cap, the mounting bolts will be revealed to your attention. In some models, a temperature sensor or door open alarm wire may be connected to the top hinge. If the wire is present, it does not need to be disconnected immediately - first loosen the fastening to have access to the connector, and only then disconnect the contacts, remembering their position. In simpler modifications, there may be no wiring.
Next, you need to unscrew the bolts holding the upper hinge. Here, it is best to perform this operation with an assistant or pre-fix the position of the door with tape, although professionals prefer to simply hold the door with their hand. After unscrewing the bolts, remove the metal hinge plate.
Now you can remove the door itself. Lift it up to remove the lower axle from the bushing and carefully set it aside on the prepared soft base. If there is a lower bushing (support bushing) left at the end of the door, it must also be removed and moved to the opposite side, into the prepared hole.
⚠️ Attention: Do not leave the door hanging on one lower fastener after removing the upper hinge. This creates excess pressure on the lower axis and can lead to metal deformation or fasteners being pulled out of the body.
After removing the door, inspect the holes on the refrigerator body. On the opposite side, where you plan to hang the door, the holes will be closed with plastic plugs. They must be removed and moved to the free space in order to preserve the aesthetic appearance of the equipment.
Re-hanging the freezer door
If your refrigerator Atlant is a two-chamber one, the next step is to work with the bottom door (or the top door, if the freezer is on top). The principle of operation is similar, but there are some nuances. First, remove the top hinge of this chamber, which is also the middle hinge of the entire unit. The fasteners are usually hidden under a decorative overlay.
When dismantling the middle hinge, pay attention to its design. In some models it may be asymmetrical or have specific guides. After unscrewing the bolts, remove the hinge and remove the freezer door by lifting it up. Don't forget to remove and move the support sleeve to the opposite end.
Pay special attention to the pins and bushings. It often happens that during long-term use they become stuck or become dirty. Before installing them in a new location, it is recommended to wipe them with a clean rag and, if necessary, lubricate them with graphite lubricant to ensure smooth operation. The use of oil is not recommended, as it can thicken in the cold.
Also replace the decorative plugs on the free side of the housing. If the holes on the new side are threaded, make sure they do not have the factory retaining screws that are sometimes installed during factory assembly. They must be unscrewed before installing the hinges.
- 🧊 Remove all products from the chambers to lighten the weight of the doors.
- 🔩 Maintain the order of unscrewing the bolts (top-bottom) so as not to confuse the length.
- 🧼 Wipe the rubber seal from dust before installation in a new location.
Installing hinges and installing doors on a new side
Installation begins in the reverse order: first install the bottom door (freezer), then the top (refrigerator). Insert the lower support sleeve into the prepared hole at the end of the door. Install the door onto the lower factory bushing of the body (it should already be rearranged or installed from the factory on the desired side).
Put on the middle hinge (for two-chamber models) or immediately the top one (for single-chamber models). Insert the mounting bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet. This is an important point: primary fixation you must allow the loop to move a little so that you can even out the gaps. Full tightening is carried out only after final adjustment.
When installing the top loop, reconnect the sensor wires if they were disconnected. Make sure that the connector clicks into place and that the wire is not pinched by the metal of the loop. Place the wiring in the grooves provided for this on the door body.
☑️ Checklist for installing hinges
After installing all the hinges and hanging the doors, the most important stage begins - adjustment. The door should open smoothly, without jerking, and fit tightly around the entire perimeter. If the door is skewed, loosen the fasteners of the middle or lower hinge and slightly move the door until the ideal position is achieved.
Rearranging the handles and final adjustment
On many refrigerator models Atlant the handles are part of the decorative profile or are attached separately. If the handle is symmetrical, it is enough to remove it and install it on the other side using the provided holes. To do this, you will need to remove the locking screws from the inside of the door (usually they are closed with plugs).
Models with hidden or integrated handles may require rearrangement of decorative trims. Remove the old trim by carefully prying it off and install the new one (or move the existing one) to the opposite side. Be careful not to damage the fragile plastic and paintwork.
The final adjustment is to check the tightness of the seal. Close the door and try to lightly pull the edge all the way around. There should be no drafts or gaps anywhere. If the door does not fit tightly, you can slightly unscrew the adjusting bolts on the lower support, raising the corner of the door, or, conversely, tighten them.
Also check the operation of the light sensor. When the door is open, the light should come on, and when closed, it should go out. If the sensor sticks or does not respond, the door may be hung too high or low and does not press the sensor button.
| Element | Action | Tool | Nuance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Removal/Installation | 10 mm wrench | Careful with sensor wires |
| Support sleeve | Rearrangement | Flat screwdriver | Lubricate before installation |
| Plug decor | Replacing sides | Knife/Screwdriver | Do not break the antennae |
| Adjustment | Alignment | Key/Hands | Tighten after checks |
⚠️ Attention: After completing the work, do not turn on the refrigerator immediately. Allow the compressor oil to drain into the crankcase for 2-4 hours, especially if the unit has been tilted heavily during operation. This will extend the life of the compressor.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Unforeseen difficulties may arise during the work. One common problem is mismatched holes. On some budget or older models Atlant the hinge holes on the opposite side may be tightly closed or not threaded. In this case, independent re-hanging is impossible without drilling the body, which It is strictly not recommended do at home, as this will break the tightness of the circuit and lead to corrosion.
Another problem is the sagging of the door after installation. This can be solved by tightening the adjusting screws on the lower support. If the door, on the contrary, closes too tightly or bounces off, check whether the refrigerator body itself is warped. Adjusting the front legs helps to level the unit with a slight tilt back, which ensures self-closing.
If you notice that after rehanging the door, the fit around the handle becomes worse, the seal may have become deformed. You can heat it with a hairdryer (without overheating!) and straighten it, or simply wait a few days until it takes a new shape under the influence of temperature.
What to do if one bolt is lost?
If you have lost a mounting bolt, do not use the first one you got from the hardware store. Refrigerator hinge bolts have a specific strength and thread pitch. It is better to temporarily leave the hinge with one bolt (using it carefully) and buy an original repair kit or pick up an analogue based on the sample in a specialized fastener store. Using a bolt that is too long may pierce the insulation or push against the internal contour.
Questions and answers
Is it possible to hang the door on an Atlant refrigerator with the No Frost system?
Yes, on most models Atlant with the system No Frost door rehanging is possible. However, be careful with the wires going to the defrost and fan sensors, as there may be more of them than in drip models. The connection diagram is usually marked on the electrical diagram inside the unit.
What to do if, after rehanging, there is a gap between the door and the body?
A small gap can be eliminated by adjusting the height of the legs of the refrigerator. If the gap is significant, check that the support bushing is installed correctly and that there is no ice or debris obstructing it. Also make sure that the floor under the refrigerator is level.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before re-hanging the door?
Full defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, if there is a lot of ice in the freezer, the door may become too heavy, making removal difficult. In addition, when the door is tilted, water may leak out of the pan, so it is better to have a rag on hand.
Will the warranty remain valid after re-hanging the door yourself?
According to the law, independent repair of components that do not affect the sealed circuit and the compressor (like re-hanging doors) should not void the warranty if you have not caused damage. However, if the service center finds traces of unqualified intervention (broken threads, broken plastic), warranty service may be refused. Be extremely careful.