Stable and quiet operation of brand refrigeration equipment Atlant largely depends on the correct fixation of the compressor-condensing unit. Over time, even the most reliable vibration isolator can lose its properties, which will lead to extraneous noise and rattling of the case. Installing a new back stop on an Atlant refrigerator is a procedure that can be done independently if you have a minimum set of tools and strictly follow the instructions.
The main function of this element is to dampen vibrations that occur when starting and stopping the engine. If you notice that your Atlant refrigerator started to vibrate more than usual or makes loud sounds when the compressor is running, most likely the problem lies in the wear of the fasteners. Ignoring this problem can lead to more serious consequences, including damage to the tubes or weakening of other components.
In this article we will analyze the replacement process in detail, paying attention to the nuances that beginners often miss. You will learn how to properly prepare a workplace, what tools you will need and how not to damage adjacent structural elements during installation. A competent approach will extend the life of household appliances and return silence to the house.
Diagnostics of the fault and signs of wear on the stop
Before you start purchasing spare parts and disassembling the equipment, you need to make sure that the source of the problem is the back stop. Often users mistakenly blame the compressor, although the reason lies in the elementary rubber destruction or plastic bushings through which the mounting bolt passes. Primary diagnosis is carried out visually and by ear.
Go to the operating unit and carefully touch its back wall. If you feel strong vibration transmitted to the metal box, or hear a characteristic knock at the bottom, this is a sure sign of a malfunction. It is also worth paying attention to the condition of the element itself: if the rubber part is cracked, “stiffened” with time or completely crumbled, replacement is inevitable.
- 🔊 The appearance of a loud hum or rattling immediately after starting the engine.
- 📉 Perceptible displacement of the compressor when touched by hand during work.
- 👁️ Visual defects: cracks, tears or lack of rubber gaskets on the mount.
⚠️ Attention: If during diagnostics you find that not only the mounts are vibrating, but also the compressor housing itself is damaged, or you can hear a metal clanging inside the motor, self-repair can be dangerous. In such cases, it is better to turn to professionals.
It is important to distinguish vibration of the stop from vibration caused by improper installation of the refrigerator itself on the floor. Make sure that the legs of the unit are level and that it does not wobble. If everything is in order with the positioning, and the noise comes specifically from the motor mounting area at the rear, it means damper it has worked.
Necessary tools and preparation for work
High-quality installation of the rear support on the Atlant refrigerator requires preliminary preparation. You don't need complex professional tools, but having everything you need on hand will significantly speed up the process and protect you from injury. The work will be carried out on electrical equipment, so compliance with safety regulations is priority number one.
First of all, ensure access to the rear of the unit. Move the refrigerator far enough away from the wall so that you can walk around it freely. Be sure to disconnect the device from the electrical outlet by removing the plug from the outlet. This is a critical step, since the work will be carried out in close proximity to the electrical contacts of the compressor.
☑️ Ready for repair
To dismantle the old and install a new stop you will need:
- 🔧 A set of wrenches or sockets (most often sizes 10, 12 or 13 mm).
- 🪛 Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead) for removing protective covers.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp edges and dirt.
- 🧹 Rags and cleaning agent for degreasing seats.
Sometimes the mounting bolts can be over-tightened or covered with a layer of rust and old grease. In this case, a penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40) may be required, which should be applied to the threads 10-15 minutes before starting to unscrew. This will avoid licking the edges of the bolts and will facilitate the dismantling process.
Choosing suitable spare parts for the Atlant model
Refrigerators Atlant are produced in a huge number of modifications, and although the design of the compressor compartment is similar for many models, the stops may differ in geometry and size. Using the wrong part will result in the compressor not being securely attached, which will ruin the entire repair. Therefore, selecting spare parts is an important stage.
Original spare parts have catalog numbers, which depend on the series of the refrigerator. Most often, there are rubber bushings with a metal sleeve inside or combined plates with rubber feet. For an accurate selection, it is best to remove the old part and compare it with the new one, or look for a spare part using the full model code of your refrigerator indicated on the nameplate.
Where to look for the model code?
The model code and serial number of your Atlant refrigerator are usually located on a sticker inside the refrigerator compartment (on the right wall or on the ceiling) or on the back panel. Look for the line “Model” or “Model”.
When choosing between the original and the analogue, it is worth considering that high-quality analogues made of heat-resistant rubber often serve no worse than factory ones. However, cheap hard rubber substitutes can quickly crack in the cold or, conversely, melt from the heat of the engine. Pay attention to the hardness of the material: it should be elastic, but not “oaky.”
| Type of stop | Material | Features | For which models |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rubber bushing | Oil-resistant rubber | Inserted into the frame hole | Classic KSh models |
| Plate with legs | Rubber + metal | Screwed to the frame bolts | Modern series |
| Combined | Plastic + rubber | Complex shape, dampens noise | Models with low noise level |
Removing the old stop and cleaning the seat
The process of removing a worn element begins with gaining access to the compressor. In some refrigerator models Atlant access is immediately available, while in others it may be necessary to remove the rear metal panel (crankcase) covering the engine compartment. Unscrew the fastening screws around the perimeter of the panel and carefully remove it.
After gaining access, inspect the fastening. Most often, the stop is a rubber pad through which a bolt passes, pressing the compressor foot to the refrigerator frame. Using a suitable wrench, loosen the nut on the bolt. If the bolt is rusty and does not give in, do not use excessive force so as not to strip the thread - it is better to additionally treat it with lubricant.
⚠️ Attention: When removing the compressor from the support, watch the copper tubes going to it. They are fragile and filled with refrigerant. Do not allow them to be bent or, especially, damaged, as this will lead to freon leakage.
After removing the old stop, thoroughly clean the metal frame and compressor feet from old dirt, oil and the remains of destroyed rubber. The surface must be clean and dry for the new element to lay flat and perform its function. If there are pockets of corrosion on the metal, it is advisable to clean them and treat them with a rust converter.
Step-by-step instructions for installing a new stop
Installation of a new back stop on the Atlant refrigerator is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling, but in compliance with important technological nuances. The main rule is not to overtighten the fastening, but also not to leave it weak. Excessive force can tear the new rubber, and weak force will not eliminate the vibration.
Insert a new rubber bushing or install a plate into the frame mounting hole. Make sure it fits snugly and doesn't wobble. If the design provides for the use of metal washers, arrange them according to the diagram: usually the washer is placed between the bolt head and the rubber so as not to damage the material when tightening.
Carefully move the compressor foot to the installed stop and insert the mounting bolt. At this stage, it is important to keep the motor level so as not to create unnecessary stress on the tubes. Start tightening the nut by hand to make sure that the thread is positioned correctly and is not skewed.
- Fit the nut and tighten it with a wrench until it makes contact with the surface.
- Tighten the nut another half-turn or turn to ensure tight clamping.
- Check the installation: the compressor should not dangle freely, but the rubber stop should not be flattened into a “pancake.”
If you change the stops at all mounting points (and it is recommended to change them as a set), repeat the procedure for each bolt sequentially. Do not tighten one bolt all the way, leaving the others weak - first press all the points lightly, and then evenly bring the force up to normal.
Checking functionality and final assembly
After the new one vibration isolator is installed, it is necessary to carry out a control check. Visually inspect the assembled structure: are all the bolts in place, are they not interfering with movement, are the tubes positioned correctly. Make sure that the compressor is level and not skewed to one side.
Now you can install the protective rear panel (crankcase) in place and secure it with screws. Make sure the panel does not touch any tubes or wires. After complete assembly, connect the refrigerator to the electrical outlet. In the first minutes of operation, listen carefully: the characteristic knocking and rattling should disappear.
Let the refrigerator run idle for about 30-40 minutes. During this time, check the temperature in the chambers and make sure that the unit is gaining cold as normal. If the noise returns or a new whistle appears, the fastening may be tightened too tightly or, conversely, loosely. In this case, the procedure will have to be repeated, adjusting the tightening force.
Typical installation errors and how to avoid them
Even a simple, at first glance, operation of replacing the stop can be performed incorrectly if you do not know some of the subtleties. One of the most common mistakes is using the wrong size bolts. A bolt that is too long may rest against the compressor housing, and a short one will not provide reliable fixation.
Another common problem is ignoring the condition of the washers. If old washers have burrs or rust, they must be replaced or cleaned. The sharp edges of the washer can cut new rubber during vibration, which will lead to rapid failure of the newly installed part.
- ❌ Using a “drop” or glue to fix the rubber (this disrupts the operation of the damper).
- ❌ Installing the stop “dry” without cleaning the surface from oil.
- ❌ Excessive tightening force, leading to deformation of the rubber.
⚠️ Attention: Never use sealants or glue to glue the stop to the frame. Vibration should be dampened by the elasticity of the material, and not by rigid fixation. The glue will make the part useless.
It is also a mistake to replace only one stop out of three or four. If one is worn out, it means the others are in a similar condition. Replacing only one attachment point will lead to an uneven load and rapid destruction of the new part.
Is it possible to use stops from other brands?
The use of stops from other brands is possible if the geometric dimensions (hole diameter, height, seat diameter) are the same. However, rubber from different manufacturers may have different hardness and oil resistance. It is better to look for original spare parts Atlant or specialized analogues for refrigeration equipment.
How often do you need to change the rear stops?
The service life of rubber parts depends on operating conditions. On average, replacement is required every 7-10 years. However, if the refrigerator is on an uneven floor or is subject to frequent power outages (which causes frequent motor starts), wear may occur earlier.
What to do if the fastening bolt breaks?
If the bolt breaks inside the thread, you will need to drill out the remainder or select a new bolt with similar thread parameters. As a last resort, you can use a bolt of a slightly smaller diameter with a selection of washers, but this is a temporary solution. It is better to find original fasteners.
Does the room temperature affect the service life of the stop?
Yes, it does. Rubber is sensitive to temperature changes. If the refrigerator is located in an unheated country house in winter, the rubber may crack from frost. In summer, when the engine overheats, it may become too soft. The optimal operating temperature prolongs the life of the parts.
Is it necessary to lubricate the new stop?
It is not recommended to lubricate the rubber itself with oil or grease, since some types of lubricants can corrode the rubber mixture. The seat on the metal can be lightly wiped, but heavy lubrication is not needed there. The main thing is cleanliness and dryness.