How to insert a seal into an Atlant refrigerator

Violation of the tightness of the refrigeration chamber - one of the most common reasons why the unit begins to work intermittently. If you notice that Atlant refrigerator the cold is kept worse, ice is freezing, or the compressor is running almost non-stop, the problem often lies in the wear of the door gasket. It is sealing rubber responsible for the tight fit of the door to the body, not letting warm air in.

You can restore the insulation yourself, without resorting to an expensive call to a technician. The process requires accuracy and understanding of the design of a particular unit, since models may differ in the method of fastening. In this article we will look at how to correctly insert a new element, straighten it and check the quality of the work performed.

Timely replacement will help avoid food spoilage and significantly reduce energy consumption. Ignoring the problem will lead to failure of more expensive components, such as compressor or the defrost system. Therefore, having discovered a defect, you should not postpone repairs.

Signs of wear and the need for replacement

You can determine that sealing rubber has become unusable by a number of visual and functional signs. The easiest way is to conduct the so-called paper test. Clamp the sheet of paper with the door in different places around the perimeter. If the paper is pulled out too easily or falls out on its own, it means that the seal is broken and sealing rubber is required replacement of the seal.

Visual inspection will also tell a lot about the condition of the part. Cracks and creases may appear on the rubber, it may become stiff and lose elasticity. Deformation is common when the elastic pulls away from the body, especially in the corners or in the middle of the long side. In models Atlant with a magnetic type of fastening, the magnetic tape inside may delaminate or lose its properties.

⚠️ Attention: If you notice that condensation is constantly accumulating on the outside of the case, especially near the doorway, or mold appears, this is a sure sign that the moist air actively penetrates inside due to poor fit.

Sometimes the problem is solved not by complete replacement, but by restoring the shape of the old elastic band, if it is not physically damaged. However, if the material is cracked or “dull”, seal repair is impossible - only installing a new part will help. Operating equipment with a defective gasket leads to increased wear of the motor.

Choosing a suitable seal for Atlant

Before inserting a new part, you need to make sure that it fully matches your model. Refrigerators Atlant have been produced for decades, and during this time the design of doors and grooves may have changed. Seals are single-chamber and double-chamber, and also differ in the type of fastening: on glue, on screws or in a groove (herringbone).

The most common option for modern models is a seal that is inserted into a special groove on the door. It can be magnetic or have a separate magnetic insert. When purchasing, it is important to pay attention to the rubber cross-section profile. Even a millimeter mismatch in the profile can lead to the door not closing tightly or, on the contrary, opening with difficulty.

Below is a table that helps you navigate the types of seals for different series of refrigerators:

When ordering spare parts through online stores, always indicate the full model number, which is located on the nameplate inside the camera. This will avoid mistakes, since visually similar rubber bands may have different lengths or connection angles.

Preparation of tools and workplace

To successfully complete the work replacing the seal you don’t need a complex professional tool. However, you should have items on hand that will help you carefully remove the old tires and install new ones without damage. First of all, you will need a hair dryer - an ordinary household hair dryer or a hair dryer (but with caution).

Heating is necessary in order to make the rubber profile more elastic. Cold rubber is brittle and can crack when trying to straighten it in the corners. Also have a flathead screwdriver or a special plastic spatula ready to bend the edges of the groove during installation. Do not use sharp metal objects so as not to damage the door plastic or the rubber itself.

• 🧤 Protective gloves —to avoid staining the new rubber and to protect your hands from dirt.
• 🧼 Soap solution —for degreasing and cleaning the groove before installation.
• 📏 Ruler or tape measure —to check the length of the new seal.
• 🔧 Flat screwdriver —for neatly filling the corners (it is better to wrap it with tape).

The workplace should be well lit. Clear the space in front of the refrigerator in advance so that you can access the door from all sides. Remove products from the shelves that may interfere or fall when the doors are opened wide.

Removing the old seal

The process of removing old rubber depends on the method of its attachment. In most modern models Atlant the seal is simply inserted into a groove around the perimeter of the door. In this case, the task is simplified: you just need to pull it out of the groove. It is better to start from the corner or the middle of the long side, where the rubber gives in most easily.

If the seal is glued, the situation is more complicated. You will need to carefully peel it off, helping yourself with a spatula. Any remaining adhesive must be carefully removed so that the new rubber can lay flat. The surface must be perfectly clean and dry. Sometimes the old rubber is screwed with self-tapping screws, which are hidden under the decorative strip or the rubber itself - in this case, they need to be unscrewed.

⚠️ Attention: When dismantling, proceed without sudden jerks. If the rubber is stuck or stuck tightly, warm up this area with a hairdryer. A sudden force can lead to deformation of the plastic frame of the door, which will be extremely difficult to correct.

After removing the old part, thoroughly rinse the groove with warm water and detergent. Remove all dirt, grease and old adhesive residue. This will ensure better sliding of the new rubber during installation and a tighter fit. Allow the surface to dry completely before installation.

Step-by-step installation of the new seal

Before inserting the seal into the refrigerator Atlant, it is recommended to warm it up. Immerse the new rubber in warm (not boiling water!) water for a few minutes or warm it thoroughly with a hairdryer. This will make the material soft and pliable. Installing cold, hard rubber often leads to creases and loose fit in the corners.

Start installation from the top corner of the door. Insert the protruding edge of the profile (the so-called “herringbone” or leg) into the groove. Make sure it goes in all the way. Then, moving along the perimeter, gradually tuck the rubber into the groove. Use your thumb or the blunt end of a screwdriver to push the profile in.

Pay special attention to the corners. This is where voids most often form. The rubber in the corner should not just be pushed in, but carefully straightened, forming a right angle. If the profile has a margin of length, it can be stretched a little in the right place, but this should be done evenly.

• 👉 Move from the center of the side to the corners to remove the excess length.
• 👉 Make sure that the magnetic tape inside does not shift or turn inside out.
• 👉 In the corners, use the “accordion” method - create small folds if there is a lot of length, or stretch if there is not enough.

After the entire perimeter has been completed, check the fit again. Run your hand along the entire length, making sure there are no gaps anywhere. If the rubber has popped out somewhere, pry up the edge and tuck it back in. It is important that the seal fits tightly and evenly around the entire perimeter.