The situation when the kitchen layout changes or after purchasing large appliances it turns out that the refrigerator Atlant is inconvenient is familiar to many owners. Most often, the problem lies in the direction of the door opening, which interferes with free passage or access to work areas. Fortunately, the design of most models of this brand allows for the possibility of reversing the canvas to the other side without loss of functionality.
The rearrangement process does not require calling a specialist and a specialized tool, but it requires attentiveness and strict adherence to the sequence of actions. Improper assembly can lead to a loose seal, misalignment of the doors or damage Freon pipes, which will lead to costly repairs. In this article, we will look in detail at how to independently change the opening side, taking into account the design features of various series of refrigerators.
Preparation for work and necessary tools
Before starting work, it is necessary to clear the space around the unit, ensuring access from all sides. The refrigerator should be unplugged and completely defrosted if there is ice left in the compartment. This is critically important, since working with sealer and hinges on a frozen device can damage it. Also, you need to remove all shelves, drawers and products from the chambers to lighten the weight of the structure.
To perform the operation, you will need a standard home craftsman's kit. The main tool will be hex key (usually included with the refrigerator) or a set of screwdrivers. Some models may require open-end wrenches of a certain size to remove the handles.
Be sure to prepare a soft surface, such as a blanket or thick cardboard, to lay the removed parts on the floor. When dropped, metal elements can scratch the floor covering or become chipped, which will subsequently become sources of corrosion corrosion.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to unplug the refrigerator from the mains and remove the plug from the socket. Working with electrical appliances under voltage is strictly prohibited.
Design features of different Atlant models
Equipment Atlant is divided into several series, and the rehanging procedure may differ depending on the number of loops and type of control. Classic two-chamber models with mechanical control usually use two or three hinges: top, middle and bottom. In models with a system No Frost or electronic control, the design may be more complex.
Particular attention should be paid to models with an upper freezer compartment and those where the freezer is located below. In the latter, there are often four attachment points, which requires more careful preparation. The method of attaching the handles also differs: in some cases they are fixed with screws from the inside, in others the screws are hidden under decorative plugs.
If your refrigerator is equipped with a display or control buttons on the door, the procedure is complicated by the need to turn it off loop. In such cases, it is strongly recommended to have on hand the wiring diagram from the user manual so as not to mix up the contacts during reassembly.
Dismantling the upper part and removing the door
We start disassembling from the top part of the unit. The first step is to remove the top cover of the refrigerator, if your model has one. It is usually secured with latches or screws that need to be carefully unscrewed. After this, access to the upper hinge opens.
Next, you need to loosen, but not completely unscrew, the screws securing the upper hinge. You need to place a wooden block or stop under the refrigerator door at the place where the bottom hinge is attached (or the middle one, if there are three of them). This is necessary so that the door does not fall when you finally remove the fasteners.
After unscrewing the screws, carefully remove the top hinge and dismantle the door. If there is a handle installed on the door, it is better to remove it immediately so that it does not interfere and does not scratch the body when rearranging. To do this, unscrew the fixing screws from the inside of the leaf.
Transferring the lower hinge and axle
After removing the door, attention turns to the lower part housings. This is where the bottom loop and, often, the axis of rotation is located. In some models Atlant the axis is part of the lower hinge, in others it is a separate pin screwed into the body.
It is necessary to unscrew the fastening bolts of the lower hinge and remove it. If the axle is separate, it is unscrewed counterclockwise. The vacated holes on the front side of the case must be closed with plastic plugs, which are usually included in the kit or are already installed on the back side.
On the opposite side of the case you will find threaded holes closed with decorative plugs. Carefully remove the plugs with a knife or thin screwdriver. The loop will be installed into these holes and the axle will be screwed in. Make sure the threads are clean and undamaged.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use excessive force when screwing the axle into the plastic housing. The thread may be stripped, which will require repair of the body or the use of repair bushings.
Installing the door on a new side
Now that all preparatory work has been completed, you can begin installation. Place the bottom hinge in a new place and screw in the rotation axis. Make sure it fits snug and upright. Place the refrigerator door onto the axle, holding it from below.
Align the door with the body and install the top hinge on the corresponding holes on the other side. Insert the mounting screws, but do not tighten them all the way yet. This will allow you to correct the position of the door if it is misaligned.
After final alignment, tighten all screws tightly. Check how the door opens and closes. It should move smoothly, without creaking or jamming. The seal should fit evenly to the body along the entire perimeter.
☑️ Checking the door installation
Moving the handle and decorative elements
If the design of your model involves moving the handle, find the holes covered with plugs on the back of the door. Remove the plugs and screw the mounting screws into them. Place the handle on the inside of the door and secure it.
It is important not to overtighten the screws securing the handle, especially if it is plastic, so as not to crack the material. In models with hidden fastening, the handle itself is first installed, and then it is fixed with screws through special holes.
All vacant holes on the front side of the door are closed with plugs. If the kit included special decorative overlays for the new side, install them according to the instructions. This will give the unit an aesthetic and finished look.
Adjusting the position of the doors
After installation, it may be necessary to adjust the height of the door or the tightness of its fit. For this purpose, adjusting bolts are provided in the hinge design. By twisting them, you can achieve the ideal gap between the door and the body.
Check the operation of the magnetic lock. The door should close on its own when approaching the body at a distance of about 2-3 cm. If this does not happen, you may need to adjust the tilt of the refrigerator body using the front support legs.
What to do if the door does not close tightly?
If after rehanging there is a gap, try heating the seal with a hairdryer in the place of deformation or leave the door closed for day to straighten the rubber.
Table: Comparison of fastening types in different series
| Refrigerator series | Number of loops | Type of handle fastening | Presence of cable |
|---|---|---|---|
| KSh-282 (Classic) | 2 hinges | Screws outside | No |
| MXM (No Frost) | 3 hinges | Hidden | Yes (ventilation) |
| Refrigerators with display | 2-3 hinges | Integrated | Yes (electronics) |
| Minibars | 1 hinge (top) | Invoice | No |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to wait after re-hanging before turning on?
Yes, it is recommended to wait 2-4 hours before turning on the refrigerator network. This is necessary to stabilize the oil in the compressor, especially if the unit was tilted strongly during operation.
Is it possible to lose the warranty if you re-hang it yourself?
According to the rules of most service centers, re-hanging the doors yourself is not grounds for denying the warranty if the unit components were not damaged in the process. However, keep all the removed parts.
What to do if the holes for hanging are not suitable?
In some budget or specific models, the holes may only be on one side. In this case, you need to check the product data sheet. If there are no holes, independent rehanging is impossible without drilling the case, which is not recommended.
What to do with the cable if it is short?
If the cable is not long enough to transfer to the other side, it cannot be pulled. In such cases, it is necessary to extend the wire or resolder the contacts, which is best entrusted to a qualified specialist.