The situation when a refrigerator Atlant is installed in an inconvenient place is familiar to many owners of this equipment. It often happens that the door opens to the side where it touches the furniture, or the entrance to the kitchen becomes too narrow. In such cases, the only correct solution is to change the opening side of the doors. Fortunately, the design of most models of this brand provides the opportunity rehanging doors, which allows you to adapt the unit to the layout of the room without calling a specialist.
This process does not require complex engineering knowledge, but definitely requires accuracy and the availability of a basic set of tools. It is important to understand that the internal structure of the hinges and fastenings may differ depending on the series and year of manufacture of your refrigerator. For example, older models may have a simpler mechanism, while newer versions often have additional ride dampers. Therefore, before starting work, you should carefully inspect the fittings.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the stages of dismantling and installing door panels on the opposite side. You'll learn how to properly remove handles, disconnect electrical wires (if present), and rearrange hinges. Following the sequence of actions will help to avoid damage to the enamel or breakage of plastic fastening elements.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
Before starting the active phase of work, it is necessary to prepare all the tools. For most models Atlant you will need a standard DIY kit. The main tool will be a hex key; it usually comes with the refrigerator, but it is often lost, so it is better to find a set of keys with sizes from 4 to 6 mm in advance. You will also need a flathead and Phillips screwdriver.
Be sure to free up space around the refrigerator. You need to ensure that the unit is easily accessible from all sides so that you can walk around it and put the removed parts in a safe place. It is better to cover the floor with a soft material, for example, a piece of cardboard or thick fabric, so that an accidentally dropped nut or a removed hinge does not scratch the floor covering.
The most important stage of preparation is turning off the power supply. Unplug the power cord and allow the compressor to cool. In addition, it is better to completely defrost the refrigerator and remove all shelves, drawers and food. Empty doors weigh significantly less, which reduces the risk of them falling or deforming during the hanging process. If heavy water bottles are left inside, they can shift the center of gravity and injure the technician.
Removing the top cover and handle of the refrigerator compartment
We start working from the top of the refrigerator. In two-chamber models Atlant the top door is usually the door of the refrigerator compartment. The first step is often to remove the decorative top cover if it is covering the fasteners. It can be held on by latches or small screws that need to be carefully unscrewed.
Next we move on to the handle. The design of handles in different series Atlant refrigerators may differ. In some models, the handle is integrated into the body and cannot be removed, but most often it is secured with screws. The screws can be hidden under decorative plugs. Carefully pry the plugs with a flat screwdriver to gain access to the fasteners.
If your model is equipped with an electronic control panel or a temperature indicator on the door, be extremely careful. Before completely removing the handle or door, you must disconnect the wire connectors. Do not pull the wires sharply; it is better to first find the junction of the harness and carefully undo the connector. Remember or photograph the position of the wires so that during assembly you do not mix up the contacts.
What to do if the screws are rusty?
If the mounting screws do not come off due to oxidation, drop a little penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40) on them and wait 10-15 minutes. Do not use excessive force to avoid stripping the thread.
Removing the refrigerator door and rearranging the hinges
After the handle is removed and the wires (if any) are disconnected, you can begin to dismantle the door itself. The top hinge that holds the door in place is attached to the refrigerator body with several bolts. Use a suitable size wrench (usually a 10mm or hex wrench) to unscrew them. It is recommended to have a helper hold the door, as it is heavy and may fall.
After removing the top hinge, carefully lift the door up, removing it from the bottom hinge pin of the middle part of the body. Place the removed door on the prepared soft surface with the outer side down so as not to damage the sealing rubber and enamel. Now you have access to the mounting holes.
On the door body you will see holes for the hinges: some will be plugged with plastic plugs, others will be occupied by screws. Your task is to unscrew the screws from the occupied holes and move them to the opposite side, into the previously plugged holes. The plastic plugs also need to be rearranged, covering the vacated holes on the other side with them. This is necessary to maintain an aesthetic appearance and protection from dust.
Working with the freezer door
The lower part of a two-chamber refrigerator Atlant is the freezer. The principle of outweighing it is similar to the upper compartment, but there are some nuances. Often between the refrigerator and freezer compartments there is a middle hinge that holds the upper door and serves as support for the lower one. After removing the top door, you gain access to this middle hinge.
The middle hinge also needs to be unscrewed from the refrigerator body. Please note that in some models Atlant the freezer bottom hinge pin may be part of the door itself or a separate element. If the pin is removable, it must be carefully knocked out or unscrewed. When removing the lower door, it is also recommended to hold it to avoid hitting the floor.
As in the case of the upper door, on the freezer you need to move the fasteners and plugs to the opposite side. Pay special attention to the lock mate (if it is mechanical) or the magnetic lock. They also need to be moved to the new side, otherwise the door will not close tightly. They are usually attached to one or two screws on the side of the case.
If your model has a damper (closer) on the bottom door, it will also need to be rearranged. The damper ensures smooth closing of the door at the last moment. The damper mechanism is attached to the bottom of the refrigerator, and its position strictly depends on the opening side.
☑️ Procedure for the bottom door
Rearrange the damper and adjust the mechanism
The damper is an important element of comfort that is often overlooked when re-weighted. In refrigerators Atlant it is usually located in the lower right or left corner (depending on the side). To rearrange it, you need to unscrew the fixing screw, remove the mechanism from the socket and install it in a symmetrical hole on the other side.
When installing the damper, make sure that the mechanism rod engages correctly with the door. If the mechanism is installed incorrectly, the door will close with a loud bang or, conversely, will not close completely. Some models require adjustment of the damper resistance force with a special screw, but most often it operates normally immediately after installation.
⚠️ Attention: When working with the damper mechanism, do not apply excessive force to the rod. The internal spring is under tension, and its failure will lead to the need to replace the entire assembly, which is more difficult than simple re-hanging.
After installing all the elements in new places, check the horizontal installation of the refrigerator itself. If you change the opening side, the load on the legs may be distributed differently. Tighten the adjusting screws on the front legs so that the body is stable and has a slight set back for self-closing doors.
Assembling the structure and checking the tightness
The final stage is reverse assembly. Reinstall the bottom freezer door by inserting the pin into the bottom hinge. Then mount the middle hinge and put on the top refrigerator door. Secure the top hinge with bolts, but do not tighten them all the way “tight” yet.
This is an important point: the initial fixation should allow slight movement. You need to position the doors so that the gaps around the perimeter are uniform and the doors themselves do not warp. After alignment, you can finally tighten all the bolts with a wrench. Reinstall the handles and connect the electrical connectors if the model is equipped with a display.
Now you need to check the tightness of the fit. Take a regular sheet of A4 paper. Clamp it with the refrigerator door around the perimeter and try to pull it out. The paper should be pulled out with force. If the sheet falls out freely or is pulled out too easily, it means that the seal does not fit tightly, and the cold will escape.
The table below shows the main components that require attention when rehanging, and typical errors:
| Element | Action | Typical error |
|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Rearranging the bolts | Insufficient tightening of the bolts |
| Door handle | Removal and installation | Loss of decorative plugs |
| Damper | Transfer to the other side | Incorrect positioning of the rod |
| Sealant | Checking fit | Ignoring door distortions |
| Electrical | Wire switching | Violation of insulation integrity |
After all manipulations plug in the refrigerator. Let it work for a couple of hours without loading food to make sure that the operation is stable and that there are no extraneous noises that could appear due to the misalignment of the case.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do I need to call a technician to rehang doors in Atlanta?
In most cases, calling a technician is not required. The design of refrigerators Atlant allows you to complete this procedure yourself in 30-40 minutes. However, if you are not confident in your abilities or are afraid of damaging the display wiring, it is better to turn to professionals.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door does not fit tightly?
Most likely, the installation geometry is broken. Try loosening the hinge mounting bolts, pressing the door against the body and tightening them again. Also check the adjustable legs of the refrigerator - if it is tilted forward, the door will open on its own.
Is it possible to reverse the doors if the refrigerator has a display?
Yes, you can. The main thing is to carefully disconnect the wire cables before removing the door. When assembling on the new side, make sure that the wires are not pinched by loops and are of sufficient length for free movement.
Where should the holes from the loops on the old side go?
Included with the refrigerator or in special niches on the case (often in the base or on the back wall) are plastic plugs. They need to close the vacated holes to preserve the appearance and prevent moisture from getting inside the case.
Do you need to wait until the refrigerator cools down after turning it on?
Yes, after transportation, especially if the refrigerator was lying, or after serious work on an incline, it is recommended to let it stand turned off for 2-4 hours before starting it for the first time. This is necessary for the oil to drain into the compressor.