The need to remove the doors from the refrigerator often arises when moving or remodeling kitchens, when the dimensions of the doorway do not allow the equipment to be carried in assembled form. Two-chamber models Atlant are distinguished by a reliable design, however, their height of 180–200 cm requires dismantling the upper part of the body for safe transportation. Ignoring this stage can lead to damage to the door hinges, deformation of the seal, or even breakage of the body itself when it hits the jambs.
The dismantling process does not require specialized tools and can be done by any home craftsman with basic skills in working with equipment. Main condition - strictly followed a sequence of actions so as not to disturb the geometry of the hinge and not to damage the hidden communications running inside the canvas. Before starting work, make sure that the refrigerator is disconnected from the power supply and completely defrosted, since the presence of ice can complicate access to the fastening elements.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm for removing the doors, rehanging them on the other side and replacing the seals. You will learn exactly what tools you will need, how to properly fix the door while unscrewing the hinges, and what to pay special attention to when working with models equipped with an electronic display.
Preparation for dismantling and the necessary tools
The first step is to free up the work space. Move the refrigerator away from the wall, allowing access from all sides, and remove all food, shelves and drawers. This will not only reduce the weight of the structure, but also prevent glass elements from falling if the body is accidentally skewed during work. Prepare a flat surface in advance, for example, a table covered with a soft blanket, where you will put the removed elements.
To perform dismantling, you will need a minimum set of tools, which is usually found in every home. The main work will be done by a wrench or socket head, the size of which depends on your model Atlanta. Most often, 10 mm wrenches are used, but in some series there may be 8 mm or 12 mm fasteners.
In addition to the wrench, prepare:
- 🔧 A flat-head or Phillips screwdriver (depending on the type of screws in the handles and plugs).
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🧶 Scotch tape or masking tape for fixing the doors in the closed position before removing.
- 🪑 An assistant, since removing a heavy metal door alone without the risk of dropping it is practically impossible.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to remove all removable shelves from the doors. Plastic becomes brittle at low temperatures, and careless movement can lead to breakage of the shelf fastenings along with the door.
Don't forget to also prepare a container for storing screws and bolts. Small parts tend to get lost at the most inopportune moment, and the loss of even one fastener can stop the entire assembly process. It is recommended to sign or photograph the disassembly stages if you are doing this for the first time.
Removing handles and decorative elements
The dismantling process begins with the removal of protruding parts that may interfere with access to the main fastening loops. On most refrigerator models Atlant the handles are attached directly to the door leaf using screws hidden under decorative plugs or located on the inside.
Carefully inspect the handle fastening. If the screws are located on the side of the doorway (inside), you just need to open the door and remove them. If the fasteners are hidden, look for plastic plugs at the ends or under the handle itself. Carefully pry them off with a thin screwdriver or knife, being careful not to scratch the surface of the plastic.
In some modern models with a system No Frost or electronic control, a decorative panel may be located at the top of the door. It must be removed especially carefully, as wires may pass under it. Such elements should be disconnected smoothly, without sudden jerks, after first making sure that there are no hidden latches.
After unscrewing all the screws, the handle should be easily removed. If it is stuck, do not use excessive force - there may be one unscrewed screw left or a layer of frozen condensate is in the way. Gently rocking from side to side will help release the part. Save all decorative elements, as they will be needed during reassembly.
Removing the top door of the refrigerator compartment
Removing the top door is the most critical stage, since this is where the hinges of the main hinge are most often located. Before unscrewing the bolts, you must lock the door in the closed position. Use masking tape across the joint between the door and the body, or have an assistant hold the door.
Locate the top hinge. In two-chamber refrigerators Atlant it is usually closed with a plastic cover, which must be removed by prying it off with a screwdriver. Under the cover you will see two or three bolts securing the hinge to the body of the refrigerator. There may also be a bolt securing the hinge itself to the door - it also needs to be loosened, but not removed completely yet.
The procedure for removing the top door:
- Loosen the bolts securing the top hinge to the body, but do not unscrew them completely.
- Ask an assistant to hold the door firmly from the bottom and sides.
- Unscrew the bolts completely and remove the metal hinge plate.
- Carefully lift the door up, removing it from the pins of the lower hinge (if it is structurally connected) or simply setting it aside.
⚠️ Attention: The refrigerator door is heavier than it looks. A sudden release may cause the door to hit the floor, damaging the flooring or deforming the bottom corner of the door.
After removing the door, inspect the bottom hinge, which has now opened. On some models it is part of the lower door structure, on others it is a separate element. If you are planning transportation, it is better to lay the top door flat on a prepared soft surface, avoiding pressure on the central part of the canvas.
☑️ Removing the top door
Removing the bottom door of the freezer
Bottom door in two-chamber models Atlant usually more massive and heavier than the top one, since it serves as the basis for the entire structure of the doorway. After removing the upper part, access to the lower door fasteners becomes open. Here you should also act sequentially so as not to upset the balance.
First remove the middle cross member (if your model has one), which separates the refrigerator compartment from the freezer. It can be attached with screws to the side walls of the case. After its dismantling, access to the upper hinge of the lower door will open. Unscrew the fastening bolts, holding the door with your second hand or entrusting this to an assistant.
Pay special attention to models with the system Full No Frost. In such refrigerators, a corrugated air duct may pass between the door and the body. When removing the door, it must be carefully disconnected from the pipe on the door so as not to tear the elastic material. Remember or photograph the position of the tube for correct assembly.
| Element | Mounting type | Tool | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Bolts (2-3 pcs.) | 10 mm key | Hidden under the decorative cover |
| Middle bar | Screws sides | Screwdriver/Key | Not available in all models |
| Bottom hinge | Bottom bolts | 10 mm key | Requires lifting the door for removal |
| Door handle | Screws under the plug | Phillips screwdriver | Plugs are easy to lose |
When removing the bottom door from its hinges, lift it strictly vertically. If the door is tight, rock it slightly from side to side, but do not twist it so as not to bend the hinge pins. After dismantling, inspect the sealing rubber for contamination - this is the ideal time to clean it.
What to do if the bolts are rusty and cannot be unscrewed?
If the fasteners are soured, do not use excessive force so as not to strip the threads. Treat the joint with a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) and leave for 10-15 minutes. After this, try to carefully remove the bolt. In extreme cases, you can slightly warm up the metal around the bolt, but be careful not to damage the enamel and plastic.
Features of models with an electronic display
Owners of modern refrigerators Atlant with a control panel on the door need to exercise maximum caution. In such models, an electrical harness passes through the top hinge, connecting the display and control buttons to the main electronics unit located in the case.
Before the final removal of the top door, after unscrewing the hinge, do not pull the door sharply. Carefully bend the hinge or remove it to gain access to the connector. The connector usually has a latch that needs to be pressed with your finger or a thin screwdriver before removing the chip. Never pull the wires themselves - this will lead to broken contacts and expensive repairs.
If you plan to hang the doors to the other side, keep in mind that the length of the standard The harness may not be sufficient to transfer the control panel. In such cases, the control panel often has to be moved to another location or an extension cord must be ordered, which requires a qualified electrician. For simple transportation, simply disconnect the connector and put the wires inside, securing them with tape.
⚠️ Attention: When working with electrical components, make sure that the refrigerator is not just turned off with a button, but is physically disconnected from the outlet. Residual voltage in the capacitors of the control unit can be dangerous.
After disconnecting the cable, the process of removing the door is similar to mechanical models. When reassembling, make sure that the connector clicks into place and that the wires are not pinched by the metal parts of the hinge, which can lead to a short circuit when turned on.
Reversing the doors to the other side
Reversing the doors is required when the refrigerator is installed in a niche or corner where standard opening is inconvenient. The design of most refrigerators Atlant provides for a symmetrical arrangement of mounting holes, which allows this operation to be performed without drilling new holes.
For rehanging, you will need plugs for the holes that will remain free on the right side. They usually come with the refrigerator, taped to the back wall or packed in a bag with documents. If the plugs are lost, they can be purchased at the service center or use decorative stickers in the color of the body.
Re-hanging algorithm:
- 🔄 Remove the doors following the instructions above and remove all hinges.
- 🔩 Rearrange the pins and bushings hinges on the opposite side, using technological holes.
- 🚪 Install the doors in a new order, controlling the tightness of the seal around the entire perimeter.
- 🔧 Adjust the height of the doors using the adjusting supports at the bottom of the refrigerator body to ensure gravity closing.
After installation, check the operation of the doors. They should open smoothly, without squeaking, and fit snugly to the body. If you notice gaps, you may need to adjust the position of the hinges or replace the sealing rubber, which may have become deformed during operation.
Common mistakes and precautions
When dismantling refrigerator doors on their own Atlant beginners often make mistakes that can complicate reassembly. One of the most common is the loss of plugs and screws. To avoid this, use a magnetic tray or glue the parts with tape to a cardboard with a signature indicating which unit they were removed from.
Another mistake is ignoring the adjustment of the legs after installing the doors back. A two-chamber refrigerator should be tilted slightly backwards so that the doors close on their own under the influence of gravity. If you install the equipment strictly level or tilted forward, the door will constantly open slightly, disturbing the temperature regime.
It is also not recommended to remove the doors without first defrosting the refrigerator. Moisture that gets into the hinge mechanisms or electrical contacts when ice melts during work can cause corrosion or a short circuit. Let the equipment stand unplugged with the doors open for at least 4-6 hours before starting work.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use aggressive chemicals to clean the opened internal parts of the door and hinges. Household chemicals can corrode the factory lubricant in the hinge bearings, which will lead to creaking and play in the future.
Following these simple rules will allow you to safely dismantle and reinstall refrigerator doors, maintaining its functionality and appearance for many years. If you doubt your abilities, especially in models with complex electronics, it is better to contact an authorized service center.
Is it possible to remove the doors of the Atlant refrigerator alone?
Technically this is possible, but it is highly not recommended. The doors, especially the bottom one, are heavy and have a shifted center of gravity. Without an assistant, there is a high risk of dropping the door on your foot, damaging the floor or scratching the frame. In addition, it is difficult for one person to hold the door and unscrew the hinge bolts at the same time.
Is it necessary to drain the freon before removing the doors?
No, you do not need to drain the refrigerant (freon). The doors are a removable element of the body and are not directly connected to the sealed circuit of the cooling system. The pipes and compressor remain inside the housing, which you do not disassemble when removing the doors.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door does not fit tightly?
Most likely, the adjustment of the hinges or the height of the legs of the refrigerator is broken. Try loosening the hinge bolts, pressing the door tightly against the body and retightening the bolts. Also check whether the contents of the shelves or the seal itself are not interfering with a tight fit (it can be heated with a hair dryer for elasticity).
Where can you find plugs for holes when rehanging doors?
Usually a set of plugs (plastic circles or squares in the color of the body) is attached with tape to the back wall of the refrigerator or lies in a bag with documents and fasteners inside the camera. If they are lost, they can be ordered from the brand's service center.
Does removing the doors affect the warranty?
The dismantling of the doors by the user itself is not a violation of the warranty terms, unless parts are damaged (threads are torn off, plastic is broken, wires are torn). However, if the breakdown of the refrigerator is associated with the consequences of improper assembly (for example, loose closing of the door led to the combustion of the compressor), the warranty may be denied.