A change in kitchen layout or simply a desire to improve the ergonomics of the space often dictates its own rules for the placement of household appliances. Owners of Belarusian-made units are often faced with the question of how to move the Atlant refrigerator door to the other side to make opening more convenient. Fortunately, the design of most models provides for this possibility, allowing you to change the hinge without calling a specialist.
The rehanging process requires accuracy and a minimum set of tools, but ignoring the nuances can lead to damage to the seal or hinges. In this article, we will analyze in detail how to properly dismantle and install the door leaf, based on the technical features of various series of equipment.
Preparation of the workplace and the necessary tools
Before starting any manipulations, it is necessary to clear the space around the refrigerator. You will need access to the unit from all sides in order to easily walk around it and set aside the removed parts. Make sure that the floor is level and stable, and that the lighting is bright enough to work with small fasteners.
As for tools, a standard DIY kit is usually sufficient. The main tool will be wrench or a 10 mm head, since this is the size most often used in Atlant fasteners. Also prepare a flat-head and Phillips screwdrivers, and for the convenience of working with the fittings, it would be useful to have a magnet or a small container for folding the screws so that they do not get lost.
Please note that some models may have specific plugs or decorative elements that require careful handling. If the refrigerator came with special ones repair kits for hanging, make sure that all the parts are in place. Otherwise, you may need to purchase additional components of the fittings.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply and defrost the chambers if ice has accumulated in them. Working with wet or icy parts can lead to injury or damage to the coating.
It is a good idea to enlist the help of a second person, especially when it comes to two-chamber models. Removing a heavy door with hinges alone is risky - you can drop the glass or damage the frame.
☑️ Tools for hanging
Dismantling the upper door and preparing for removal
The process begins with the upper chamber, since it usually lighter and easier to dismantle. The first step is to remove all shelves and containers from the door to make the structure as light as possible. Then you need to dismantle the top panel of the refrigerator if it interferes with access to the top hinges, although in most Atlant models access is immediately available.
Remove the decorative plug from the top hinge. It can be made in the form of a plastic cap or sticker. Underneath there is a mounting bolt that needs to be unscrewed with a key. After this, carefully lift the door to release the hinge pin and remove it from the lower fastening.
When removing the door, it is important to avoid distortion, which can deform the metal. If it is installed on the door magnetic latch, it will also need to be moved to the opposite side. To do this, unscrew the screws holding the mechanism and install it in the prepared hole on the other side, closing the free space with a plug.
Pay special attention to the condition of the sealing rubber. While the door is removed, it makes sense to wipe it down with a clean, damp cloth, removing any dust or dirt that may have accumulated in the folds.
Removing the main lower refrigerator door
The lower door is usually more massive and can be equipped with additional controls. If there is a control panel or display on the façade, you must proceed with extreme caution. In such cases, partial disassembly of the case is often required to disconnect the wire loops.
The algorithm of actions is similar to working with the upper door: remove the decorative elements, unscrew the bolts of the lower hinge (which is the middle one in the initial position). However, before removing the door leaf, it is necessary to disconnect the wires going to the light bulb or door open sensor. They usually run inside or near the loop.
Gently disconnect the connectors without pulling on the wires. Remember or photograph the location of the contacts so that you do not mix up the polarity during assembly. After disconnecting communications, the door can be removed from the lower support hinge.
In models with a system No Frost or double-circuit seal, the design may be more complex. It is important here not to damage the air supply ducts if they pass through the door hinges.
⚠️ Attention: When working with electrical components, make sure that the refrigerator is completely de-energized. Even a short-term contact closure can damage the electronic control module.
Flipping the hinges and installing plugs
The most critical stage is preparing the mounting points on the opposite side of the case. The front panel of the Atlant refrigerator initially has technological holes covered with plastic plugs. They must be removed and moved to the vacant places on the current side.
To remove the plugs, use a thin screwdriver or knife. Be careful not to scratch the enamel. If the plugs are made in the form of plug screws, they are simply unscrewed and screwed in on the other side.
Now let's take care of the hinges. The top and bottom loops can be symmetrical or require a reversal. Carefully inspect the parts: if they have a specific shape, they need to be rotated 180 degrees or the pins rearranged. Some Atlant models use universal loops, which are simply transferred to the other side without changes.
Install the lower support loop in a new location. Do not tighten the bolts tightly yet, leave a small gap for subsequent adjustment of the door position.
| Model type Atlant | Hinge features | Is it necessary to flip the part | Tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-chamber (KS) | Simple design | No, symmetrical | Key 10 mm |
| Double-chamber (MHM) | There is a pin and bushing | Yes, repositioning the pin | 10 mm wrench, screwdriver |
| Series with display | Complex mechanism | Required care | Screwdriver set |
| Built-in models | Specific fasteners | Depends on the facade | Hexagon |
Check that all threaded connections are clean. If you notice burrs on the metal, it is better to carefully clean them so that the bolts fit in freely.
Installation of doors on a new side
Installation begins with the bottom door. Place the door leaf on the bottom hinge, falling into the corresponding holes. At this point, you will again need a helper to hold the door upright and level.
After installing the bottom door, mount the middle hinge (which will become the top hinge for the bottom and the bottom hinge for the top). Thread the wires through the holes in the loop, if necessary, and connect the connectors. Make sure the wires are not pinched or twisted.
Then install the top door. Insert its pin into the middle loop and secure the top bar. At this stage, it is important not to completely tighten the fasteners. First, ensure the correct position of the doors relative to each other and the body.
Close the refrigerator and check the tightness of the seal around the entire perimeter. The door should close easily, with a characteristic pop, but without excessive force.
What to do if the door does not close tightly?
If after installation you notice gaps, try slightly loosening the hinge mounting bolts and manually pressing the door to the body, then tighten the bolts. Sometimes it is necessary to place a washer under the hinge to change the angle of inclination.
Adjusting the position and checking the operation
The final stage is adjustment. If the doors are skewed or one protrudes in front of the other, it is necessary to loosen the hinge bolts and move the doors in the desired direction. Atlant models often provide the ability to adjust the height of the legs of the refrigerator, which also affects the tilt of the body back and the self-closing of the doors.
Check the operation of the door opening sensor. If installed, a light should come on (on some models) or an alarm sound when opened. If the light does not light, check the connection of the contacts.
Make sure that sealing rubber is not bent anywhere and fits tightly to the metal. If you notice any leaks, you can heat the problem area with a hair dryer at a low temperature and press it so that the rubber straightens.
⚠️ Attention: Technical characteristics and design may vary depending on the year of manufacture. Always check the data sheet for your specific model, as the types of fasteners may be changed in new series.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to rearrange the door on an Atlant refrigerator with one compressor?
Yes, most models with one compressor also have a symmetrical body design and allow you to reverse the door. The procedure is similar, but may be simpler due to the lack of complex control systems on the door.
What to do if the hinge holes on the new side are closed?
In 99% of cases, the holes are already drilled at the factory and closed with plastic or metal plugs. Carefully inspect the end of the housing. If there really are no holes (which happens in very old or specific models), self-drilling is not recommended without consultation with the service.
Do you need to change the door handle when rehanging?
Usually the handles on Atlant refrigerators are symmetrical or are part of the design that does not require replacement. However, if the handle is asymmetrical and secured with screws, you may have to purchase components or use existing holes, if the design allows it.
Why did the door become worse to close after rehanging?
Most likely, the angle of the refrigerator itself is broken. For proper self-closing, the housing must be tilted slightly backwards. Adjust the front legs by unscrewing them to lift the front of the unit.