Changing the layout of the kitchen or simply the desire to make the use of household appliances more convenient often poses the question of rearranging the equipment to the owner. Refrigerators of the brand Atlant structurally provide for the possibility of reinstalling the door leaf, which allows you to open them both to the right and to the left. This option was created by the engineers of the Belarusian plant for maximum user convenience in various operating conditions.
The rehanging process does not require calling a specialist if you have basic skills in working with the tool and understand the principle of operation of the hinges. The main condition a successful operation - carefully study the design of your particular model, since the fastenings may differ. In this article we will analyze all the stages of work, the necessary tools and common mistakes that beginners make when doing their own repairs.
Before starting any manipulations, you must make sure that the refrigerator is disconnected from the power supply. This is not only a safety requirement, but also a way to prevent accidental damage to the electronics or control unit if it is located in the work area. Clear space around the unit so that it can be accessed from all sides.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to remove all shelves and containers from the doors, and also clear the interior space of the chamber. This will reduce the weight of the structure and prevent fragile elements from falling out when tilted.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
For high-quality re-hanging of doors, you will need a minimum set of tools, which any home craftsman usually has. The main tool will be a wrench or a set of sockets, since most fastenings in technology Atlant are made using bolted connections. You also cannot do without a Phillips screwdriver, which will be needed to dismantle handles and plastic plugs.
Some models may require hex keys (imbus), especially if we are talking about modern series with hidden fastening of handles. It is important to prepare a container for folding small parts so as not to lose bolts in process of work. It is better to cover the floor with soft material or cardboard so as not to damage the floor covering if tools or parts accidentally fall.
Special attention should be paid to organizing the workspace. You will need a clear area of at least one meter wide around the refrigerator. If you plan to remove the doors completely, they will need to be placed somewhere temporarily, so make sure there is a table or free area of the floor nearby that is protected from scratches.
- 🛠️ 10 mm wrench (essential tool for most models).
- 🪛 Phillips screwdriver (for handles and decorative elements).
- 🔑 A set of hexagons (often required for series models XM).
- 🧤 Work gloves (to protect your hands from sharp metal edges).
⚠️ Attention: The set of tools may depend on the year of manufacture of your refrigerator. In older models, the fasteners may be rusty, so it is recommended to prepare a penetrating tool in advance lubricant (for example, WD-40).
☑️ Preparation for rehanging
Removing the top panel and preparing the case
The first stage of work is always removing the top cover of the refrigerator, if it is structurally provided for in your model. In most two-chamber refrigerators Atlant the top panel is secured with several screws located on the front or front. from the side. Carefully unscrew them and remove the lid, pushing it back or up, depending on the type of latches.
After removing the lid, the top hinge of the freezer or refrigerator door will open to your attention. This is where the reinstallation process begins. Key point on. At this stage, it is necessary to correctly determine the type of fastening of the handle and the mechanism for fixing the door in the closed position. In some modifications, electrical wires leading to the indication or display are hidden under the top panel.
If your model is equipped with an electronic display or indicators on the door, be extremely careful. The wires may be connected through connectors that must be carefully disconnected. Do not pull the wires sharply so as not to damage the contacts. Remember or photograph the wiring diagram before disconnecting them, so as not to confuse the polarity during assembly.
Next, you need to dismantle the door handle if it interferes with access to the fasteners or if the design requires its transfer to the other side. In models with a hidden handle, this step can be done. skip. Inspect the side walls of the case: on the opposite side there should be holes closed with plastic plugs.
What to do if the wires are short?
In some cases, the length of the standard wires may not be enough to transfer to the other side. In such a situation, carefully pull the harness out of the case through the technological holes, being careful not to damage the insulation on sharp metal edges. is still not enough, you will need to build up the wire, which is best left to a professional.
Removing the door and rearranging the hinges
The most crucial moment is the direct dismantling of the door leaf, which is usually held on by two or three bolts. After unscrewing them, the hinge must be removed, but the door may begin to collapse. therefore be sure to hold it with your second hand or ask an assistant. The weight of the door can be significant, especially in two-meter models.
After removing the upper hinge, the door is carefully lifted and removed from the lower axis. Now it can be put in a safe place. The next step is to rearrange the lower support sleeve and hinge. to the opposite side of the body. To do this, unscrew the fastening bolts on one side and screw them on the other into the holes prepared in advance by the factory.
Now we move on to the door itself. It is also necessary to rearrange the lower support sleeve (rod) and, if necessary, the upper mating part of the hinge. Depending on the model Atlant, the rod can be pressed in or out. screwed in. If the rod needs to be rearranged, use pliers or a wrench, having first protected the surface of the door with a cloth so as not to leave scratches.
Having installed all the metal elements in new places, you can start hanging the door. Insert the lower rod into the sleeve on the body, align the door and screw the upper hinge. Do not tighten the bolts completely. until the operation of the mechanism is fully checked.
| Fastening element | Location (Standard) | Location (After rehanging) | Tool type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Upper right corner | Upper left corner | 10 mm key |
| Bottom bushing | Bottom right corner (on the door) | Left bottom corner (on the door) | Pliers/Key |
| Base plate | Bottom right corner (body) | Bottom left corner (body) | Phillips screwdriver |
| Door stop | Left lower part | Right lower part | 10 mm key |
Adjusting tight closure and stoppers
After installing the door in a new place, a situation often arises when it does not close tightly or, on the contrary, requires excessive force. This is due to the fact that the hinges could be positioned with a slight distortion. Adjustment. gap This is done by loosening the fastening bolts of the upper hinge, leveling the door and then tightening it.
Particular attention should be paid to the door stopper (latch), which prevents spontaneous opening when the body is tilted or slammed tightly. Atlant it is usually located in the lower part of the body, under the door. You need to unscrew the plug on one side and screw it into the hole on the opposite side.
Check the operation of the magnetic seal around the entire perimeter. The door should fit tightly, without gaps. If you notice that the seal does not fit in some place, try slightly loosening the hinge in this area and moving the door. Also check the operation of the light switch: it should be pressed when closing.
In models with a system No Frost or “Crying Wall”, make sure that the air duct (if it goes through the door) or wiring was not pinched when re-hanging. The door should open and close smoothly, without creaking or jamming.
Nuances for models with a display and the No Frost system
Owners of modern models Atlant with a digital display on the door should be careful. Moving the door in such models is complicated by the presence of a wiring harness connecting the control unit and the display panel. The length of this harness is often limited, and it may not be enough to transfer to the other side without additional manipulations.
In some cases, it is necessary to carefully disassemble the plastic box at the top of the door to gain access to the connectors. Disconnecting chips this must be done by pressing on the latches, rather than pulling the wires. If the wires are strained, you may have to remove the back cover of the refrigerator and pull out part of the cable from inside the case.
For cooling systems No Frost it is critical not to damage the cold air supply channels. When removing the top cover and hinges, make sure you do not touch the corrugated tubes coming from the evaporator. Any damage to the insulation of the air ducts will result in reduced compressor efficiency and the formation of ice.
⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator model has a complex electronic control system, check the official instructions before disconnecting any wires. An incorrect connection can damage the control unit.
Frequent errors and troubleshooting
Even with instructions, beginners often make mistakes that lead to door misalignment or damage to the seal. One of the most common problems is wrong sequence assemblies. If you first screw the top hinge without installing the bottom bushing in the correct position, the door may stand crooked.
Another mistake is the loss of lock washers or nuts. The design Atlant often uses specific washers with antennae that prevent unwinding from vibration. It is not recommended to replace them with ordinary nuts, since over time the fastenings will weaken and the door will begin to sag.
If after all the manipulations the door does not close tightly, check the cleanliness of the magnetic tape. Debris or grease may have gotten on it, which reduces adhesion. Also make sure that the refrigerator is strictly horizontal. A misalignment of the body even by a couple of millimeters can disrupt the closing geometry.
If you encounter difficulties that you cannot solve on your own, or notice mechanical damage to the hinges, it is better to contact an authorized service center. An attempt to force install a deformed part can lead to breakage of the entire door structure.
Is it possible to re-hang the door yourself if the refrigerator is under warranty?
Formally, re-hanging the door yourself is not a violation of the warranty conditions if the components and assembly were not damaged in the process. However, if you strip the threads or damage the wiring, the warranty claim may not be recognized. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to call a specialist.
What to do if the holes for the hinges on the new side are closed?
In 99% of cases, the holes are already drilled at the factory and closed with plastic plugs or stickers. Carefully inspect the end of the housing. If there really are no holes (in very old or specific models), then re-hanging is impossible without drilling, which is strictly not recommended.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before re-hanging?
Full defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, if there is a lot of ice in the freezer, it is better to wait until it thaws so that water does not flow out when tilting or removing the doors, damaging the flooring or the hinge mechanism.