The situation when, after purchasing or moving, it turns out that that Atlant refrigerator does not fit into the allotted space due to the direction the door opens is familiar to many. The kitchen layout dictates its own conditions, and often the standard left-handed hinge becomes an obstacle to the convenient use of household appliances. Fortunately, the design of the units of this brand provides the possibility of reverse installation wings, which allows you to adapt the device to any interior solutions.
The process of transferring hinges requires some preparation and care, but is not a very complex engineering task. Having a basic set of tools and following a clear algorithm, you can change the opening side door leaf on your own, avoiding calling a specialist. The main thing is to take your time and properly organize the workspace so as not to damage the fragile elements of the case or the seal.
Before starting work, it is necessary to free access to the unit from all sides. Reversing the doors requires a full view of the ends and top of the case. Make sure the floor is level and there is enough lighting to work on small parts. If you plan to change the opening side on a two-chamber model, the process will take longer than with a single-chamber model, but the principle of operation remains similar.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any manipulations, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Working with a live electrical appliance is unacceptable, even if you only touch the mechanical parts.
It is also important to empty shelves and drawers to reduce the weight of the structure and avoid objects falling when the case is tilted. Some models require removal handles before dismantling the main hinges, others allow you to work directly with canopies. Carefully inspect the package: often the necessary fasteners and plugs for the holes are already in the technical compartment or attached to the back wall.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
To successfully complete the task of changing the side of the hinge, you will need a standard home craftsman's kit. The main tool will be hex key or a set of screwdrivers, since most fasteners in technology Atlant have corresponding heads. Prepare a soft mat in advance on which you can carefully place the removed doors so as not to scratch their front surface.
In some cases, it may be necessary to wrench a size of 10 mm, especially if the hinges are tightly tightened or have a specific design. It would be a good idea to have a flat spatula or plastic spatula on hand to carefully remove the decorative plugs so as not to damage the housing coating. It is better to place all tools in an accessible place so as not to look for them at a critical moment.
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) or a screwdriver with the appropriate bits.
- 🔑 Hex keys (usually 4 mm or 5 mm).
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🛋️ A soft blanket or cardboard for storing the removed parts.
Pay special attention to lighting. Shadows can hide small stop elements or clampss that are easily overlooked. If the refrigerator is in a niche, it may have to be pulled out completely into the open space. This will provide all-round access and allow you to work without unnecessary tilting and twisting of the body.
Dismantling the upper door in two-chamber models
The process begins with the upper sash, since it is structurally supported by the lower one or has a common axis in some modifications. You will need to remove the top panel of the case first if it is blocking access to the hinges. In models Atlant the cover is usually secured with latches or screws at the back. Carefully move the panel back and lift it.
Next, unscrew the fastening bolts of the upper hinge. Hinge mechanism may consist of one or two plates. After loosening the bolts, do not remove them completely immediately - first make sure that the door is secure. Some models require the handle to be removed to gain access to the hidden hinge mounting screws.
⚠️ Attention: The refrigerator door is heavy and may have an offset center of gravity. When unscrewing the last bolts, be sure to hold the door with your other hand or call an assistant.
After removing the top hinge, carefully lift the door and put it in a safe place. Now you will have access to the middle loop, which connects the main chamber to the freezer. If the model is two-compressor, electrical wiring leading to the light bulb in the upper chamber may pass in this area. You must act with extreme caution. capillary tube or electrical wiring going to the top chamber light bulb. You need to act extremely carefully.
☑️ Removing the top door
It is important to remember the position of all gaskets and bushings. Adjusting washers can be installed under the hinges for compensation uneven floors. They need to be saved and moved to the new side in the same order so that the door fits tightly and without distortions.
Working with the central hinge and freezer
The central hinge is a key element in the design of two-chamber refrigerators. This is what supports the weight of the freezer and often serves as a support for the upper door. Before removing it, it is necessary to dismantle the freezer itself, if the design requires it. In most models Atlant the freezer is removed along with the door, but there are exceptions.
Unscrew the bolts securing the central hinge. Here it is important to pay attention to pinon which the bottom door is placed. It can be part of a hinge or a separate element pressed into the body. If the pin is removable, carefully remove it using pliers, but without using excessive force, so as not to strip the threads in the case.
By removing the freezer, you will have full access to the side ends of the case. This is where the technological holes are located, closed with plugs. You will need to remove the plugs from the new side of the unit and replace them in the old places. This will provide an aesthetic appearance and protect the insides from dust.
- ❄️ Remove the decorative plugs from the new side of the hinge.
- 🔩 Unscrew the bolts of the central hinge and remove it.
- 📦 Dismantle the freezer (door).
- 🕳️ Rearrange the plugs into the vacated holes.
What to do if the plugs are lost?
If the plastic plugs are lost or damaged during dismantling, they can be temporarily replaced with pieces of isolong or a special furniture plug of a suitable diameter. However, it is better to order original spare parts from the manufacturer in order to maintain tightness and appearance.
When installing the central hinge on the new side, make sure that it lies flat. Fixing holes should match without interference. If the holes do not line up, check that the adjusting bushings are installed correctly and that there is no debris in the threads. Misalignment of the central hinge will lead to a loose fit of the doors and loss of cold.
Hanging the bottom door and installing handles
The bottom door of the main compartment is the last to be removed. After dismantling the central hinge and removing the pin, simply lift the sash. Inspect the bottom hinge: in some models it is rigidly attached to the body, in others it is a removable part. If the hinge is removable, move it to the opposite side using the prepared holes.
Pay special attention handles. Depending on the model Atlant, they can be integrated into the door profile or mounted separately. If the handle is symmetrical, you can simply rearrange it. If it has a specific shape (for example, a cutout on only one side), you may need a set of handles for the reverse side or use universal analogues.
The assembly process is in the reverse order: first the lower door, then the freezer, then the upper. When installing each door, check the horizontal and vertical position. Magnetic seal It should fit evenly to the body around the entire perimeter. If you notice gaps, you may need to adjust the height of the refrigerator legs.
| Work stage | Required tools | Completion time (min) | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Removing the top door | Hexagon, screwdriver | 10-15 | Low |
| Removing the central hinge | Key 10 mm, pliers | 15-20 | Medium |
| Rearranging the plugs | Thin awl or knife | 5 | Low |
| Installing the bottom door | Hexagon | 10 | Low |
| Final adjustment | Level, key for legs | 10-15 | Medium |
Nuances for single-chamber models and No Frost
In single-chamber refrigerators Atlant the procedure is simplified, since there is no central partition and a second door. Here it is enough to remove the only sash, rearrange the hinges and plugs. However, in models with the system No Frost you need to be more careful with the wiring. If the door has a display or a ventilation shut-off button, a wiring harness passes through the loop.
If there are electrical connections, they must be carefully disconnected before completely removing the door. The connectors are usually located inside or near the hinge body. It is important to remember or photograph the color markings of the wiresto avoid mixing up the contacts during assembly, which can lead to a short circuit.
In some older models of single-compartment refrigerators, the hinges may be welded or have a specific stopper that requires the use of force. Do not be afraid of moderate force, but make sure that the tool does not come off. Locking mechanism Often hidden under a decorative cap at the end of the door.
⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator model was released before 2010, the design of the hinges may differ from modern ones standards. It is recommended to check the technical documentation of the specific year of manufacture on the official website of the manufacturer.
After installing the door in a single-chamber refrigerator, be sure to check the operation end cap (of the button that turns off the light). If the door closes but the light is on, the hinge is set too high or low and the mechanism does not reach the button. This can be solved by adjusting the height of the front leg of the refrigerator.
Adjusting gaps and checking tightness
The final stage is checking the quality of the work performed. Doors should close tightly, with a characteristic suction, but not require excessive effort to open. The gap between the door and the body must be uniform along its entire length. If you notice that the door fits tightly at the top, but there is a gap at the bottom, or vice versa, tilt adjustment is required tilt adjustment.
Adjustable supports in the front of the refrigerator are used for leveling. By rotating them clockwise, you raise the angle, counter-clockwise, you lower it. Achieve a position in which the door lifts slightly when opened and then closes itself under the influence of gravity. This ensures proper operation of the seal seal.
- 👀 Visually inspect the rubber contact perimeter.
- 📄 Use a sheet of paper: clamp it between the door and the body at different points. It should be pulled out with force.
- 🔊 Listen to the operation of the compressor after turning it on: if the doors are skewed, the load on the unit will increase.
How to check the tightness without paper?
Turn on the refrigerator, let it run for 15-20 minutes. Then move your hand along the perimeter of the door. If you feel a clear flow of cold air, it means that the tightness is broken and additional adjustment of the hinges or replacement of the seal is required.
If after all the manipulations the door still does not close tightly, perhaps the problem is not in the hinges, but in deformation of the door itself door leaf or aging of the rubber. In this case, simple re-hanging will not help, and more serious repairs or replacement of components will be required. However, in 90% of cases, correct installation of the hinges solves the problem.
Do you need to sharpen the hinges before installation?
No, there is no need to sharpen the hinges. These are mechanical parts that do not require sharpening. However, if you notice burrs on the metal or threads, you can carefully remove them with a file so as not to damage the seats.
Is it possible to hang the door without removing it completely from the body?
Theoretically, some craftsmen manage to rotate the door around its axis without removing it, but this is extremely risky. There is a high probability of damaging the enamel, bending the metal or dropping a heavy sash. Complete dismantling is the only safe method.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door opens by itself?
This means that the angle of inclination of the body is broken. The refrigerator should be tilted slightly backwards (the back legs are lower than the front legs). Adjust the height of the front supports to ensure that the door closes by gravity.
Will the warranty still apply after re-hanging it yourself?
According to the law, independent repairs or modernization (which includes re-hanging doors) may result in denial of warranty service if the breakdown is related to your actions. Be careful and save all original parts.
Where can I get new plugs if the old ones are broken?
Plugs can be ordered at service centers Atlant or found in furniture fittings stores. As a last resort, the holes can be closed with decorative screws of a suitable color, if they do not violate the aesthetics.