Re-hanging the doors of the Atlant refrigerator: a complete guide

The situation when, after purchasing or moving, it turns out that the refrigerator Atlant rests against a wall or furniture when opening is familiar to many. A built-in kitchen or a narrow corridor often dictates its own conditions, requiring the door to open in the opposite direction. Fortunately, the design of most models of this brand allows you to solve the problem yourself, without calling a specialist.

The rehanging process takes no more than an hour if you prepare in advance and act carefully. Reversing the doors is a standard procedure provided by the manufacturer, but it requires attention to detail, especially when it comes to models with a No Frost system or electronic control. An incorrect sequence of actions can lead to damage to the plastic or loss of tightness.

In this article we will look in detail at how to change the opening side for different modifications Atlant. We will look at the nuances of working with two-chamber models, features of dismantling control panels and correct adjustment of the position of the canvas after installation. It is important to understand that although the procedure seems simple, it requires adherence to a certain algorithm.

Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace

Before starting the active phase of work, it is necessary to organize the space. Refrigerator It should be stable, but at the same time you need free access to it from all sides. Move the equipment away from the wall at least one meter so that you can walk around the unit and put down the removed parts.

To complete the task, you will need a minimum set of tools, which are usually found in every home. The main tool will be a screwdriver, but in some cases you may need a hex wrench or socket head. It is better to immediately put all fasteners into a separate container so as not to lose them during the work process.

⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! Remove the plug from the outlet to eliminate the risk of short circuit or electric shock if the wiring is accidentally damaged.

Here is a list of what you will need to successfully complete the operation:

• 🔧 Phillips and flat head screwdrivers (preferably with a magnetic tip).
• 🔩 A set of open-end wrenches or a 10 mm socket head.
• 📏 Construction level (to check horizontal position after installation).
• 🧤 Work gloves (will protect your hands from sharp metal edges).
• 🧼 Clean rags (for wiping the attachment points from dust).

Make sure the floor under the refrigerator is level and clean. If you are working on a slippery surface, lay down cardboard or thick fabric to prevent dropped bolts from rolling far and getting lost. It is also worth freeing the door shelves from heavy products in order to reduce the load on the hinges at the time of dismantling.

Design features of Atlant refrigerators

The model range Atlant is quite wide, and door designs may differ depending on the series. Most modern models use a system of hidden hinges, which makes the appearance of the unit more aesthetic, but requires a more careful approach when disassembling. Old models often had external hinges that were easier to dismantle.

Particular attention should be paid to models with the system No Frost. In these refrigerators, wires often pass through the top loop to power the display or light bulb, as well as air ducts. Careless movement can lead to a break in the cable, so it is important to remember the presence of electrical connections.

If your refrigerator is equipped with an electronic control module located on the door, the procedure becomes more complicated. You will not only have to rearrange the metal parts, but also carefully disconnect the connectors. In mechanical models, this step is absent, which greatly simplifies the task.

How do No Frost hinges differ from regular ones?

In models with No Frost, the upper axis of the hinge is often hollow, with wiring passing through it. There may also be plastic bushings that should not be lost. In conventional models, the design is as simple as possible - metal and plastic without electronics.

It is important to determine the type of fastenings in advance. In some cases, the screws may be hidden under decorative plugs or plastic covers. They must be removed carefully, prying them up with a flat screwdriver, so as not to leave marks on the glossy surface.

Removing the top panel and freezer door

The process always starts from the top of the refrigerator, that is, from the freezer. This is due to the design logic: the lower door rests on the middle crossbar, and the upper one is attached to the housing cover. First, you need to remove the top cover if it interferes with access to the hinges, although in most models Atlant access to the top hinge is open.

The first step is to remove the decorative plug from the top hinge. It can be round or rectangular. Underneath are the screws that hold the hinge in place. Use a suitable screwdriver to unscrew them, but do not remove the hinge itself completely yet.

Next, you need to lock the door in the open position or ask an assistant to hold it. Remove the screws securing the top hinge to the door leaf. After this, you can remove the hinge from the refrigerator body. Now the freezer door is free from above, but is supported by the lower axis.

• 🔓 Remove the decorative plugs from the top hinge.
• 🔩 Unscrew the hinge mounting bolts (but do not remove it completely from the body).
• 🚪 Unscrew the screws connecting hinge with the freezer door.
• 👐 Carefully remove the door from the bottom pin and set it in a safe place.

After removing the door, inspect the pin of the bottom hinge of the upper chamber. There may be plastic bushings or washers left on it. They need to be carefully removed, cleaned and set aside. These elements will be needed when assembling on the other side.

Moving the middle partition and bottom door

The most difficult stage is working with the middle part of the refrigerator. This is where the main supporting structure is located. You will need to remove the middle cross member that separates the freezer compartment from the refrigerator compartment. To do this, unscrew the screws that secure it to the side walls of the case.

After dismantling the middle partition (or the strip covering the end of the wall), access to the lower fastenings of the main door is freed. The lower door is removed in the same way as the upper one: the lower hinge is unscrewed, and the leaf rises up, being removed from the pin.

⚠️ Attention: The middle bar or partition has significant weight. When removing it, hold the refrigerator body with your other hand to prevent it from tilting. It is better to perform this operation together.

Now you need to move all the dismantled elements to the opposite side. The refrigerator body Atlant has technological holes on both sides. Where there are no hinges, the holes are closed with plugs, which are usually included in the kit or are already installed on the back side.

It is important not to confuse the left and right sides during installation. The mounting holes on the new side can be covered with factory plugs. They need to be removed and rearranged to the vacant places on the previous side in order to maintain symmetry and tightness.

Installing the doors on the new side

Assembly is done in reverse order disassembly, but using opposite holes. Start by installing the bottom door. Insert the bottom pin into the prepared hole on the new side and secure it with screws from the bottom of the case.

Install the refrigerator door onto the pin. Make sure it sits straight. Now you need to secure the middle bar (partition) on the new side. Carefully align the holes and tighten all screws. This is a critical point for structural rigidity.

Then we move to the top part. Place the top pin or hinge on the new side. Apply a little lubricant (for example, lithol or graphite grease) to the rubbing surfaces of the hinges - this will ensure silent operation and ease of movement.

Finally, put the freezer door in place. Place the top hinge on the pin and screw it to the door leaf. Only after this, tighten the screws securing the hinge itself to the refrigerator body.

Adjusting and checking the tightness

After all the parts are in place, you need to check the quality of the installation. Doors should close tightly, without gaps, and open with moderate force. If the door Atlant does not close completely or, conversely, bounces, adjustment is required.

Use the legs of the refrigerator for adjustment. By rotating the front supports, you can achieve an ideal tilt of the body back, which helps the doors close automatically under the influence of gravity. You can also slightly loosen the hinge screws and move the leaf up or down, eliminating distortions.

Checking the tightness is carried out in a simple way: close the door, holding a sheet of paper between it and the body. If the paper is pulled out with difficulty along the entire perimeter, the seal works perfectly. If in some places the sheet falls out freely, it means there is a gap there.

⚠️ Attention: Do not turn on the refrigerator immediately after rehanging! Allow the compressor and oils to settle for 2-4 hours, especially if you tilted the unit strongly during work.

Make sure that all plugs are in place. This is not only a matter of aesthetics, but also of protecting the internal cavity from dust and moisture. Check the operation of the sensors if they were affected when moving the wires.

Nuances for models with electronics and No Frost

Owners of modern models Atlant with a display on the door or the No Frost system need to be especially careful. When rehanging such doors, reconnection of the cables is often required. The wires run inside the door and exit at the top.

You will have to carefully remove the top plastic trim (visor) to gain access to the connectors. Disconnect chips by holding them by the body, not by the wires. When assembling on the new side, make sure that the wires are not pinched by the metal of the loop.

If the wires are too short to be transferred to the other side (which happens in some modifications), the cable may need to be extended. In this case, it is better to contact a service center, since poor-quality twisting can lead to oxidation of the contacts and failure of the electronics.

After assembly, check the operation of the display and indicators. If the screen does not light up, check the tightness of the connectors. Sometimes you need to disconnect and reconnect the connector several times to remove the oxide film from the contacts.

What to do if, after rehanging, the door does not close tightly?

Most likely, the installation geometry is broken or the seal is dirty. Check if the refrigerator is level (use a level). If there are no distortions, try heating the seal with a hairdryer. Also check whether the products on the shelves do not interfere with closing.

Is it possible to hang the door alone?

Technically possible, but highly not recommended. The refrigerator doors are heavy and awkward. Without an assistant, there is a high risk of dropping the glass, damaging the enamel, or injuring your back. It is better to call a second person for backup.

Is it necessary to change the direction of movement of the lock tongue?

In most models Atlant the lock mechanism (if any) is symmetrical or automatically adapts. However, in some older models, the tongue can be reversed by removing the lock cylinder. In modern refrigerators, this element usually does not require intervention.

Where to put the old hinge holes?

Decorative plugs should remain in place of the old fasteners. Usually they come with the refrigerator (in a bag with documents) or are already installed on the back side. If there are no plugs, the holes can be carefully painted over with a marker in the color of the case so that they are not noticeable.