Changing the kitchen layout or simply the desire to put the refrigerator in a more convenient place often comes across with a trivial problem: the door opens in the wrong direction and rests against furniture or a wall. Owners of Belarusian brand equipment Atlant face this regularly, since the design of most models allows you to change the opening side. This does not require calling a specialist, but requires care and adherence to the sequence of actions.
The rehanging process takes from 30 to 60 minutes if you have the necessary set of tools at hand. The main thing is to take your time and strictly follow the algorithm so as not to damage the plastic elements of the case or the door itself. Incorrect assembly can lead to a loose seal, causing the compressor to work hard trying to maintain the temperature.
In this instruction we will look at the nuances of working with various models, including two-chamber units and options with a freezer at the bottom. You will learn how to properly remove hardware, rearrange hinges, and adjust magnets to ensure the door closes tightly. We will also pay attention to specific points for models with the system No Frost, where it is important not to touch the wiring.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
Before starting disassembly, it is necessary to organize the workspace. You will need a free area next to the refrigerator where you can temporarily store the removed parts. It is better to cover the floor with soft cloth or cardboard so as not to scratch the door enamel when moving it. Lack of preparation often leads to minor household injuries or damage to the flooring.
For work you will need a standard home handyman kit. Ideally, all the tools should be at hand so as not to interrupt the process while searching for the right screwdriver. The basic requirements for the tools are dictated by the type of fasteners used by the manufacturer.
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) - the main tool for dismantling.
- 🛠️ A 10 mm wrench or socket - for hinge fastening bolts.
- 🧤 Construction gloves - to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🧹 A piece of soft fabric - for wiping parts and protecting the floor.
Special attention should be paid screwdriver. If the bolts have not been touched for a long time, their heads may be very tight. In this case, it is better to use a high-quality Phillips screwdriver with a magnetic tip so as not to tear off the slots. A flat-head screwdriver is useful for carefully removing decorative plugs, which often fit very tightly.
Removing the top panel and top door
You should always start work from the top of the unit. The first step is to remove the top cover of the refrigerator, if it is structurally provided for by the model. On some modern series Atlant the cover can be removable or hinged. If the cover is secured with screws, they must be unscrewed. After this, the cover is moved back and removed, opening access to the upper fasteners.
Next, you should free the upper door from the fastenings. In two-chamber models, this is the main refrigerator compartment. It is better to call an assistant or use stands.
⚠️ Attention: Before unscrewing the top hinge, be sure to lock the door in the closed position or ask someone to hold it. Opening a loose door suddenly may result in hitting the wall or causing items to fall from shelves.
The process of removing the top door involves unscrewing the top hinge bolts. After the bolts are removed, the hinge is removed. If the door has a closer mechanism or a magnetic lock, it must also be removed. The door is then carefully lifted and removed from the bottom hinge pin (which in this case is the middle hinge for the entire body, but the bottom for this door).
At this stage, the question of wiring often arises. In models with a display or indication on the door, the wires go through the top hinge. They need to be carefully disconnected by pulling the connector, not the wires themselves. Connectors may be different, so proceed with caution.
What to do if the wires are too short?
In some older models, the length of the wires may not allow free manipulation door. In this case, do not pull them by force. Carefully pull the harness out of the channel in the door body, if possible, or temporarily disconnect the connector completely, remembering the color marking.
Removing the middle hinge and bottom door
After the top door has been removed and set aside in a safe place, move on to the bottom part - the freezer. There is a middle hinge here that secures the upper door to the body and at the same time serves as a support for the lower one. It must be moved to the opposite side.
First, the bolts holding the middle hinge are unscrewed. Then the loop itself is removed. The lower door can now be removed. The principle is similar to the upper one: lift and remove from the lower pin. Pay attention to the condition of the sealing rubber. While the doors are removed, this is an excellent opportunity to wash them with warm water and a mild detergent, removing any grease and residue that is preventing a tight seal.
The bottom hinge, which is originally on the left (or right, depending on the original side), will also need to be moved. It is attached to the very bottom of the refrigerator body. To dismantle it, you may need to remove the decorative baseboard if it blocks access to the bolts.
- 🧊 Remove all shelves and drawers from the doors before dismantling - this will reduce weight.
- 🔩 Place bolts from different hinges in separate containers so as not to mix up the length.
- 🧼 Wipe the hinge attachment points from dust and old grease before installation.
It is important not to lose the special bushings or washers that may be located between the hinge and the body. They provide the correct clearance and smooth running. In models Atlant XM-4008 or XM-4210 the design of the hinges may differ slightly, but the general principle remains the same for the entire brand line.
Rearrangement of fittings and magnetic latches
The most critical stage is the installation of all elements on the new side. You need to start from the bottom loop. It is transferred to the opposite lower corner of the body. The bolts are not yet tightened completely so that the position can be adjusted. Then the bottom door (freezer) is put on the pin.
Next, the middle hinge is installed. There is an important nuance here: the hinge pin on which the top door fits must point upward. If you turn the hinge incorrectly, the door will not lock into place. The middle hinge bolts are tightened carefully, as they support the weight of the upper chamber.
Requires special attention magnetic retainer (latch). In its original position it is on one side of the door and body. When rehanging, it must be moved to a symmetrical hole on the other side. The case usually has threaded plug holes on both sides.
| Element | Action during transfer | Nuance |
|---|---|---|
| Bottom loop | Move to the opposite corner | Check for the presence of bushings |
| Middle hinge | Turn over with the pin up | Do not confuse the top and bottom of the part |
| Magnet | Screw into a symmetrical hole | Use original bolts |
| Plugs | Close the vacated holes | Preserve the aesthetics of the case |
⚠️ Attention: Make sure that the rearranged magnetic clamp does not protrude too much. If it sticks out, the door will not be able to close tightly and the refrigerator will stop freezing.
☑️ Relocation checklist
Installing the doors on the new side
After preparation Once the fittings are installed, installation of the doors begins in the reverse order. The bottom door is already installed on the bottom hinge pin. Now you need to put the upper (refrigerating) chamber in place. This is the hardest part of the job. The door is placed on the middle hinge pin.
Have a helper hold the door straight while you tighten the top hinge bolts. The top loop is also transferred to the new side. It is important not to tighten the bolts too tightly right away. First you need to make sure that the doors are level and nothing is blocking their movement.
If the model is equipped with electronics on the door, it's time to connect the connectors. The wires are carefully laid in the channels intended for them so that they are not pinched by the loops or the body itself when closing. Insulation The wires must be intact.
The bolts are tightened diagonally, evenly distributing the force. This ensures that the loop does not become skewed. After final tightening, check to see if the door is loose. Play is unacceptable, it will lead to rapid wear of the bushings.
Adjusting the position of doors and gaps
Even with careful installation, (fine tuning) may be required. Doors should close tightly, without gaps, and not touch the body when opening. If you notice a distortion, it can be eliminated without removing the door again.
The door height is adjusted using the adjusting supports at the bottom of the refrigerator. By turning the front legs with a key, you can raise or lower the corner of the unit. This affects automatic closing: if the refrigerator is tilted back, the door will close itself under the influence of gravity.
If the door is skewed vertically (one corner lower than the other), you can try to loosen the hinge bolts and, supporting the door, set it level, and then tighten the bolts again. The gap between the door and the body around the perimeter should be uniform.
- 📏 The gap between the door and the body should be 2-3 mm along the entire perimeter.
- 🚪 The door should open freely, without creaking or jamming.
- 🧲 The magnet should work only at the moment of complete closure.
Check the operation of the seal. Press the ruler against the rubber: it should fit snugly against the metal along the entire contour. If a gap has formed in some place through which the cold escapes, you may need to warm the seal with a hairdryer or replace it.
Frequent errors and troubleshooting
In the process of work, beginners often make mistakes that can negate all efforts. One of the most common is the loss or confusion of fasteners. The bolts from the top and bottom hinges may differ in thread length and diameter. Using the wrong bolt can lead to damaged threads in the body or insufficient fixation.
Another mistake is ignoring the plugs. The holes remaining on the previous side of the installation must be closed with plastic plugs. Moisture, dust or insects can get into them, which will eventually lead to corrosion of the metal inside the cabinet.
If after installation the door does not close tightly, check whether the products on the shelves are in the way. Sometimes turning the door changes the logic of the arrangement, and tall bottles begin to rest against the ceiling of the chamber or adjacent shelves. Also make sure that the refrigerator is on a level floor.
⚠️ Attention: Specifications and design of models may vary slightly from year to year. If you are the owner of a very new or, conversely, rare old model, check the hinge diagram in the official user manual, since the location of the holes may differ from the standard one.
If you find that when opening the door you can hear the grinding of metal on metal, stop using it immediately. This means that the hinges are installed skewed. Further use will lead to grinding of the metal and the appearance of metal shavings, which can get into the compressor mechanism or simply contaminate the food.
Is it possible to rehang the door yourself if the refrigerator is under warranty?
As a rule, re-hanging the doors yourself is not grounds for voiding the warranty if you have not damaged the equipment in the process. However, some service centers can be picky. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to call a specialist from an authorized center, but this will be a paid service, since this is not a warranty case, but an installation service.
What to do if the holes for the hinges on the new side do not match?
In the factory, holes for the hinges are provided on both sides for all models that support overhang. If there are no holes, perhaps your specific model Atlant does not allow changing the opening side. Read the instructions carefully. It is strictly not recommended to drill new holes yourself - this will break the tightness of the thermal insulation.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging it?
Complete defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, if there is a lot of ice in the freezer, the door may be heavier, and tilting (if required) will prevent water from flowing into the mechanisms. It is better to turn off the refrigerator an hour before starting work and remove food to lighten the doors.
What about door handles? Do they also need to be rearranged?
In most refrigerator models Atlant handles are part of the door design and do not require rearrangement, since they are symmetrical or located in the center. However, if the handle is asymmetrical and located on the edge, it may need to be moved on some models. Usually, hidden holes are provided for this on the inside of the door.
Why did the door begin to close worse after rehanging?
Most likely, the installation geometry of the hinges is broken or the magnetic lock is not fully tightened. Also check if the door is touching the floor or baseboard. Sometimes it takes time for the new lubricant in the hinges to disperse and for the door to start moving more easily. If the problem is in the seal, try warming it up with a hairdryer.