Redesigning the kitchen or simply inconvenient placement of equipment often confronts owners with a fact: the refrigerator Atlant takes up too much space, opening in the wrong direction. The situation when the door blocks the passage or rests against furniture can be solved without calling a specialist. Most models of the Belarusian manufacturer, especially the popular series 450, 4000 and 5000, structurally provide for the possibility of reinstalling the door hinge.
The re-hanging process requires accuracy, the availability of a basic set of tools and an understanding of the structure of the hinge mechanism. Incorrect actions can lead to damage to the case or loss of tightness, so it is important to strictly follow the algorithm. In this article we will analyze all stages of work, from preparation to final adjustment of the gaps.
It is worth noting that the design of refrigerators Atlant with a bottom freezer allows you to change the opening direction of both the upper and lower doors. However, some budget or older models may only have hinge holes on one side. Before starting work, make sure that your unit technically supports this option by inspecting the opposite sidewall.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
Before you begin dismantling heavy elements, you need to prepare the workspace. It is best to roll out the refrigerator to the middle of the room, providing easy access from all sides. This will allow you not only to work comfortably, but also not to scratch the floor or walls while maneuvering the door.
To complete the task, you will need a standard home handyman kit. The main tool will be an open-end or socket wrench, most often size 10 mm or 8 mm, depending on the modification of the bolts. Also, a flat-head screwdriver will not be superfluous for dismantling decorative plugs and plastic elements.
- 🔧 Open-end wrenches (8, 10, 13 mm) - for unscrewing the hinge bolts.
- 🔨 Flat-head screwdriver - for removing plugs and decorative panels.
- 📏 Level or tape measure - to control the horizontal position of equipment.
- 🧤 Work gloves - to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
Important in advance empty shelves and door baskets. Complete unloading will not only make the structure lighter, but will also prevent glass shelves from falling out when the case is tilted. If the model has a system No Frost, make sure that the ice maker (if any) does not interfere with access to the fasteners.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! Remove the plug from the socket to eliminate the risk of short circuit or electric shock if the wiring is accidentally damaged.
Prepare a soft mat that can be placed on the floor in the place where the removed door will lie. This could be thick cardboard, an old blanket or carpet. Metal hinges and door edges can damage the flooring if dropped without cushioning.
Dismantling the upper door of the refrigerator compartment
The process always starts from the top of the unit. In two-chamber models Atlant the upper door is usually heavier and larger, so it is better to work with an assistant. The first step is to remove the top decorative panel, if it is structurally provided for in your model.
On many modern series, the panel is secured with latches or hidden screws. Carefully pry it off with a flat-head screwdriver in the area of the handle or around the perimeter. Do not use excessive force to avoid breaking the plastic clips. Under the panel there is a top hinge and, often, a channel for cable routing.
If your model is equipped with an electronic display or indicators on the door, it runs inside the case wire harness. It needs to be disconnected. The connector is usually located under the top cover or in close proximity to the hinge. Do not pull on the wires - find the plastic connector and carefully release its latches.
Nuances of working with electronics
If you are afraid of mixing up the contacts during assembly, take a photo of the connectors before disconnecting. In some models, the connectors have a unique shape, but it’s better to be safe.
After disconnecting the electronics (if any), we move on to mechanical fasteners. The top hinge is usually bolted to the end of the housing with two or three bolts. Use the appropriate size wrench. While you are unscrewing the bolts, hold the door with your other hand or ask an assistant to prevent it from falling.
- 🔩 Unscrew the bolts securing the top hinge to the refrigerator body.
- 🚪 Remove the door along with the hinge and carefully place it on the prepared surface.
- 🔄 Turn it over a 180 degree loop for installation on the other side (if the design is symmetrical).
On the free end you will see holes closed with plastic plugs. They must be removed and moved to the opposite side where the hinges were previously attached. This will preserve the aesthetic appearance of the unit and protect the metal from corrosion.
Removing and rehanging the bottom door
After successfully dismantling the upper part, you can proceed to the freezer. In refrigerators Atlant with a bottom-mounted freezer, this door often has its own fastening features. There may also be an intermediate strip or a decorative base here.
First remove the handle if it is not part of the monolithic door structure. In some models, the handle is attached with screws from the inside or hidden under decorative overlays. Next, you need to dismantle the middle hinge, which connects the upper and lower doors, or remove it together with the lower door, if the design allows.
After unscrewing the middle hinge fastening bolts, remove the lower door. Pay attention to the condition sealing rubber. While the door is removed, it makes sense to wash it with warm water and a mild detergent to remove dirt and restore elasticity.
⚠️ Attention: When removing the lower door, be careful not to damage the freon supply tubes if they pass near the hinge. In some models, the capillary tube may be routed close to the fasteners.
Install the bottom hinge on the new side. To do this, there must be corresponding threaded holes at the end of the body and on the door itself. Insert the door into the bottom hinge, line it up, and screw the top of the hinge to the door. Tighten the bolts tightly, but not fanatically, so as not to strip the threads.
☑️ Dismantling checklist
If your model has a general axis or specific mechanism of the closer, make sure that it will function correctly when turned over. In rare cases, it may be necessary to rearrange additional bushings or washers that come with the refrigerator or are located in the niche for vegetables.
Features of models with the No Frost system
Owners of refrigerators Atlantequipped with the system No Frostshould be especially careful attentive. In such models, a heating element is often placed between the door and the body to prevent the seal from freezing. This element is connected to the general electrical network of the unit.
When hanging the door, it is necessary to disconnect not only the display wires, but also the contacts of the door heater. They can be located in different places: in the top hinge, in the middle part or directly in the door frame. The connection diagram is usually marked on the inner wall of the refrigerator compartment or in the technical data sheet.
| Element | Location in standard models | Location in No Frost | Action when reweighing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top hinge | Top of the body | Top of the body + wires | Disconnect the connectors |
| Door heater | Absent | Along the perimeter of the door | Disconnect the power supply |
| Display/Panel | On the door or body | Often on doors | Carefully snap off the cable |
It is important to correctly lay the wires in the new channel. The cable should lie freely in the niche intended for it, without being pinched when opening and closing the door. If the wires are too long, they can be carefully rolled up and secured with a clamp, but do not cut them under any circumstances.
After connecting all contacts, check the operation of the system. Plug in the refrigerator and make sure the lights are on and the display is working. Lack of response may indicate poor contact in the connector.
Installation of handles and fittings on the new side
The final stage of the mechanical part is the installation of handles and decorative elements. In refrigerators Atlant handles are often symmetrical or have a universal fastening. If the handle consists of two parts (top and bottom), their installation is carried out strictly according to the instructions for a particular side.
To install the handle, you may need to remove the end caps on the door. They are easily removed with a flat screwdriver. Below them are threaded holes. Insert the mounting screws through the holes in the handle and tighten them from the inside of the door or through special technological holes.
- 🔍 Find a set of plugs for the holes (usually located in the vegetable compartment).
- 🔩 Install the plugs on the old places where the hinges are attached.
- 🚪 Screw the handle using the holes intended for the selected side.
- ✨ Install decorative overlays at the joints.
In some models, handles may be asymmetrical. In this case, the refrigerator often comes with a second set of handles or universal elements that can be deployed. If there are no handles for the other side, you may need to purchase them separately by contacting the service center.
Don't forget to check the tightness of the door after installing all the elements. The handle should not interfere with complete closure or touch the body. If there is a misalignment, it is possible that the handle screws are not tightened evenly or the handle itself is not aligned with the guides.
Adjusting the position of the doors and checking the tightness
After the doors are hung, it is necessary to carry out a thorough adjustment. Even a slight deviation from the vertical can lead to a loose seal and, as a result, loss of cold and the formation of ice. Adjustment is carried out using the front support legs of the refrigerator.
Using a level, check that the unit is installed horizontally. If the floor is uneven, tighten the adjustment screws on the front feet. The door should open easily and close on its own when deviating from the open position by about 20-30 degrees (if the locking mode is not set).
⚠️ Attention: The gap between the door and the body must be uniform around the entire perimeter. If the door fits tightly at the top, but a gap forms at the bottom (or vice versa), adjustment of the height of the legs or the position of the hinges is required.
Checking the tightness can be done in a simple way. Take a piece of paper or a banknote, clamp it with the door and try to pull it out. The paper should be pulled out with noticeable force. If it falls out freely or is pulled out too easily, the tightness in this place is broken.
If adjusting with the legs does not help, the seal itself may be deformed. In this case, you can warm it up with a hairdryer (carefully, without overheating) or replace it with a new one. Also check whether the products on the shelves do not interfere with the door being tightly closed after rehanging.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to rehang the door on the Atlant refrigerator without an assistant?
Technically this is possible, but it is highly not recommended. The doors of two-compartment refrigerators are heavy and bulky. Without an assistant, there is a high risk of dropping the door, damaging the floor, hinges, or even getting injured. In addition, it is difficult for one person to simultaneously hold the door and tighten the bolts.
What to do if the length of the wires is not enough after rehanging?
In the standard configuration, the length of the wires is designed for standard installation. If after rehanging the wires are stretched, under no circumstances leave them in this state. It is necessary to extend the harness using special connectors or soldering, or contact a service center for professional cable extension.
Do I need to wait before turning on the refrigerator after re-hanging?
No special waiting is required, since the compressor and cooling system were not dismantled or shaken (unlike transportation). However, if you tilted the refrigerator strongly (more than 40 degrees) during work, it is better to wait 2-4 hours before turning it on so that the oil in the compressor flows into the crankcase.
Why does the door not close completely after rehanging?
The most likely reason is incorrect adjustment of the height of the front legs. The refrigerator should be installed with a slight tilt to the rear to allow gravity to help close the door. Also check if anything inside (food, shelves) is in the way or if the seal is twisted.