Transport strut in the refrigerator: purpose, removal and mistakes that should be avoided

You just purchased a new refrigerator, delivered it home, unpacked it - and suddenly discovered a strange plastic or metal part secured inside the chamber. This is not a defect or a spare part forgotten by the manufacturer, but transport spacer. Many users are not even aware of its existence until they encounter problems: from increased noise to compressor breakdown. In this article we will analyze in detail why this part is needed, how to dismantle it correctly and what will happen if you ignore the instructions.

The transport spacer (sometimes called transport bolt or compressor retainer) is a temporary element, which is installed at the factory to protect the internal mechanisms of the refrigerator during transportation. Its main task is to prevent damage to compressor, spring shock absorbers and refrigerant pipes from vibrations, shocks and sharp tilts. Without this part, even minor shocks during transportation could lead to depressurization of the system or deformation of key components.

However, after installing the refrigerator in a permanent place, the spacer you must remove it otherwise it will become a source of constant hum, vibration and can even cause serious damage. Next, we will tell you how to recognize this element, where it is located in popular models (Atlant, Samsung, LG, Indesit etc.), and give step-by-step instructions for dismantling.

Why do you need a transport spacer: physics and the consequences of ignoring it

To To understand the importance of this detail, just imagine how the refrigerator works from the inside. The compressor - the “heart” of the unit - is suspended on special spring shock absorberss that dampen vibrations during operation. During transportation, the box with the refrigerator may be tilted at an angle of up to 40°, subject to impacts or sudden braking. Without fixation, the compressor and refrigerant tubes receive critical loads:

• 🔧 Deformation of the tubes —even microcracks lead to freon leakage and loss of cooling capacity.
• 🔊 Damage to shock absorbers —springs can stretch or burst, which will cause a constant hum during operation.
• ⚡ Short circuit —if the compressor moves and touches the housing, insulation breakdowns are possible.
• ❄️ Impaired refrigerant circulation —pinched tubes will worsen cooling chambers.

Manufacturers test refrigerators for vibration resistance, but even in laboratory conditions without fixing the compressor gets damaged. For example, in models Samsung RB30J3000 i LG GA-B489 the transport spacer holds not only the motor, but also the capacitor, preventing them from contacting the rear wall. And in refrigerators Atlant with the system No Frost it additionally stabilizes the fan.

If you do not remove the spacer after installation, the consequences will not appear immediately, but will accumulate:

• 📈 Increased noise (from 45 dB instead of the standard 38–42 dB).
• 🔥 Overheating of the compressor due to impaired ventilation.
• ⏳ Reduced service life by 20–30% (according to service centers).

⚠️ Attention: B In refrigerators with inverter compressors (Samsung Digital Inverter, LG Linear Compressor), ignoring the spacer leads to malfunctions of the electronics. These models are especially sensitive to vibrations.

Where is the transport spacer located: search in different models

The location of the spacer depends on the design of the refrigerator. In 90% of cases it is located on rear wall, but in some models it can be hidden under the bottom panel or even inside the camera. Here are typical places:

In refrigerators Side-by-Side (for example, Samsung RS62R5001 or LG GC-B247) the spacer can be hidden behind the decorative panel of the freezer. To find it, sometimes you have to remove the bottom grille or back cover (in models with an external capacitor).

If you are not sure where to look, pay attention to the following signs:

• 🔍 Instructions — in the "Preparing for work" section there is usually a diagram with the location of the spacer.
• 📦 Box —it may have a warning sticker on it (for example, “Remove transit bolt before use”).
• 🎧 Sound —if the refrigerator hums louder than a vacuum cleaner, most likely the spacer has not been removed.

Step-by-step instructions: how to remove the transport spacer

The dismantling process takes no more than 10 minutes, but requires care. You will need:

• ⚒️ Phillips screwdriver (for most models).
• 🔧 10 or 13 mm wrench (for metal bolts).
• 🧲 Magnet or tweezers (so as not to lose small parts).

General algorithm:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the mains.
2. Pull it out from the wall 50–60 cm to access the rear panel.
3. Find the spacer (see table above).
4. Carefully unscrew the fixing elements (bolts, latches).
5. Remove the spacer and all related parts (gaskets, liners).
6. Check whether there are any plastic clips left inside the camera (in some models Indesit and Beko).

Now let's look at the nuances for different types of spacers:

1. Metal bracket (Atlant, LG, some Samsung models)

This type is fixed with a bolt that passes through the compressor housing. To remove it:

1. Find a bolt on the back wall (usually there is one, less often). - two).
2. Hold the nut on the back side with a wrench and unscrew the bolt with a screwdriver.
3. Remove the bracket and check if there are any rubber gaskets left underneath it.

Important: Do not use excessive force - the thread may be plastic!

2. Plastic rod (Samsung, Beko)

In models Samsung RB i Beko CN the spacer looks like a thick plastic pin that is inserted into the hole next to compressor. To remove it:

1. Pull the rod towards you (sometimes you need to turn it counterclockwise).
2. Make sure that there are no plastic fragments left inside the hole.
3. Close the hole with a plug (if it is included in the kit).

3. Internal lock (Indesit, some LG models)

In refrigerators Indesit C16 or LG GA-B429 the spacer may be located inside the refrigerator compartment on the back wall, behind the plastic panel. To remove it:

1. Take out all the shelves and drawers.
2. Bend or remove the decorative panel (usually it is attached with latches).
3. Unscrew the plastic bracket and pull it out it.

What will happen if you do not remove the spacer: real cases from practice

Many users neglect the instructions, considering the spacer to be “nonsense”. However, refrigerator repair shops face the consequences of such carelessness every day. Here are a few examples:

• 🔊 Refrigerator Atlant MXM-1708: After 3 months of operation, the compressor began to make a sound comparable to the operation of a hammer drill. The reason is that the metal spacer crushed the coolant tube, causing the engine to wear out. The repair cost 8,000 ₽ (replacement of the tube + refilling of freon).
• 🔥 Refrigerator Samsung RB37J5200: The plastic spacer inside the chamber cracked and got into the system fan No Frost. This led to the blades blocking and the motor overheating. The fan needed to be replaced (RUB 5,500).
• ⚡ Refrigerator LG GA-B489: The metal spacer bolt came into contact with the housing, which caused a current leak. The RCD circuit breaker tripped, but the refrigerator had to be reconnected through the stabilizer.

According to statistics from service centers, 15% of refrigerator breakdowns in the first year of operation they are connected precisely with the transport spacer that was not removed. However, the warranty does not apply to such cases - manufacturers clearly indicate in the instructions the need to remove it.

⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators with a system Total No Frost (for example, Samsung RS62R5001) a spacer that has not been removed can block the air channels, which will lead to uneven cooling and ice formation in the freezer.

How to check if the spacer has been removed: 5 signs

If you are not sure whether you removed the retainer, or bought a used refrigerator, here's how to do it determine:

1. Visual inspection: Look behind the refrigerator - if you see a protruding bolt, bracket or plastic rod, the spacer is in place.
2. Noise: Turn on the refrigerator and listen. Normal noise level is 38–42 dB (like a quiet conversation). If the sound is louder and accompanied by rattling, the problem is in the spacer.
3. Vibration: Put your hand on the top cover. Strong vibration (especially when starting the compressor) is a sure sign.
4. Heating: Touch the back wall in the compressor area. If it is hot (over 50°C), this may indicate that the motor is overloaded.
5. Cooling: Check how quickly the refrigerator rises to temperature. If it works without stopping, but does not freeze well, the tubes may be blocked.

If at least 2-3 signs coincide, immediately turn off the refrigerator and check for the presence of a spacer. In some cases (for example, in models Beko GNE114620), an unremoved retainer may not make itself felt for the first few months, but then will manifest itself in the form of a breakdown.

What to do if the spacer breaks during removal?

If the plastic rod breaks off and a part remains inside, do not try to get it out yourself - contact service. In the case of a metal bracket (for example, in Atlant), you can carefully drill out the bolt with a drill with a thin drill, but this is risky for a beginner.

Common mistakes when removing the spacer and how to avoid them

Even such a simple procedure can go wrong if you do not take into account the nuances. Here are the most common mistakes:

• 🔧 Using the wrong tool: For example, trying to unscrew a bolt with pliers instead of a wrench results in “licking” the edges. Solution: Use only a Phillips screwdriver or a wrench of the appropriate size.
• 🧲 Loss of small parts: Nuts or washers may fall behind the refrigerator. Solution: Place a cloth or use a magnet.
• ⚡ Work under voltage: Some "masters" try to remove the spacer without turning off the refrigerator. Solution: Always remove the plug from the socket!
• 🔄 Incomplete removal: For example, LG GC-B247 In addition to the rear strut, there is an internal lock in the freezer compartment. Solution: Read the instructions carefully.
• 🛠️ Damage to the housing: In case of excessive effort can break the plastic back panel. Solution: If the bolt does not fit, spray it with WD-40 and wait 5 minutes.

Another typical problem - confusion with parts. For example, in refrigerators Indesit sometimes the capacitor mount is mistaken for a spacer. To avoid mistakes, check the instructions or watch a video for your model on YouTube (enter a query like “Indesit C16 transport bolt removal»).

⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators with inverter compressor (for example, Samsung Digital Inverter) you cannot use impact tools (hammer, chisel) to remove spacers - this can damage the electronic control unit.

Transport spacer in refrigerators with different types of compressors

The design of the retainer depends on the type of compressor. Let's consider the features for. the most common options:

Compressor type	Space features	Risks if not removed	Examples of models
Regular (piston)	Metal bracket or bolt securing the compressor housing	Increased noise, vibration, freon leakage	Atlant MXM-1807, Indesit C16
Inverter	Plastic rod or bracket with shock-absorbing inserts	Electronics failure, overheating, refusal to turn on	Samsung RB30J3000, LG GA-B489
Linear (LG Linear Compressor)	Combined system: bolt + plastic tube clamp	Violation of the linear movement of the piston, current leakage	LG GC-B247, LG GA-B429
Two-compressor	Two separate spacers for each motor	Uneven cooling, failure of one of the compressors	Atlant MXT-2808, Samsung RS62R5001

In refrigerators with inverter compressors the spacer often performs an additional function - it stabilizes the electronic unit. For example, in models Samsung Digital Inverter a plastic rod passes through a special hole in the case, fixing not only the motor, but also the control board. not removed, the display may malfunction or refuse to respond to commands.

In linear compressors (technology LG Linear Compressor) the spacer blocks moving elements that normally perform reciprocating movements with precision to microns. Any interference leads to increased friction and wear.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about the transport spacer

❓ Is it possible to operate the refrigerator with the spacer not removed for “a little”, for example, a week?

No, even short-term work with the lock does not work. to microdamage to shock absorbers and pipes. In models with inverter compressors (Samsung, LG) this can cause a firmware failure within a few days.

❓ Where to put the spacer after removal? Do you need to save it?

It is not necessary to save it, but it is not necessary to throw it away either. hurry. If you have to move or transport the refrigerator, the spacer can be installed back (especially important for models Atlant And Indesit with metal brackets). So it’s not there?

❓ In my refrigerator Beko no visible brace. So it doesn't exist?

Not necessary. In some models Beko (for example, GNE114620) the spacer is hidden under the bottom panel or inside the camera behind a plastic plug. Check the instructions or watch a review of your model on YouTube.

❓ Is it possible to do it yourself? a spacer if it is lost before moving?

Yes, but only as a temporary solution. For piston compressors (Atlant, Indesit), a wooden block wrapped in foam rubber, secured with a rope, is suitable. For inverter models (Samsung, LG) it is better not to risk it - contact your contact. service.

❓ Why is the spacer in some refrigerators plastic, and in others - metal?

It depends on the weight of the compressor and the type of shock absorption. Metal brackets are used in models with heavy piston engines (Atlant, Indesit). Plastic rods are placed in refrigerators with inverter or linear compressors (Samsung, LG), where it is important to avoid squeezing the tubes.