Buying a new refrigerator is always a joyful event that marks an update household appliances in the kitchen. However, after delivering the bulky unit to the apartment, the most important stage begins - its correct installation. Many owners, carried away by unpacking and finding a place for refrigerator compartment, forget about a critical procedure, ignoring which can lead to serious damage.
We are talking about special locking elements that hold the moving parts of the compressor during transportation. These parts, known as shipping bolts, must be located and removed before first use. If this is not done, the vibration of the running engine will be transmitted to the entire body, causing loud noise and destruction of internal mechanisms.
In this article we will look in detail at where exactly these fasteners are located from different manufacturers, how to safely unscrew them and what to do if you accidentally turned on the equipment without removing the fasteners. Understanding the design of your unit will help you avoid costly repairs.
⚠️ Attention: Operating the refrigerator with the shipping bolts installed is strictly prohibited. This leads to rupture of the cooling system tubes and failure of the compressor during the first hours of operation.
What are transport clamps for?
The internal structure of a modern refrigerator includes a complex refrigerant compression mechanism - a compressor. It is suspended on special springs or shock absorbers inside a metal casing to dampen vibrations during operation. However, when transported on uneven roads, such mobility would become fatal: the engine compartment could move, hit the walls of the housing or damage the copper tubes.
To prevent this, manufacturing plants rigidly fix the compressor block to the frame or bottom of the unit. For this purpose, metal bolts or special staples are used. They transform the moving system into a monolithic structure that can withstand shaking, tilting and shock during loading. Without these elements, the risk of damage to internal components during delivery is close to one hundred percent.
After the refrigerator is delivered to its destination and installed vertically, the function of these bolts ends. They become unnecessary and even harmful elements. They must be removed to return the compressor to the ability to move freely on shock absorbers, as intended by the engineers.
- 🔧 Fixation: Rigid mounting of the motor to the frame to protect against shock during transportation.
- 🛡️ Safety: Prevention of breakage of copper tubes and pipes during movement truck.
- 🔊 Sound insulation: After removing the bolts, the refrigerator operates quietly, since vibrations are damped by springs.
Typical locations of fasteners
Location Shipping bolts may vary by model and manufacturer, but there are a few common areas where you should look for them first. Most often they are located on the rear wall of the unit, in its lower part. This is logical, since the compressor unit is traditionally located at the bottom at the back.
In some models, especially old Soviet refrigerators or specific industrial designs, the bolts can be located symmetrically on the sides or even in the front, hidden by decorative panels of the base. In modern two-chamber models, a pattern with four fastening points is often found: two bolts at the back and two at the sides in the lower part.
Sometimes manufacturers hide the fasteners under plastic plugs or decorative overlays to improve the aesthetic appearance of the rear wall. So if you see holes but no bolts, carefully inspect the perimeter for any removable plastic parts. Also, the bolts can be painted in the color of the body, which makes them less noticeable.
Specific locations for different brands
Each manufacturer of household appliances has its own engineering features that affect the design fastening units. Knowing these nuances will help you navigate faster and not waste time searching for non-existent details. Below is a table systematizing data on popular brands.
| Brand | Number of bolts | Location | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indesit / Ariston | 2 or 4 | Rear, near the floor | Often require a 13 or 14 key |
| Beko | 4 | In the corners of the lower part at the back | Sometimes hidden under plastic protection |
| Samsung | 2 | Rear, symmetrical | There may be long studs with nuts |
| LG | 2 or 4 | The lower part of the rear panel | They often come complete with a key |
| Atlant | 2 | Bottom, in the center or on the sides | Large bolts, visible visually |
It is important to note that in some models Samsung i LG instead of classic bolts, special brackets or strips that are screwed with nuts can be used. In this case, you will need a wrench of the appropriate size. New refrigerators often come with instructions, where the diagram shows the exact location of these elements.
If you have a European-assembled model, for example, Bosch or Siemens, the fasteners can be made in the form of long pins passing through the body. They need to be unscrewed completely, making sure not to lose the washers and nuts. Sometimes these studs are threaded on both sides, which makes them easier to grip with a tool.
Instructions for safe dismantling
The process of removing transport locks is technically simple, but requires compliance with certain safety rules. Before starting work, make sure that the refrigerator is disconnected from the power supply. Although the bolts themselves are not live, you will be working in close proximity to electrical components and the back panel where there may be exposed contacts.
You will need a set of wrenches (usually 10, 12, 13 or 14mm sizes) or an adjustable wrench to do the job. In some cases, if the bolts are rusted or over-tightened, a penetrating lubricant such as WD-40 may be needed, but this is uncommon on new equipment. Also prepare a container for folding the parts so that they do not get lost.
☑️ Dismantling checklist
Carefully unscrew each bolt counterclockwise. If there are four of them, proceed sequentially: first loosen everything a little, and then unscrew it completely. This will help avoid distortion of the structure, although this is less critical for transport bolts than for car wheels. The main thing is not to use excessive force so as not to strip the thread.
After removing all the elements, inspect the holes. Sometimes rubber bushings or gaskets remain in them - there is no need to touch them, they are part of the shock absorption system. If the holes are through and the internal mechanism is visible through them, make sure that dust or moisture does not get there in the future, although the design usually provides for this.
⚠️ Attention: Do not throw away the removed bolts immediately! Store them in a bag and tape them to the inside wall of the refrigerator or put them in a filing cabinet. When moving or sending equipment to a service center, their installation will be mandatory.
What happens if you forget to remove the bolts
Ignoring the need to remove shipping bolts is one of the most common causes of refrigerator breakdowns in the first year of operation. When the compressor starts, it begins to vibrate. In normal mode, this vibration is damped by springs, and we only hear a quiet hum. If the motor is tightly clamped with bolts, all the vibration energy is transferred to the metal body of the unit.
This leads to several negative consequences. First, there is a strong, annoying rumble and rattling noise that cannot be ignored. Secondly, and this is the most dangerous, a rigid connection between the motor and the frame leads to the destruction of the soldering of copper tubes. The metal gets tired from constant shaking, microcracks appear through which freon evaporates.
Is it possible to correct the situation if the refrigerator has already worked with the bolts?
If you turned on the refrigerator and heard a loud noise, turn it off immediately! If he worked like this for several minutes, most likely there would be no consequences. If it takes several hours or days, there is a high risk of freon leakage or damage to the compressor suspension. A specialist diagnosis is required.
In addition, constant vibration is transmitted to the floor and walls, which can disturb neighbors. In such conditions, the compressor operates under increased load, which shortens its service life. Electronics can detect an overload and cause the unit to fail, although mechanical damage in this case is more likely.
Symptoms of working with installed bolts:
- 🔊 Loud knocking and rattling when the motor is running.
- 📉 Noticeable vibration body when touched by hand.
- 🌡️ Lack of cold when the compressor is running (a sign of leakage).
Frequent errors during installation and dismantling
Even knowing where the bolts are, users often make mistakes that can negate all efforts. One of the common problems is trying to unscrew the bolts without fixing the refrigerator itself. With a sharp jerk with the key, the unit may swing and hit the wall or fall on the master’s foot.
Another mistake is the loss of fasteners. Bolts often have a specific thread or length, and it can be difficult to find replacements for your next move. Some users, not finding the original bolts when moving, simply wrap the compressor with wire or tape, which is absolutely unacceptable and leads to breakdown.
There is also a situation when the wrong bolts are unscrewed. The back panel may have adjustment screws or mounts for additional panels. Before using force, make sure that you are holding the transport lock in your hands. They are usually larger than the others and located symmetrically.
Do not use impact tools, such as an impact driver, for dismantling. Sharp impacts can damage the threads or the refrigerator frame itself. It is better to use a quality hand wrench and, if necessary, a little lubricant.
Answers to frequently asked questions
Do you need to wait after removing the bolts before turning on?
Yes, this is a prerequisite. After transportation and removal of fasteners, the refrigerator needs to stand in a vertical position for 2 to 4 hours (or better yet, a day) so that the oil in the compressor flows into the crankcase. Turning on earlier than this period can lead to water hammer.
What to do if one of the bolts is rusty and cannot be unscrewed?
Do not use excessive force so as not to tear off the edges. Apply penetrating lubricant (WD-40) to the joint and leave for 15-20 minutes. Try gently tapping the bolt with a hammer through a drift to destroy the oxides, then try again.
Is it possible to transport a refrigerator without shipping bolts?
It is strictly not recommended. Without fixation, the compressor will dangle inside the housing and can tear off tubes or damage the suspension even with slight shaking. If the bolts are lost, contact the service center to select analogues or make fasteners.
Where are the bolts stored after unpacking?
Usually they are in a bag with documents, in a niche on the back wall (sometimes in a special pocket) or attached with tape to the inner shelf of the refrigerator. Carefully inspect all packaging materials.
Does removing the bolts affect the warranty?
No, removing the shipping bolts is a mandatory operating procedure. However, if you damage the equipment during careless dismantling (break the thread, pierce the housing), the warranty case may not be recognized. Proceed with caution.