Transport bolts in an LG refrigerator: where to look and how to remove it correctly

The first switching on of a new refrigerator LG is a crucial moment on which the durability of the compressor and the entire cooling system depends. Many users overlook one critical detail: transport boltsthat secure the compressor springs during transportation. If they are not removed before starting, vibrations from the running motor will be transmitted to the housing, which can lead to breakdown in the first hours of operation.

In this article we will look at where exactly the transport bolts are located in refrigerators LG different series - from compact single-chamber to overall Side-by-Side. You will learn how to distinguish them from ordinary fasteners, what tools are needed for dismantling, and what to do if the bolts are stuck or lost. We will pay special attention to models with the No Frostsystem, where access to the compressor is often difficult due to decorative panels.

Important: instructions may vary slightly depending on the year of manufacture and modification of the refrigerator. For example, in models LG till 2018, the bolts were sometimes located on the back wall under a plastic cover, but in the new series (2020+) they were moved to the bottom panel for convenience. If your refrigerator is older than 5 years, check the original documentation - we will provide universal recommendations, but it is better to clarify the design nuances in the product data sheet.

Why are shipping bolts needed and what will happen if they are not removed

Transport bolts (sometimes called transport locks) perform two key functions functions:

• 🔧 Compressor stabilization —prevent the motor from swinging during transportation, which could damage the refrigerant pipes or spring shock absorbers.
• 🛡️ Vibration protection —rigidly fix the housing compressor, excluding impacts on the internal elements of the refrigerator during shaking.

If you start the refrigerator LG with the bolts not removed, the consequences can be serious:

• 🔊 Increased noise - the compressor will “rattling”, since the shock absorbers will not be able to dampen vibrations.
• ⚡ Motor overheating —due to improper operation of shock absorbers, heat dissipation will deteriorate, which will shorten service life.
• ❌ Broken pipes —in rare cases, rigid fixation can lead to cracks in copper refrigerant lines.

⚠️ Attention: In models LG with inverter compressors (Linear Compressor), transportation bolts are especially important. These motors are sensitive to imbalance, and working with the clamps can cause an error ER FF (fan failure) after 1-2 hours.

The manufacturer always indicates the need to remove the bolts in the instructions, but many users skip this point. For example, in refrigerators LG DoorCooling+ the bolts are hidden under the decorative panel and are easy to miss. Next, we will show you exactly where to look for them in different series.

Where are the transport bolts: diagrams for different LG models

The location of the bolts depends on refrigerator structure and year of manufacture. Below are typical diagrams for popular series. If your model is not included in the list, be guided by the general principles: the bolts are always attached to the compressor frame or lower cross member housing.

For clarity, we present a universal search algorithm:

1. Unplug the refrigerator and move it away from the wall (at least 50 cm of space is needed).
2. Inspect rear wall - look for plastic or metal covers measuring 10x15 cm.
3. If there are no covers, check the lower front panel (in models Side-by-Side and Door-in-Door).
4. The bolts are usually marked black or silver, with hexagonal or cross head.

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

To remove the bolts you will need:

• 🔧 Phillips screwdriver (PH2) or hexagon (5 mm/6 mm).
• 📦 Plastic container for storing bolts (so as not to lose).
• 🔦 Flashlight (if access difficult).

Follow this algorithm:

1. Remove the decorative panels.

   In models No Frost unscrew the 2 screws on the back cover (usually they are hidden under the stickers). In Side-by-Side press the latches of the bottom panel and pull it up.

2. Determine the type of bolts.

   They can be:

   • 🔩 With a hex head —use a key 5 mm or 6 mm.
   • ✖️ With a Phillips head - a screwdriver will do PH2.
   • 🔧 With a star head - you need a bit T20 or T25.

Carefully unscrew the bolts.

Do not use excessive force - if the bolt gets stuck, spray it with WD-40 and wait 5-10 minutes. arrows.

Check the compressor shock absorbers.

After removing the bolts, the compressor should “walk” slightly on the springs (amplitude 1–2 mm). If the springs are compressed or deformed, contact service.

After dismantling, save the bolts and fasteners in the bag with the documentation for the refrigerator. They may be needed when moving or transporting the equipment to a service center.

Frequent problems when removing bolts and how to solve them

Even in new refrigerators LG users encounter difficulties when removing transportation bolts. Let's look at typical situations and ways to eliminate them.

1. The bolts have become stuck or rusted

This is true for refrigerators that have been stored in a warehouse for a long time in humid conditions. To unscrew them:

• 💧 Apply penetrating lubricant to the threads penetrating lubricant (WD-40, Liqui Moly MoS2).
• ⏳ Wait 15-20 minutes, then try unscrewing again.
• 🔧 Use extension for the key or a pipe as a lever (without fanaticism!).

2. The head of the bolt is torn off

If the edges are “licked”, try:

• 🔨 Put it on the head rubber gasket (for example, from a bicycle tube) and tighten the bolt clockwise to “hook” the key.
• 🔧 Use bolt extractor (sold in auto stores).
• 🛠️ As a last resort, drill out the bolt with a drill with a thin drill bit (only if you are confident in your skills!).

3. Not enough space for tools

In compact models (for example, LG GL-B201), access to bolts may be limited. Solutions:

• 🔧 Use flexible extension for a key or screwdriver.
• 🔄 Try unscrewing the bolt piece by piece first half a turn, then slide the key.
• 📦 Remove adjacent panels (for example, the condenser cover) if they are in the way.

⚠️ Attention: If you have stripped the threads in the refrigerator body, do not try to screw the bolt back “tighter.” Contact the service center LG —the craftsmen will restore the thread using a screwdriver or replace the fastening plate.

What to do if the bolts are lost or broken

The situation when the bolts are lost after moving or broken during dismantling, it is not uncommon. Here's what you can do:

1. Buy original bolts

In service centers LG or on spare parts websites (for example, PartMasteryou can order a set of transportation bolts according to the refrigerator model code. The average cost is 300–600 rubles per set. When ordering, please specify:

• 📝 Refrigerator model (located on the sticker inside or behind).
• 🔢 Number and type of bolts (hexagon, asterisk, etc.).
• 📅 Year of manufacture (the design of fastenings may differ).

2. Select analogues

If the original bolts are not available, select replacements at a hardware store. Parameters:

• 📏 Length: 20–25 mm.
• 🔧 Thread: M5 or M6 (depending on the model).
• 🛡️ Material: stainless steel or galvanized (so as not to rust).

3. Transportation without bolts

If you need to transport the refrigerator, but there are no bolts, fix the compressor in alternative ways:

• 📦 Cover the motor foam rubber or bubble wrap film and tighten with tape.
• 🚛 Place the refrigerator on its side (only on the side opposite the compressor tubes!).
• 🔗 Secure the body with belts in the cargo compartment to prevent displacement.

Why can’t you transport the refrigerator lying on the compressor?

During horizontal transportation, oil from the compressor can get into the refrigerant tubes, which will lead to blockage of the capillary system. As a result, the refrigerator will not cool, and expensive repairs will be required (flushing the system + refilling with freon).

LG models in which the bolts are hidden in a non-obvious way

Some series of refrigerators LG have a non-standard arrangement of transportation bolts. Let's look at the most “cunning” options.

1. Series LG InstaView Door-in-Door (models GR-B247*)

Here the bolts are hidden under metal plate on the back wall, which is secured with 4 screws T20. To get to them:

1. Remove the plate by unscrewing all 4 screws.
2. Under the plate you will see 2 hex head transport bolts 5 mm.
3. After removing the bolts, return the plate to its place - it protects the compressor from dust.

2. Series LG ThinQ (models with Wi-Fi, GC-X247*)

In “smart” refrigerators, bolts can be hidden under the bottom panel, which is secured with latches. Algorithm:

1. Press the panel on both sides near the corners - it will move up.
2. Under the panel you will find 3 bolts: 2 on the sides and 1 in the middle.
3. The bolts here have a head under T25 sprocket, so prepare the appropriate bit.

3. Series LG Bottom Freezer (GB-B509*)

In these models the bolts are located from the back, but access to them is blocked by the capacitor (grid with tubes). To remove them:

1. Unscrew the 2 screws holding the condenser grill (usually they are for a Phillips screwdriver).
2. Carefully bend the grill to the side (do not disconnect the tubes!).
3. Under the grill you will see 2 hex head bolts 6 mm.

How to check that the bolts have been removed correctly

After removing the bolts, you need to make sure that the compressor is ready for use. Carry out the following tests:

1. Visual inspection

Check:

• 🔍 Compressor shock absorbers —they should “play” freely when lightly pressed.
• 🔧 No foreign objects —sometimes washers or gaskets remain under the bolts.
• 📏 Closing the panels —all covers and grilles should fit into place without gaps.

2. Vibration test

Connect the refrigerator to the network and:

1. Put your hand on the top of the case - there should not be severe shaking.
2. Listen to the sound of the compressor - normal noise level for LG not exceeds 40–45 dB.
3. If the refrigerator “bounces” or makes a knocking noise, it means that the compressor shock absorbers have not been released - check that all bolts have been removed.

3. Error diagnosis

In refrigerators LG with a display, after incorrect removal of the bolts, error codes may appear:

• ER FF —fan failure (may indicate an imbalance of the compressor).
• ER IF —problem with the ice maker (in models c Ice Maker).
• ER DH - compressor overheating (often due to poor ventilation).

If the error appears on the display, turn off the refrigerator for 10 minutes, then turn it on again. If the code remains, contact service.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about transportation bolts in LG refrigerators

❓ Is it necessary to remove the bolts if the refrigerator has already been running for a month?

Yes, it is necessary to remove the bolts in any caseeven if the refrigerator has been running for some time. Long-term operation with clamps leads to:

• 🔊 Increased wear of compressor shock absorbers.
• ⚡ Overheating of the motor and increased energy consumption.
• ❌ Risk of breakage of refrigerant tubes due to vibrations.

After removing the bolts, the compressor “sag” on the springs, and vibrations will decrease.

❓ Is it possible to turn on the refrigerator without removing the bolts “for a couple of days”?

It is strictly not recommended. Even short-term work with a fixed compressor can cause:

• 🔊 Shock loads on the refrigerant pipes (risk). microcracks).
• ⚡ Electric motor overload (especially in inverter models).
• 🛠️ Loss of warranty —if a breakdown occurs due to bolts, the service center will refuse repairs.

❓ How many bolts should there be in the LG GC-B247 refrigerator?

The model LG GC-B247 (Side-by-Side) installed 4 shipping bolts:

• 2 bolts in the front under the bottom panel.
• 2 bolts in the back under the plastic compressor cover.

All bolts have a hex head 5 mm.

❓ What to do if after removing the bolts the refrigerator became louder work?

This is normal in the first 1-2 days - the compressor “gets used” to free movement on the shock absorbers. If the noise does not decrease:

• 🔧 Check whether the compressor mountings (should be tightened, but not tightly).
• 📏 Make sure the refrigerator is standing evenly (adjust the feet).
• 🔊 Compare the sound with official LG audio files (normal level - like a quiet buzz).

❓ Is it possible to use the refrigerator without transportation bolts all the time?

Yes, after removing the bolts the refrigerator should work without them. Bolts are only needed for transportation. In normal mode, the compressor is held by spring shock absorbers, which dampen vibrations.

Exception: if you often transport the refrigerator (for example, to the country), the bolts should be screwed back in. But they are not needed for stationary operation.