After purchasing and delivering new household appliances, many owners are faced with the need to install them correctly. One critical step is the removal of the protective elements that secure the moving parts of the unit during transport. If you are wondering where the shipping bolts are on an LG refrigerator, then you are on the right path to safe operation of the device. Ignoring this step can lead to serious damage to the compressor or excessive noise during operation.
Unlike washing machines, where the bolts are immediately visible on the back panel, in refrigeration equipment the situation may not be so obvious. The design LG refrigerators often involves the hidden arrangement of fixing elements or their disguise with decorative panels. Understanding how the transport fixation system works in your particular model will save you time and nerves, and will also protect your equipment from damage in the first hours of operation.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the possible locations of fastenings, consider the differences between models with a linear and inverter compressor, and also provide step-by-step dismantling algorithm. You will learn how to distinguish working fasteners from transport ones and what to do if the screws cannot be unscrewed using standard methods. The safety and durability of your LG DoorCooling+ or classic model directly depend on the correct implementation of these procedures.
Why are transportation fastenings needed and why they cannot be ignored
The main function of transportation bolts is to rigidly fix the compressor and shock absorber suspension. When moving equipment on uneven roads, riding an elevator, or simply shaking in the back of a truck, the moving parts of the motor can get hit by the walls of the housing. Transport bolts turn the suspension into a monolithic structure, eliminating any vibrations that could damage the tubes or the unit itself.
However, when the refrigerator is already installed in the kitchen, these same bolts become a source of problems. If the clamps are not removed, the compressor will operate in constant vibration mode, transmitted to the entire housing. This not only creates an annoying hum, but also leads to rapid wear of the components. In some cases, operating the engine with clamped suspension springs can cause overheating and failure of an expensive equipment. Linear Compressor.
⚠️ Attention: Operating a refrigerator with installed transportation bolts may result in denial of warranty service. LG service centers can easily identify traces of improper preparation of equipment for work.
In addition, the lack of damping leads to the fact that the refrigerator begins to “walk” on the floor when the engine starts. This can lead to damage to the floor covering and loss of tightness of connections in the refrigeration circuit. Therefore, searching and removing fasteners is not just a formality, but a necessary condition for stable operation of the system No Frost or static cooling.
Typical locations of bolts in LG models
The search for fasteners should always start from the back wall of the refrigerator. This is where the compressor compartment is located, which requires fixing. In most modern LG models, especially in series Smart Inverter, the bolts are located symmetrically on the sides of the motor. Typically, their number varies from two to four pieces, depending on the size and weight of the unit.
Often the bolts are covered with a plastic protective cover or a metal shield, which is secured with latches or additional screws. Do not try to forcefully tear off the plastic - carefully inspect the perimeter of the compartment. Sometimes shipping fasteners can be disguised as structural elements, such as appearing to be part of the frame or having a color that blends in with the compressor housing. In rare cases, typical of older models, fixation could be done through the bottom, but this is rather an exception.
It is worth noting that in some two-compressor models or devices with a system Door-in-Door, the mounts can be located not only near the main motor, but also in niches for additional units. If you see bolts with bright colored stickers (often yellow or orange) with the image of a cart or arrows, this is a 100% sign of a transport element. Such markings are applied by the manufacturer to facilitate the installer’s task.
Differences in design: Linear Compressor versus conventional
LG refrigerator production technologies are constantly being improved, which makes adjustments to the preparation procedure. In classic models with a conventional piston compressor, the suspension system requires rigid fixation at 4 points. Here the question of where the shipping bolts are on an LG refrigerator can be solved by searching for four screws around the perimeter of the motor. They usually have a large key head of 10 or 12 mm.
The situation changes dramatically if your refrigerator is equipped with Linear Inverter Compressor. This type of engine operates on the principle of linear piston motion and has a completely different suspension design. Many of these models may not have the factory shipping bolts as a class. Instead, a special transport bracket made of foam plastic or cardboard is used, which is inserted between the compressor and the housing wall, or fixed with plastic clamps.
How to distinguish a Linear Compressor?
A linear compressor usually has a flat rectangular shape and is located horizontally, while the classic “pot” is rounded and stands vertically. Also, linear models often have the inscription Linear Inverter.
It is important to understand the difference between the compressor fastenings and the fastenings of the evaporator or other components. In models with the Total No Frost system, the fan may also have temporary retainers, but they are usually made of plastic and easily break upon first start-up if they are not removed. However, the metal bolt passing through the rubber shock absorber and the metal ear of the motor is exactly what needs to be found and unscrewed.
Step-by-step instructions for dismantling fasteners
The process of removing transportation bolts does not require a complex tool, but requires accuracy and adherence to the sequence of actions. Before starting work, make sure that the refrigerator is disconnected from the electrical outlet, although this is not strictly necessary for mechanical removal of bolts, but is a good safety practice when working with electrical appliances.
☑️ Check before removing bolts
First, move the unit away from the wall, providing free access to the rear panel. You will need a wrench of the appropriate size (usually 10mm, less commonly 12mm or 13mm). Locate the bolts holding the compressor. If they are covered with a plastic cover, carefully remove it by unclipping the latches. Grasp the wrench and begin unscrewing the bolts counterclockwise. Do not use excessive force so as not to strip the threads, but do not be afraid that they are “stuck” - at the factory they are tightened with moderate force.
After removing all the bolts, be sure to save them. Place the fasteners in a bag and put them in a common equipment box or in a box with documents. In case of repeated transportation (moving, sending to service), you need will definitely be needed these bolts to fix the compressor. Installation of plugs (if they are included) is done by simply inserting them into the vacated holes until they click.
| Type of fastening | Location | Tool | Action after removal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metal bolt | Compressor base | Wrench 10-12 mm | Save for moving |
| Plastic clamp | Tubes or fan | Hands / Wire cutters | Throw away |
| Transport bracket | Between motor and body | No | Throw away |
| Foam stop | Inside the engine niche | No | Throw away |
What to do if the bolts are missing or rusted
There are situations when, after studying the instructions and the back panel, the user does not find obvious transportation bolts. This may mean that in your model LG Fixation technology without bolts is used (for example, clips that are removed at the factory, or foam inserts). Carefully inspect the area around the compressor: if you see only the standard screws, screwed in flush with no protruding parts, and there are no bright stickers, there may be no need to remove anything.
Another common problem is oxidation or “sticking” of the threads. If the bolt does not yield by hand force, do not use "impact force" to avoid damaging the compressor. You can drop a little penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) onto the threads and wait 10-15 minutes. Gently tapping the bolt head (not along the edges, but from above) to destroy the oxides also helps.
It is important not to confuse the shipping bolts with the screws that secure the compressor itself to the frame or casing. The transport element always passes through the shock absorber or fixes it in a compressed state. The standard fasteners simply press the motor legs to the metal base. If, after unscrewing the bolt, the compressor remains hanging on the springs and dangles freely, you have done everything correctly.
Frequent errors during installation and startup
One of the most serious mistakes is starting the refrigerator immediately after delivery, without allowing it to stand. Even if you successfully find and remove all the bolts, the compressor oil takes time to drain into the crankcase, especially if the equipment is tilted while being lifted. For LG models, it is recommended to leave the unit for at least 2-4 hours in a vertical position before plugging it into the network.
Another mistake is the loss of the transport bolts immediately after removal. As already mentioned, with any service or moving, their absence will be a big problem. Some users try to replace them with regular bolts from a hardware store, which is absolutely not possible. The length and pitch of the thread must strictly correspond to the original, otherwise it can be damaged.