Buying new household appliances is always a joyful event, but the installation process may raise questions, especially if this is your first time encountering the models. Indesit. One of the most critical steps in preparation for the first start-up is the removal of the transport locks, which protect the compressor and shock absorbers from damage during delivery. Many owners get lost trying to understand where the shipping bolts are located in the Indesit refrigerator, since their location can vary depending on the series and year of manufacture of the device.
Ignoring this step or incorrect dismantling often leads to serious damage. A compressor mounted on rigid bolts cannot absorb vibration during operation, which causes loud noise, and in the worst case, pipe breakage or motor failure. In this article we will analyze in detail how to find these elements, what tools you will need and what to do if the bolts cannot be unscrewed immediately.
It is worth noting that the design of refrigerators Indesit provides for several fixing options, and the search can take from 5 to 20 minutes depending on your attentiveness. Below are proven search methods that will help you safely prepare equipment for operation without the risk of damaging the paintwork or internal mechanisms.
Why are transport bolts and clamps needed?
Transport bolts and special brackets perform one of the most important functions - they rigidly fix compressor (motor-compressor) relative to the frame of the refrigerator. During transportation, equipment is subject to shaking, shock and vibration, which without rigid fixation could lead to the detachment of copper tubes or damage to the engine mount. The manufacturer Indesit uses these elements to ensure that the device reaches the buyer intact.
After installing the refrigerator in a permanent place, these bolts become unnecessary and even harmful. If they are not removed, vibration from the running compressor will be transmitted directly to the housing, causing a loud hum that will increase over time. In addition, the lack of shock absorption shortens the life of the suspension system motor, which can lead to costly repairs in the future.
Some models, in addition to bolts, use plastic transport brackets or gaskets, which also need to be removed. It is important to understand the difference between leveling feet, which are needed to level the equipment, and transport locks, which are intended solely for transportation.
⚠️ Attention: Starting an Indesit refrigerator with loose or, conversely, not removed transport bolts may lead to cancellation. warranty obligations. Manufacturers clearly indicate in the instructions the need for dismantling before switching on.
Typical locations of fastenings in Indesit models
The search for where the transport bolts are located in the Indesit refrigerator should start from the back wall of the device. This is where the compressor is located, which requires fixing. In the vast majority of cases, you will see 2 or 4 bolts screwed directly into the base of the motor or into the metal platform on which it stands.
However, depending on the design, the fasteners can be located differently:
- 🔩 On the lower platform: the bolts pass through holes in the metal sheet and are screwed into the rubber shock absorbers of the compressor.
- 🔩 On the side brackets: in some older models, fixation is carried out through the side metal paws covering the motor.
- 🔩 Hidden under the decorative trim: sometimes access to the bolts is closed with a plastic cover at the bottom of the rear wall, which must be carefully removed.
If you do not see the bolts on the compressor itself, inspect the bottom of the rear panel of the refrigerator. Sometimes manufacturers hide the mounting points under a removable metal or plastic cover that covers the compartment with the electrics and motor. Access may require Phillips screwdriver or a key.
Required tools for dismantling
Before you begin removing fasteners, you must prepare the correct tools. Using unsuitable items may cause the bolt edges to slip off or the threads to become damaged. A standard set for working with equipment Indesit is usually minimal, but must be of high quality.
You will need:
- 🔧 Wrench (usually 10, 12 or 13 mm in size) - the main tool for unscrewing bolts.
- 🪛 Phillips screwdriver —may be required to remove protective covers or plastic plugs.
- 🧤 Work gloves —the back wall of the refrigerator can be sharp, and the bolts are often coated with technical grease.
- 🔦 Flashlight —for better inspection of hard-to-reach places in the lower part of the unit.
It is recommended to move the refrigerator away from the wall in advance, ensuring free access from all sides. Do not attempt to carry out work while the device is connected to the mains, although the risk of electric shock when working with the back wall is minimal, safety comes first.
☑️ Ready for dismantling
Step-by-step instructions for removing bolts
The process of removing fixing elements does not require special technical skills, but requires care and accuracy. First, make sure that the refrigerator is unplugged and positioned so that you can easily reach the back of it. If access is difficult, it is better to call an assistant to carefully tilt the unit without damaging the floor and equipment.
Next follow the algorithm:
- Visually inspect the compressor and find the bolts that connect it to the frame or platform.
- If access is blocked by a plastic cover, unscrew the screws, holding it, and remove the panel.
- Place the key on the head of the bolt and begin to slowly unscrew it counterclockwise.
- After removing the bolt, be sure to save rubber bushings or washers, if they were put on it - they are needed for further operation.
After all the bolts are removed, check whether the compressor swings freely (within reasonable limits, on the shock absorbers). If the motor is still firmly attached, you may have missed one of the fasteners or there is an additional shipping bracket.
What to do if the bolt does not come out?
If the bolt is stuck or rusted, do not apply excessive force right away. Try applying a special penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) to the threads and wait 10-15 minutes. Then carefully try to rip it off with the key. If too much force is used, there is a risk of breaking the bolt inside the thread, which will require drilling.
Table: Bolt locations in different Indesit series
The range of refrigerators Indesit is extensive, and the design of the fasteners may vary. Below is a summary table to help you navigate depending on the type of device.
| Series / Type | Number of bolts | Location | Key type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indesit EF (No Frost) | 2 or 4 pcs. | Based on the compressor | Key 12 mm |
| Indesit DS (Drip) | 2 pcs. | Through fixation of the platform | Key 10 mm |
| Indesit IB (Recessed) | 4 pcs. | Side brackets | Key 13 mm |
| Indesit SBS (Side-by-Side) | 4-6 pcs. | Lower technical area | Set of keys |
Please note that the data may vary slightly depending on the year of manufacture of a particular model. Always check the paper instructions if you still have them, or look for the technical information sticker on the case.
⚠️ Attention: In modern models with inverter compressors, the suspension system may differ. It may not use classic bolts, but special transport brackets made of plastic, which you simply need to pull out or snap off.
Frequent errors during installation and dismantling
Even a simple operation to remove fasteners can go wrong if you make common mistakes. One of the most common is loss rubber shock absorbers. Often the bolts pass through rubber bushings, which dampen vibration. If you unscrew the bolt and forget to return the bushing to its place or lose it, the compressor will operate with a metallic clang.
Another mistake is incomplete unscrewing of the bolts. Some users, seeing that the bolt has come out of the hole, leave it partially screwed in. This creates the illusion that the fixation has been removed, but in reality the rigid connection to the frame remains. It is necessary to unscrew the fasteners completely.
It is also worth mentioning the damage to the tubes. If you handle the wrench carelessly near the copper tubes of the condenser, you can easily pierce the thin metal. Any scratch or puncture will lead to leakage refrigerant and the impossibility of further operation of the refrigerator without expensive refilling.
What to do if the refrigerator is noisy after installation
If you have successfully found and removed the shipping bolts, but the refrigerator Indesit continues to make unusually loud sounds, the problem may lie elsewhere. Often the cause of noise is not the compressor itself, but the incorrect installation of the housing relative to the floor or walls.
Check the following parameters:
- 📏 Alignment: the refrigerator must be positioned strictly vertically. Use a building level or adjust the height with your feet.
- 🚧 Distance to walls: the back wall should not touch the furniture or wall, a gap of at least 5-7 cm is needed for air circulation.
- 🧊 Internal elements: make sure that the shelves, the boxes and bottles inside do not vibrate or touch each other.
If after checking all these factors the noise persists, it is possible that the shipping bolts were not completely removed, or the compressor suspension is damaged. In this case, it is recommended to contact an authorized service center.
Is it possible to start the refrigerator if I have not found the bolts?
Strongly not recommended. If you can't find the bolts, they may be hidden under a trim panel, or your particular unit may have used plastic snap fasteners. Starting with active transport fastenings is guaranteed to damage the compressor. It is better to find the model manual on the Internet using the exact model number (indicated on the nameplate inside the camera).
Do I need to tighten the bolts back when moving?
Yes, definitely. During any transport, even short distances, the compressor must be firmly secured. If you have lost the original bolts, select threads that are similar in diameter and length in order to securely fix the motor before transportation.
Where are the instructions for the Indesit refrigerator stored if the paper is lost?
Electronic versions of the instructions are always available on the manufacturer's official website. You will need to find the model sticker (usually inside the refrigerator compartment on the side or base) and search for it on the support site. There will be diagrams of your specific device.