Purchasing a new refrigerator is always a joyful event, marking the beginning of a comfortable life. However, the installation process is often clouded by technical nuances that many owners forget or are not aware of. The most critical point on which the durability of expensive equipment depends is correct removal transport fastenings. These elements are vital during transportation, but become deadly for the compressor during operation.
The question of where the transport bolts are located in the refrigerator does not have one universal answer, since manufacturers use various engineering solutions to secure the unit. In this article we will analyze in detail the anatomy of the rear wall, consider all possible options for the location of fasteners and explain why ignoring them leads to fatal consequences for the compressor.
Before you begin the search, it is important to understand the very essence of these elements. Transport bolts (or brackets) are metal or plastic clamps that rigidly connect the moving parts of the refrigeration unit with its body. Their job is to prevent shock, displacement and damage to internal tubes and springs during shipping. If you forget to remove them, the refrigerator will work, but its service life will be reduced significantly.
Anatomy of the back wall: where to look for fastenings
The vast majority of refrigerator models, be they massive two-chamber Indesit or compact Beko, they hide the transport bolts on the back wall of the case. This is logical from an engineering point of view, since this is where the compressor heart of the system is located, which requires maximum protection when moving. Visually, it looks like a metal plate or a set of holes into which long bolts with wide heads are screwed.
In the classic layout, you will see four bolts located at the corners of an imaginary rectangle at the bottom of the rear panel. They pass through holes in the metal frame and rest against rubber dampers or directly against the compressor housing. Sometimes they can be closed with decorative plugs made of cardboard or plastic, which can be easily removed by hand.
However, you should not limit yourself to just searching on the back wall. In some models, especially built-in or refrigerators with No Frostsystem, additional fasteners may be located inside the refrigerator compartment. They are often located on the back wall of the innermost plastic box. To find them, you will have to remove the shelves and possibly dismantle the back panel inside the chamber.
⚠️ Attention: If you find bolts screwed into the plastic interior panel of the refrigerator, under no circumstances use excessive force when unscrewing them. Plastic is fragile and can be easily damaged, which will lead to depressurization of the thermal insulation.
Types of transportation fastenings
Design ideas do not stand still, and manufacturers of household appliances are constantly improving fixation methods. Understanding the type of fastening will help you quickly figure out where the shipping bolts are located in your particular case. There are several main types, each of which requires its own approach to dismantling.
The first and most common type is screw retainers. These are long threaded bolts that screw into the housing. They can be easily distinguished by the presence of a head for a Phillips or flat-head screwdriver, or a wrench. Often these bolts have plastic ends that rest against the compressor shock absorbers. When unscrewed, they come out together with the rubber bushings.
The second type is plastic latching brackets. In modern models, such as Samsung or LGnot bolts, but plastic clips are often used. They are not screwed in, but inserted into special grooves and secured by friction or a latch. To remove them, you don’t need tools, you just need to pull the special “tab” or gently pry it with a flat object.
The third, rarer option is combined systems. They may use bolts to secure the compressor itself to the frame, and additional plastic ties for the evaporator tubes. It is important to remove all elements, otherwise the vibration during operation will be transmitted to the entire body, causing a lot of noise.
- 🔩 Metal bolts: require a wrench (usually 10 or 13 mm) or a powerful screwdriver for dismantling.
- 🧩 Plastic clips: are removed manually or using a flat-head screwdriver, do not have threads.
- 🛡️ Protective plates: metal sheets screwed over the bolts that need to be removed first.
Why do manufacturers change types of fasteners?
Modern plastic fasteners are cheaper to produce and easier to dispose of. In addition, they eliminate the risk that the user will strip the threads during dismantling, which often happened with metal bolts in older models.
Instructions for safe dismantling
The process of removing shipping bolts does not require high qualifications, but requires care and compliance with safety precautions. Before starting any work with electrical appliances, even if you are just removing bolts, you need de-energize a device. Unplug the power cord from the outlet to eliminate the risk of a short circuit or electric shock if you suddenly damage the insulation of the wires.
For work you will need a minimum set of tools. Typically this will include a wrench (usually 10mm or 13mm), a Phillips screwdriver and possibly some pliers. If the bolts have not been touched for a long time and they have become stuck or rusted, penetrating lubrication may be needed, but this is extremely rare in new refrigerators.
Proceed consistently. First, inspect the back wall. If the bolts are covered with a decorative cover or cardboard, remove them. Then carefully unscrew each bolt counterclockwise. Do not apply excessive force if the bolt does not go - you may be twisting in the wrong direction or hit the stopper. After removing the bolts, be sure to seal the resulting holes with the standard plugs that come with the kit or with a piece of tape to prevent dust and insects from getting inside.
☑️ Check before starting
If your refrigerator has a base grille (plinth) in the lower front part, remove it. Often, this is where additional clamps are hidden that keep the compressor from swinging back and forth.
What happens if you forget to remove the bolts?
Many users ask the question: “What’s wrong if I just turn on the refrigerator with the bolts?” The answer is clear: this will lead to accelerated wear and tear. A compressor is an electric motor that is suspended on springs inside a metal casing. These springs are needed in order to dampen vibrations that occur during engine operation.
If the transport bolts are not removed, they firmly fix the compressor, preventing it from “walking” on the springs. As a result, all vibration is transferred to the refrigerator body and to the mounting points themselves. This causes several negative effects: strong hum, rattling and, most importantly, destruction of the compressor suspension.
⚠️ Attention: Operating the compressor with clamped springs can lead to broken tubes inside the motor or destruction of solder joints. Repair in this case is often not economically feasible, since it requires replacing the compressor.
In addition, rigid fixation interferes with the correct operation of the valves and piston group. The motor begins to work with overload, trying to overcome the resistance of the rigid suspension. This leads to overheating of the windings and thermal shock. In the best case, the thermal relay will work and the refrigerator will turn off, in the worst case, the winding will burn out.
| Symptom | Cause | Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Strong vibration of the housing | No depreciation | Refrigerator displacement, noise |
| Loud metal clanging | Impacts of internal parts | Destruction of the compressor suspension |
| Motor overheating | Work under load | Winding combustion, breakdown |
| Lack of cold | Breakage of tubes inside | Freon leakage, expensive repairs |
Peculiarities of location in different brands
Although the principle is the same, each manufacturer makes its own adjustments to the design. Knowing the “handwriting” of a brand will help you find transport boltsfaster. For example, refrigerators Bosch i Siemens often use a system of four bolts at the back and two additional ones at the front below, hidden under the decorative panel.
In technology Atlant i Biryusa there are often models where the bolts are located not vertically, but horizontally, screwing into the side walls of the compressor housing. In some models Indesit you can find plastic ties that do not need to be unscrewed, but rather cut with side cutters, since they are disposable.
If you have a refrigerator with a system No Frost, pay attention to the top part. Sometimes there are additional fasteners installed there for fans or the evaporator, which also need to be removed. Always carefully study the instructions that come with the kit; there is always a diagram indicating the exact mounting locations for your specific model.
- 🏠 Atlant/Biryusa: they often use a horizontal arrangement of bolts on the side of the motor.
- ❄️ Samsung/LG: prefer plastic clips and latches, less often metal bolts.
- 🇩🇪 Bosch/Siemens: classic scheme with 4-6 bolts and mandatory plugs included.
Frequent errors during installation and startup
Even after finding the bolts, users manage to make mistakes. One of the most common is the loss of stubs. After unscrewing the bolts, holes remain into which air, dust and moisture are sucked in during operation. If the standard plugs are lost, be sure to cover the holes with electrical tape or tape.
Another mistake is incomplete dismantling. The user unscrews two bolts, sees that the compressor “seems to be wobbly,” and decides that this is enough. This is not true. It is necessary to remove all fixing elements. Even one remaining bolt can become a fulcrum, creating distortion and vibration.
They also often forget about the settling time. After transportation, especially if the refrigerator has been lying down, it should not be turned on immediately. The oil should drain into the compressor crankcase. Typically it takes from 2 to 4 hours (and in winter up to 8 hours) of downtime before turning on. And only after that, after making sure that the bolts have been removed, you can plug the device into the network.
⚠️ Attention: Technical characteristics and arrangement of elements may vary slightly depending on the year of manufacture and the specific modification. Always refer to the paper instructions included in the box, as they are the only reliable source for your model.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ship the refrigerator again if I threw away the shipping bolts?
It is possible to transport it, but it is extremely undesirable without fixing the compressor. If the bolts are lost, you need to come up with an alternative method of fixation: for example, carefully place blocks or soft material between the compressor housing and the wall of the refrigerator to prevent it from beating, and securely fasten the refrigerator itself in the car body in a vertical position.
Where are the bolts if there are none at the back?
If there are no obvious bolts on the back wall, check the bottom of the refrigerator (base), remove the grille. They can also be inside the refrigerator compartment on the back wall (behind the plastic panel) or be replaced with plastic clips that do not look like classic bolts.
What to do if the bolt is rusty and cannot be unscrewed?
Do not use brute force, so as not to strip the threads or break the bolt head. Try adding a little penetrating lubricant (like WD-40) and wait 10-15 minutes. If this does not help, carefully heat the area around the bolt with a hairdryer (not with an open flame!), the metal will expand and it will be easier to unscrew it.
Do you need to tighten the bolts back if the refrigerator is standing still?
No, absolutely not. In operating condition, the compressor should hang freely on the springs. Tightening the bolts during operation will lead to rapid breakdown as described above. The bolts are needed only for transportation.