Purchasing a new one refrigerator is always a joyful event, marking the beginning of comfortable operation of household appliances. However, before you turn on the unit and fill it with products, you must complete a number of critical preparation procedures. One of these procedures is dismantling transportation fastenerswhich hold the moving parts of the mechanism in a static position during delivery.
Many owners who are faced with the installation of large household appliances for the first time wonder where exactly in the refrigerator these elements are located and what will happen if they forget to remove them. The responsibility of the moment is high: ignoring this stage can lead to serious damage to expensive equipment in the very first minutes of work. In this article, we will analyze in detail the design of modern refrigerators and indicate the exact location of the fixing elements.
It is worth noting that the configuration of the fastenings may differ depending on the manufacturer and model of your device. Bosch, Liebherr, IndesitATLANT they may use different fixing schemes, but the general principle remains the same. Understanding the physics of how the compressor works will help you quickly find the necessary bolts and safely prepare the equipment for the first start.
Design and purpose of locking elements
Transport bolts, often also called transport brackets or clamps, are threaded metal rods or special clamping mechanisms. Their main task is to rigidly fix compressor (motor-compressor) relative to the frame of the refrigerator. During transportation, equipment is subject to shaking, vibration and shock, which without additional fixation would lead to breakage of internal tubes or damage to the engine mount.
Inside the refrigeration unit, the compressor is suspended on special springs or rubber shock absorbers. This is necessary in order to dampen vibrations during operation and reduce noise levels. However, in the transport position, such a suspension makes the engine vulnerable: it can move to the sides, hit the walls of the housing or other components. The bolts pass through rubber bushings and fix the springs in a compressed state, completely eliminating engine play.
The number of such fasteners varies. Most standard models use a system of four fixation points, located symmetrically. However, there are designs where additional brackets are used to fix the capacitor or other protruding parts, if the logistics of a particular model require it. It is important to understand that these elements do not participate in the cooling cycle and are needed solely for logistics.
Localization of bolts in various models of refrigerators
Searching for shipping bolts does not require disassembling the entire refrigerator, but access to them is often limited to the rear panel. In the vast majority of cases (95% of models), the mounting points are located on the rear wall of the case. To see them, you need to move the refrigerator away from the wall and provide good access to the rear of the unit.
The bolts are usually located in the lower third of the rear wall, in close proximity to the motor-compressor. They can be screwed in horizontally or at a slight angle. In some models, for example, the brand LG or Samsung, they may be closed with a decorative plastic plug or located under a removable metal panel covering the electrics. This is done for aesthetics and protection from accidental contact with live parts.
There are rare exceptions when fixation is made from above or below, but this is typical for built-in equipment or industrial models. If you do not see the bolts on the back wall, carefully examine the instructions (User Manual) included with your model. There is always a diagram indicating the dismantling points.
⚠️ Warning: Never try to look for bolts when disassembling the inside of the refrigerator or freezer. All external fasteners are located outside, at the bottom of the rear panel.
Tools and preparation for dismantling
Before you start removing the transportation bolts, you need to properly prepare the workplace and tools. The process does not require sophisticated equipment, but accuracy is key here. You will need a standard home craftsman's kit, which can be found in every home.
For work you will need:
- 🔧 A wrench or socket of the appropriate size (usually 10, 12 or 13 mm).
- 🪛 Phillips screwdriver (in case there are additional fixing screws on the panels).
- 🧤 Work gloves (to protect hands from sharp metal edges and possible lubricant).
- 📸 Smartphone (to photograph the mounting diagram before removal).
It is important to ensure a stable position of the refrigerator. If the floor is slippery, place cardboard or thick fabric under the feet. It is also recommended de-energize the device if it has already been connected to the network, although this is not yet relevant during the initial installation. Make sure you have enough wiggle room around the back wall.
Step-by-step instructions for removing fasteners
The dismantling process is quite simple, but requires care. Follow the procedure to avoid damaging the threads or adjacent pipes of the refrigeration system. The main rule is not to use excessive force if the bolt does not budge.
Perform the steps in the following sequence:
- Move the refrigerator from the wall to a distance that allows you to freely approach the back wall.
- Find the four transportation bolts. They are usually located at the corners of an imaginary rectangle around the compressor.
- If the bolts are covered with a decorative trim, carefully remove it by unscrewing the fixing screws.
- Choose a wrench of the desired size. Start loosening the bolts diagonally (top left - bottom right) to evenly relieve tension from the frame.
- After the bolts are unscrewed, pull them out along with the rubber bushings and washers.
After removing the bolts, the compressor should become movable. If you gently rock the unit, you will feel how the engine inside moves slightly on the springs. This is normal condition for a working refrigerator. Make sure all four points are released. Sometimes one of the bolts may be hidden behind the tubes, be careful.
☑️ Check before turning on
Typical mistakes and precautions
Despite the apparent simplicity of the operation, beginners often make mistakes that can be costly. The most common of them is trying to turn on the refrigerator before removing the bolts. If you start the compressor fixed in the transport position, it will work with a huge overload. There is no shock absorption, vibration is transmitted to the entire body, and the internal elements of the engine are under critical stress.
The second mistake is the loss of rubber damper bushings. These small parts often fall out along with the bolts and get lost in the grass or debris. Without them, repeated transportation will be impossible or will require the selection of analogues. The third mistake is using a wrench that is too long, which can touch and damage the copper tubes with freon located next to the mount.
The table below shows a comparison of the condition of the refrigerator with installed and removed bolts:
| Parameter | Bolts installed | Bolts removed |
|---|---|---|
| Compressor mobility | Absent (rigid fixation) | Yes (shock absorption on springs) |
| Noise level during operation | Critical high, metallic ringing | Normal, quiet humming |
| Case vibration | Strong, transmitted to the floor | Minimum, extinguished by the suspension |
| Risk of breakage | High (breakage of pipes, engine combustion) | Minimum (standard mode) |
⚠️ Attention: If you turn on the refrigerator and hear a loud knock, clank or feel strong vibration, immediately unplug it. Most likely, the shipping bolts are still installed.
What to do if the bolt is rusty and cannot be unscrewed?
If the bolt is stuck, do not use brute force. Treat the threads with a penetrating lubricant (eg WD-40) and leave for 10-15 minutes. Try to gently tap the bolt head with a hammer through the wooden plate to destroy the oxides, and try unscrewing again.
What to do with the dismantled parts
After successful dismantling, the owners have a reasonable question: where to put these metal rods and rubber bands? Throwing them away is strictly not recommended. No matter how securely the refrigerator is installed now, life can make adjustments: moving, renovating the kitchen, or simply wanting to transport the equipment to the dacha.
Place all dismantled elements (bolts, washers, bushings) in a bag. It is best to seal this bag with tape and attach it with tape to the inner wall of the refrigerator compartment or glue it to the back panel in an inconspicuous place. Some manufacturers put these parts in the documentation compartment along with the warranty card.
Preservation of transportation fastenings is a matter of liquidity technique. When selling a used refrigerator, having a full set of original spare parts and fasteners is always more valuable. The buyer will be confident that the device has not been damaged during previous movements and is ready for safe transportation.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to turn on the refrigerator if you forget to remove one bolt?
It is strictly not recommended. Even one remaining bolt disrupts the geometry of the compressor suspension. This will lead to engine misalignment, increased noise and rapid wear of bearings or broken tubes. Operation in this mode is equivalent to emergency operation.
Where are the bolts in Atlant refrigerators?
In models ATLANT transport bolts (usually there are 4 of them) are located on the rear wall in the lower part. They secure the compressor suspension springs. To gain access, you may need to remove the protective cardboard or plastic cover, if installed.
Do you need to close the holes after removing the bolts?
Usually the kit includes plastic plugs that need to be used to close the holes in the housing after unscrewing the bolts. This prevents dust, moisture and small objects from getting inside the housing to the electrics and the compressor. If there are no plugs, the holes can be temporarily sealed with tape.
How long should you wait after transportation before turning it on?
After delivery and removal of the shipping bolts, it is recommended to let the refrigerator stand in an upright position for 2 to 4 hours (in winter - up to 8 hours). This is necessary so that the oil that gets into the refrigerant circuit during shaking flows back into the compressor.