Buying a new refrigerator is always a joyful event, marking the renewal of kitchen appliances and the improvement of food storage conditions. However, after the large load is delivered to the apartment and brought into the kitchen, the most critical stage of installation begins, on which the service life of the unit directly depends. Many users forget or are not aware of a critically important action that must be performed before turning it on for the first time: removing the special fixing elements that hold the internal components during transportation.
If you simply connect the device to the network, ignoring this step, you will face serious consequences, including failure of the expensive one. compressor. The shipping bolts rigidly fix the spring motor suspension, and running the engine with the clamps clamped causes severe vibration that destroys the system from the inside. In this article we will look in detail at where to look for these fasteners, what tool to use and how to protect yourself from common installation mistakes.
It is important to understand that the design of refrigeration chambers from different manufacturers can differ significantly, so there is no universal instruction “for everyone”. However, the general principles of dismantling remain the same for most modern models Indesit, Beko, LG i Atlant. We will consider all the nuances of the process so that you can complete the work efficiently and safely.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to plug in the refrigerator until all transport fastenings have been completely dismantled. Operating a compressor with clamped suspension springs is guaranteed to lead to broken tubes or destruction of the motor during the first hours of operation.
Why are transportation fastenings needed and where to look for them
When producing household appliances, engineers take into account the logistics risks that arise when delivering goods from the factory to the store and then to the buyer’s apartment. During transportation, the refrigerator is subject to shaking, impacts and sharp tilts, which could lead to the displacement of heavy items inside the case. To avoid this, the motor is rigidly screwed to the base frame with special bolts that block the mobility of the shock absorbers. compressor inside the case. To avoid this, the motor is rigidly screwed to the base frame with special bolts that block the mobility of the shock absorbers.
Usually these elements are located on the lower rear part of the refrigeration cabinet body. Depending on the model and manufacturer, the number of bolts can vary from two to four pieces. They pass through rubber bushings and metal eyes, tightly connecting the engine to the supporting frame. Some manufacturers, such as Electrolux or Bosch, may additionally use brackets or strips that also need to be removed.
Sometimes the fasteners can be hidden by decorative plugs or located in hard-to-reach places covered by the back wall. In rare cases, for example, in some models Samsung with inverter compressors, the fixation system may differ from the classic scheme, but the principle remains the same: ensure that the vibrating parts remain stationary during transportation.
Required tools for dismantling
The process of removing the fasteners does not require complex professional equipment, but having the right tool will greatly simplify the task and protect your hands from injury. The main difficulty is that the bolts are often very tight and may be coated with a layer of factory grease or dust, making them difficult to remove.
You will need a set of wrenches that matches the size of the bolt heads. Most often these are open-end or ring wrenches measuring 10, 12 or 13 mm. In some cases, especially if access is limited, it is more convenient to use socket wrench with a wrench or ratchet, since it allows you to work in cramped conditions right next to the wall of the device.
It will also not be amiss to prepare a flat-head screwdriver, which may be needed to remove decorative plugs or plastic caps covering the bolt heads. If the fasteners are stuck or rusted (which happens during long-term storage in a warehouse), a penetrating lubricant, for example, WD-40, may be required to facilitate the unscrewing process.
- 🔧 An open-end or socket wrench (size 10-13 mm) is the main tool for the job.
- 🪛 Flat-head screwdriver - for removing plugs and plastic clips.
- 🧤 Thick work gloves - protect your hands from sharp metal edges and dirt.
- 🧴 Penetrating lubricant - in case the bolts are tight in the threads.
Step-by-step instructions for removal bolts
Before starting any work, it is necessary to ensure safe access to the rear of the refrigerator. Move the unit away from the wall at a distance sufficient for you to be able to operate the key freely. Since the refrigerator is a heavy and tall device, it is advisable to carry out this operation together to prevent the case from tipping over.
First, carefully inspect the lower part of the back wall. You will see protruding metal rods with keyed heads running through the rubber shock absorbers. If the heads are covered with plastic covers, carefully pry them up with a screwdriver and remove them. Take the wrench and start unscrewing the bolts counterclockwise.
It is not necessary to unscrew the bolt all the way to the very end of the thread. It is enough to loosen it enough so that it disengages from the nut or frame, and then simply pull it out by hand. After removing the metal rod, do not forget to remove the rubber bushings and washers if they remain on the bolt or in the hole.
☑️ Procedure for dismantling
It is important to note that after removing all fasteners, the compressor should become mobile. If you gently rock the refrigerator (without tilting it too much), you may feel or hear a slight movement of the motor inside. This is a normal condition, indicating that shock absorbers are free and ready to dampen vibration during operation.
⚠️ Attention: Do not apply excessive force if the bolt does not give way. Sudden jerking may strip threads or damage frame fastenings. It’s better to drip some grease and wait 5-10 minutes.
Design features of different manufacturers
Although the operating principle of the compressor is the same for everyone, design solutions for fixing it may vary. Understanding the specifics of your brand will help avoid confusion and not dismantle unnecessary elements that are part of the design.
For refrigerators Indesit and Stinol most often there are two or four bolts located symmetrically on the sides of the motor. The rubber bushings here are quite long and can sit tightly in the holes, so they need to be carefully pulled out with your fingers or pliers, trying not to damage the rubber. Models often use an additional metal strip or bracket that covers the compressor from the top or side and is screwed with the same bolts. In this case, the bar is first removed, and then the remaining elements are removed. Some premium models
Models LG And Samsung Often an additional metal strip or bracket is used, which covers the compressor from above or from the side and is screwed with the same bolts. In this case, the bar is first removed, and then the remaining elements are removed. Some premium models Bosch and Siemens may use special transport clips made of plastic, which are simply snapped on and removed by hand without a key.
Below is a table systematizing data on common brands so that you can quickly navigate the features of your equipment.
| Refrigerator brand | Number of bolts | Location | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indesit / Stinol | 2 or 4 | Bottom, rear | Long rubber bushings |
| LG / Samsung | 2 or 4 | Bottom, rear | Often there is a metal bracket |
| Beko | 2 | Bottom, rear | Compact mounts |
| Atlant | 2 or 4 | Bottom, rear | Standard diagram |
| Bosch | 2-4 | Bottom, rear | Plastic clamps are possible |
What to do with dismantled parts
After successful completion of dismantling, you will be left with a set of metal bolts, washers and rubber bushings in your hands. Many users make the mistake of immediately throwing these parts into the trash bin, considering them to be useless junk. This is a bad decision that can cost you dearly in the future.
Shipping bolts are necessary whenever you need to transport the refrigerator to another location. If you are planning a move, renovating your kitchen, or simply want to sell an appliance, the absence of these fasteners will create huge problems. Without fixing, the compressor will dangle inside the housing, which will lead to damage even if carefully transported in an elevator.
Place all the removed elements in a bag, label it with a marker “Transport bolts” and put it in a safe place. The box from the refrigerator is ideal if you have saved it, or a separate box with documents and instructions for the equipment. Rubber shock absorbers It is also important to save, since it can be difficult to find a replacement for them separately.
Is it possible to drive a refrigerator without bolts?
Theoretically, for very short distances and with ideal road surfaces, you can take a risk. However, any bump or sudden braking will cause the compressor to hit the walls of the housing. This is fraught with deformation of the copper tubes and depressurization of the system. It’s not worth the risk.
Typical mistakes and precautions
Despite the apparent simplicity of the operation, inexperienced users often make mistakes that may cost warranty service or repairs. One of the most common problems is trying to turn on the refrigerator immediately after installation, forgetting about the bolts. Always use the rule: first dismantle, then connect.
Another mistake is the loss of rubber bushings. The metal bolt can be replaced with a similar one from a hardware store, but a specific rubber bushing is almost impossible to find. Without it, the bolt will vibrate in the hole, creating noise, or, worse, the metal head of the bolt may damage the frame during further transportation.
You should also be careful with the tilt of the refrigerator. Even after removing the bolts, it is not recommended to tilt the unit more than 40 degrees, especially if there is still refrigerant in the system. Oil from the compressor may enter the circulation circuit, which will require a long period of settling before turning on.
⚠️ Attention: If you find that one of the bolts has broken and remains inside the fastening, do not try to knock it out with a hammer. This may damage the compressor housing. In this case, it is better to contact a service center to carefully remove the remains.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What happens if you forget to unscrew the shipping bolts bolts?
If you turn on the refrigerator with the bolts tightened, the compressor will work in rigid connection with the frame. This will cause severe vibration, loud banging and banging. Within a short time (from several minutes to several hours), copper tubes may burst, motor mounts may come off, or the compressor itself may fail due to overload. Repairs in this case will be expensive and may not be subject to warranty.
Do you need to lubricate the bolts before tightening them during transportation?
There is no need to specially lubricate them, since they are rarely used. However, if you are storing them for a long time, you can lightly rub the threads with oil to prevent them from rusting and to unscrew them easily next time. The main thing is not to overdo it so that the oil does not drip onto the floor or the compressor.
Is it possible to transport a refrigerator on its side if the bolts are tightened?
The presence of tightened shipping bolts secures the compressor, but does not protect other components, for example, oil in the compressor or refrigerant in the pipes. Transport on its side is still undesirable, even with bolts. If there is no other way out, transport it on its side, but let the refrigerator stand upright for several hours (preferably a day) before turning it on, so that the oil flows back into the crankcase.
Where can I get new bolts if the old ones are lost?
It is almost impossible to find original shipping bolts for sale separately. You can try to find an analogue in a fastener store based on diameter and length, but rubber bushings are extremely difficult to select. The best option is to contact an authorized service center of your brand, where they can sell you a set of spare parts or remove the bolts from the exhibition sample.
How long should the refrigerator be left to stand after transportation?
If the refrigerator was transported vertically, 2-4 hours is enough. If the device was transported on its side or at a strong angle, it is recommended to wait 12 to 24 hours before using it for the first time. This is necessary for the compressor oil to drain into the engine crankcase.