The new refrigerator Indesit has been delivered to the doorstep, and the long-awaited moment of unpacking is ahead. However, before filling the shelves with products, it is necessary to perform the critical procedure of dismantling the fasteners that secure the moving components of the unit. Ignoring this step can lead to the failure of expensive equipment in the very first minutes of operation, since compressor it will be fixed rigidly and will not be able to absorb vibrations.
In the factory, the motor-compressor group is securely fixed with special bolts to prevent damage to the suspension due to shaking during transportation. If you plan to operate the device, these clips must be removed, otherwise the unit will operate with severe vibration, noise and overheating. In this article we will look in detail at where exactly these elements are located in the models Indesit, what tool is needed and how to properly perform depreservation.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to plug in the refrigerator until the transport bolts are completely unscrewed. Operating a compressor with a locked suspension is guaranteed to lead to pipe breakage, destruction of the motor housing or burning of the windings.
The design of the compressor and the principle of fixation
To understand the importance of dismantling, you need to imagine the internal structure. Refrigerators Indesit, as in most modern models, use piston compressor, suspended on springs inside a sealed casing or on a frame. This suspension is necessary to dampen vibrations that occur during operation of the piston group. During transportation, such a design is vulnerable: the springs can stretch, and the unit itself can break away from the fastenings.
To prevent damage, the manufacturer installs special ones shipping boltsthat rigidly connect the moving part of the compressor to the frame or housing. Depending on the model Indesit, there may be two, three or four such fixation points. They pass through the rubber shock absorbers, pressing them down and making the suspension absolutely rigid. While these bolts are in place, the refrigerator cannot operate normally.
Removing the fasteners is not just a formality, but an obligatory stage re-preservation techniques. After removing the bolts, the compressor gains the necessary mobility, and the rubber shock absorbers begin to perform their function of absorbing noise and vibration. If you ignore this point, you will hear a characteristic metallic clang and hum, which will intensify with every minute of operation.
Why don’t the bolts fall out on their own?
Factory fasteners often have notched threads or locking washers that prevent their spontaneous unscrewing due to vibration during transportation. That is why removing them requires physical effort and the use of a tool.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
The dismantling procedure does not require complex professional equipment, but having the right tool will significantly simplify the task and protect you from injury. In most cases, to work with refrigerators Indesit a standard set of household tools is sufficient. It is important to prepare everything in advance so as not to leave the equipment in an intermediate state.
You will need a wrench, most often 10, 12 or 13 mm in size, depending on the specific series. Indesit. You may also need a flathead screwdriver if the bolts have wide heads or are covered with decorative caps. It would be a good idea to prepare a container for folding the fasteners so as not to lose important parts that may be useful during repeated transportation.
- 🔧 A wrench or a socket with a wrench (the size is selected according to location, usually 10-13 mm).
- 🪛 A flat-head or Phillips screwdriver for removing protective plastic linings.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges of the metal frame.
- 📦 A box or bag for storing the removed bolts and washers.
Before starting work, make sure that the refrigerator is disconnected from the power supply. Although we haven't turned it on yet, safety when working with electrical appliances is a basic rule. Clear access to the rear wall of the unit by moving it away from the wall at a distance sufficient for comfortable work.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use impact tools such as a hammer or hammer drill to loosen the bolts. Excessive force can damage the threads or deform the compressor mounts, which will make re-installation impossible when moving.
Step-by-step instructions for removing fasteners
The process of removing shipping bolts on refrigerators Indesit quite simple, but requires care. The main difficulty is that access to fasteners may be limited by the design features of a particular model. Let's look at the algorithm of actions step by step.
First, inspect the lower part of the back wall of the refrigerator. It is there, in the niche, that the compressor is located. You will see black or silver bolts going through the rubber bushings. Their caps usually face outward. If access is difficult, you may need to remove the protective cardboard or plastic panel covering the engine compartment.
☑️ Algorithm for removing bolts
Using the selected wrench, start unscrewing the bolts counterclockwise. They can be tight because they are often fixed by the manufacturer with a certain force or have a stopper. Don't be afraid to apply moderate force, but be careful not to let the key slip. After the threads come out of engagement, unscrew the bolts completely and remove them together with the bushings.
In some models Indesit the bolts can be installed in hard-to-reach places where it is difficult to reach by hand. In such cases, use a magnet or long-nose pliers to remove the fastener. Make sure all fixing points are released. Usually their quantity is indicated in the instructions, but visual inspection is also important: the compressor should rock slightly when gently pushed.
The location of the bolts in different Indesit models
The compressor mounting configuration may vary depending on the year of manufacture and series of the refrigerator. Indesit. Understanding these differences will help you quickly find fixation points and not waste time looking for non-existent elements.
In classic two-chamber models, a scheme with two or four bolts is most often found. They can be located symmetrically on the sides of the compressor or vertically above and below. In modern models with the system No Frost the layout may be more dense, and access to the bolts is sometimes through special technological holes in the rear panel.
| Model type Indesit | Number of bolts | Location | Features access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic (DF/DNF) | 2 or 4 pcs. | Symmetrically on the sides of the compressor | Open access, immediately visible |
| Narrow models | 2 pcs. | Vertical front and rear | Unit tilt required |
| Push&Go series | 2 pcs. | At the bottom of the frame | Can be hidden with a protective casing |
| Built-in models | 4 pcs. | Along the perimeter of the compressor base | Limited access due to housing |
If you cannot find the bolts, refer to the product data sheet. There is always a diagram in the "Transportation" or "Installation" section indicating the mounting points for your specific model. The information can also be duplicated on a sticker located inside the refrigerator compartment or on the back wall.
It is worth noting that in some budget series Indesit plastic clamps or brackets may be used instead of bolts. The principle of their removal is similar: it is necessary to free up the mobility of the compressor. The main thing is not to apply excessive force to the plastic parts so as not to break them.
Checking the correctness of the work
After all the bolts have been unscrewed, you need to make sure that the procedure was completed correctly. Visually inspect the compressor: it should hang on the springs without touching the walls of the casing or frame when at rest. A slight rocking of the unit when pressed by hand is a normal phenomenon, indicating that the suspension is unlocked.
Check whether there are any unnecessary parts left inside the engine compartment. An accidentally dropped washer or bushing may become caught in moving parts or cause a short circuit when turned on. Also make sure that the copper tubes coming from the compressor are not twisted or kinked.
- ✅ The compressor swings freely when lightly pressed.
- ✅ All shipping bolts and bushings have been removed.
- ✅ In the engine compartment there are no foreign objects or tools.
- ✅ The refrigerant pipelines have no mechanical damage.
If, after turning on, the refrigerator makes an unusually loud knock or vibration is transmitted to the case, immediately disconnect it from the network. This may indicate that not all fixing elements have been removed, or the compressor is touching the walls of the casing due to improper installation.
What to do with the bolts after removal
Many users throw away shipping bolts immediately after installing the refrigerator, considering them unnecessary garbage. This is a common mistake. These elements are necessary if you have to transport the refrigerator to another apartment, cottage, or send it to a service center. Without them, repeated transportation can be fatal for the compressor.
Place all removed parts (bolts, washers, bushings) in a bag and securely tape it to the back wall of the refrigerator or put it in the document box that is often included. You can also glue a bag of bolts to the inside wall of the refrigerator compartment so you don’t forget about them when you move.
If you plan to store the bolts separately, make a note in the instructions or on the refrigerator itself (for example, with a “Bolts in the instructions” sticker) so that in a few years you will know where to look for the necessary fasteners. This will save you time and nerves in the future.
Common mistakes when depreservation
Despite the simplicity of the operation, users often make mistakes that can be costly. One of the most common is an attempt to turn on the refrigerator “for testing” before removing the bolts. Even short-term work (10-15 seconds) with a locked suspension creates a critical load on the engine shaft and fastenings.
Another mistake is the loss of bolts immediately after unpacking. As mentioned above, this makes it impossible to safely transport equipment in the future. There is also a situation when only visible bolts are unscrewed, forgetting about those that may be hidden behind decorative elements or located at the bottom of the frame.
Sometimes users try to “develop” the compressor by strongly pulling the refrigerator from side to side until the bolts are removed. This cannot be done, since the force is used to break the metal fasteners. All manipulations with the mobility of the unit are carried out only after complete dismantling of the clamps.
⚠️ Attention: If you find that the refrigerator has been working with the bolts installed for more than a few minutes, do not try to immediately unscrew them and turn them on again. Let the equipment cool down and be sure to call a technician to diagnose the condition of the compressor, since internal damage may have already occurred.
Stop time before turning on
After the transport bolts have been removed and the refrigerator is installed in place, you cannot immediately plug it into the network. During transportation, especially if it was carried out in a lying position or at low temperatures, the oil in the compressor could move into the refrigerant circuit.
It is necessary to wait a certain time for the oil to flow back into the compressor crankcase. If the equipment was transported vertically, 2-4 hours is enough. If the refrigerator was lying on its side, the standing time increases to 8-12 hours, and in winter with severe frosts - up to a day.
Only after complete settling and removal of all transport elements can you safely plug Indesit into the outlet and load food. Compliance with these simple rules will guarantee long and silent operation of your refrigerator.
Is it possible to transport a refrigerator with the bolts installed?
Yes, if you transport the refrigerator long distances or off-road, it is recommended to reinstall the shipping bolts. This will protect the compressor from shock and vibration along the way.
What happens if you forget to remove the bolts and turn on the refrigerator?
The compressor will start to operate with strong vibration and noise. The suspension springs will experience extreme loads, which can lead to their breakage. In the worst case, the tubes inside the casing will break or the compressor itself will be destroyed, which will require an expensive replacement of the unit.
Do you need to lubricate the bolts before reinstallation when moving?
Usually this is not necessary, since the factory lubrication remains for a long time. However, if the threads look dry or damaged, a minimal amount of graphite lubricant can be applied to prevent corrosion and snagging.
Where can I find the bolt pattern if the instructions are lost?
The pattern can be found on the manufacturer's official website in the support section for the model, on specialized refrigerator repair forums, or by requesting from an official service technician center Indesit, naming the exact model of the unit.
Is it possible to operate the refrigerator if one bolt is rusty and cannot be unscrewed?
No, operation is prohibited. Every effort must be made to remove the bolt: use penetrating lubricant, heat (carefully!) or contact a specialist. Working with a locked suspension is unacceptable.
Is the procedure different for Indesit No Frost refrigerators?
The procedure is not fundamentally different. The difference can only be in access to the compressor due to the design features of the rear wall or the presence of additional equipment (fans, sensors) that does not interfere with access to the bolts.