Buying a new refrigerator Haier is always a joyful event, promising order in the kitchen and fresh food. However, before the equipment starts working, it must be properly prepared for the first start. Many owners, carried away by unpacking, forget about a critically important stage, ignoring which can lead to serious damage to an expensive unit.
We are talking about transport bolts, which rigidly fix the compressor and shock absorbers during transportation. If they are not removed, the vibration of a running motor will not be dampened, which will lead to the destruction of the internal tubes and failure of the entire cooling system. In this article, we will look in detail at how to safely dismantle the fasteners and prepare your Haier transport bolts for work.
The dismantling process does not require special technical skills, but requires care and adherence to the sequence of actions. We will look at the location of the fasteners on different models, the necessary tools and typical mistakes that users make when installing household appliances.
Why are shipping bolts needed and where are they located?
In the production of refrigerators Haier engineers provide special protection elements for the motor-compressor. During delivery, equipment is shaken, tilted and subjected to shock. To prevent a heavy and vibration-sensitive compressor from damaging the suspension or pipelines, it is rigidly screwed to the housing frame.
Usually located on the back wall of the refrigerator four boltspassing through a metal sheet and entering bushings on the compressor frame. In some models Haier with a system No Frost there may be a configuration with two or three bolts, as well as additional plastic clamps or brackets holding the capacitor.
Some users mistakenly believe that if the refrigerator stands level and does not make sounds, then the bolts can be removed touch. This is a dangerous misconception. While the equipment is not turned on, the fasteners simply support the weight of the motor. But as soon as you apply voltage, vibration will begin, which will have nowhere to go due to rigid fixation.
⚠️ Attention: Operation of the refrigerator Haier with installed transportation bolts is equivalent to a service case and is not covered by the warranty. Manufacturers clearly indicate in the product passport the need to remove them before turning them on for the first time.It is not difficult to find the bolts: just move the refrigerator away from the wall and look into the lower part of the rear panel. They are distinguished by characteristic bright (often red or yellow) plastic plugs or rubber bushings, which serve as a visual indicator for the user.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
To perform the dismantling procedure, you do not need complex professional tools. However, it is important to prepare everything in advance so as not to look for the key at the most crucial moment. The main tool will be open-end wrench or a head of the appropriate size.
Most often for refrigerators Haier the key size is used
10 mmor12 mm. A special wrench is sometimes supplied with new equipment, but it is often too short and inconvenient for properly unscrewing rusted or tightly tightened bolts.Recommended set for work:
- 🔧 Open-end wrench 10 or 12 mm (it is better to have both sizes).
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🔦 Flashlight for better illumination of the lower part of the back wall.
- 📦 Box or a bag for folding the removed parts.
Before starting work, be sure to disconnect the power a refrigerator if it has already been connected to the network. Also make sure that the floor at the installation site is dry and level, and that you have free access to the back wall from all sides.
If the refrigerator has just been brought in from outside during the cold season, let it warm up to room temperature within 3-4 hours. This applies not only to the electronics, but also to the lubricant in the compressor, which may have thickened in the cold.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use impact drivers or impact wrenches to loosen bolts. Excessive force may strip threads or damage shock absorber bushings, resulting in noise during operation.Make sure there is enough room to maneuver around the refrigerator. You will need to tilt the unit or walk around it, so remove carpets, shoes and other objects that may interfere with stability.
Step-by-step instructions for removing fasteners
The process of removing bolts on refrigerators Haier is standardized, but requires physical strength and caution. The main rule: never try to unscrew a bolt while the refrigerator is standing on all four legs and in an upright position without support.
First you need to gain access to the bolts. Move the refrigerator away from the wall at arm's length. Remove the cardboard protection from the back wall if it is not already removed. You will see 4 bolts located in the corners of the lower part of the rear panel.
Action algorithm:
- Tilt the refrigerator forward, resting its upper part against the wall (through a soft pad) or ask an assistant to hold the body.
- Raise the front adjustable legs as high as possible or place them under the front part bars to lift the rear wheels or legs off the floor.
- Insert the wrench into the bolt and start turning counterclockwise. The first turn may be tight.
- Unscrew the bolt completely and set it aside. Repeat the procedure for the remaining three fasteners.
☑️ Checking dismantling
Completed: 0 / 4It is important to follow the sequence of unscrewing, although technically the order is not critical. However, engineers advise first loosening all four bolts a few turns before removing them completely. This will help avoid distortion of the compressor frame.
After all bolts have been removed, carefully lower the refrigerator to the floor. Make sure that the compressor is now "hanging" on its shock absorber springs and can rock slightly when pressed by hand. This is the normal state of the working unit.
If you find that rubber bushings or washers remain in the holes along with the bolts, they also need to be removed, if required by a specific model Haier. However, in most cases, the bushings remain on the compressor frame, and only the metal rods are removed.
What to do if the bolt is rusty and does not turn?
If the bolt does not give in, do not use brute force. Apply a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) to the threads and wait 10-15 minutes. Then try to gently rock the bolt by turning the wrench in different directions. If this does not help, it is better to call a specialist so as not to break the compressor mount.
Adjusting the position of the refrigerator after removing the bolts
After dismantling the shipping fasteners, the refrigerator Haier needs to be correctly leveled. This affects not only aesthetics, but also the correct operation of the system No Frost and the quietness of the compressor.
Most models have two front adjustable supports and two rear wheels or fixed legs. Adjustment is carried out by rotating the front support.
Key adjustment parameters:
- 📏 Horizontal: Check the position of the housing with a bubble level. Skewing to the left or right is unacceptable.
- 📉 Tilt back: The front legs should be twisted slightly higher than the back ones (1-2 cm). This will ensure that the doors close automatically under the influence of gravity.
- 🚫 Stability: The refrigerator should not wobble. If it is on wheels, make sure that they are secured with stoppers or pressed down with weight.
Improper installation can cause the doors to open by themselves or, conversely, not to fit tightly, causing ice to freeze. Also, vibration from the compressor can be transmitted to the floor and furniture if the legs are not adjusted.
After adjustment, press firmly on the corner of the refrigerator to check stability. It must stand firmly on the supports without falling over. If the floor is slippery (for example, tiles), you can place special anti-vibration pads under the legs.
Table of typical problems after installation
Even with careful removal of the bolts, nuances in the operation of the equipment may arise. Below is a table that helps diagnose the condition of the refrigerator Haier immediately after installation.
Symptom Possible cause Solution Strong vibration housing Transport bolts have not been removed Urgently disconnect and dismantle the fasteners The doors do not close themselves Incorrect tilt (no tilt back) Unscrew the front ones legs are higher Humming during operation Tubes touching the body or wall Move the refrigerator, check the gap Puddle of water in front Warp towards the door Align the refrigerator Please note that during the first hours of operation, the refrigerator may make unusual sounds - gurgling of refrigerant or clicking of the thermostat. This is normal for the system Haier after transportation and refilling with freon.
If you hear a metallic clanging or knocking sound similar to hammer blows, stop the unit immediately. This is a sure sign that the internal parts of the compressor are hitting the casing due to loose bolts or damage to the suspension.
⚠️ Attention: Technical characteristics and location of components may vary slightly depending on the series Haier (C3, C4, French Door, etc.). Always check the paper instructions included in the box, as the design of the models is updated.First launch and performance check
When all the bolts have been removed and the refrigerator is level, you can proceed to the final stage. Take your time loading products. An empty refrigerator should run for several hours to reach normal mode and stabilize the temperature.
Plug in the appliance. Make sure to use a separate grounded outlet, preferably through a surge protector. In the first 15-20 minutes, listen to the operation of the motor: it should hum smoothly, without sudden changes in tone.
What to check in the first day:
- ❄️ Uniform cooling of the chambers (check after 2-3 hours).
- 💧 No condensation on external walls.
- 🔊 Absence of extraneous knocking and rattling.
- 🚪 Tight fit of door seals.
📊 What difficulty did you encounter during installation?No bolts unscrewedThe key was missingThe refrigerator is heavyEverything went smoothlyModern models Haier are often equipped with inverter compressors, which are quieter and more economical. They may not turn off completely, but only change power, maintaining the temperature. This is not a malfunction.
If you have not noticed any problems within 24 hours, you can gradually load the products. Try not to fill the chambers completely on the first day, let the equipment gain “cold resistance.”
Save the removed bolts and packaging. If you ever need to transport the refrigerator to the dacha or when moving, you will again need to firmly fix the compressor so as not to damage it on the road.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to turn on the Haier refrigerator if I forgot to remove one bolt?
It is absolutely not possible. Even one bolt left behind creates a hard point through which vibration will be transmitted to the housing, causing noise and destruction of the compressor tubes. The risk of breakage is almost 100%.
Where to put the removed transport bolts?
They must be preserved. Bag the bolts, washers, and bushings and store them in your refrigerator box or tool chest. During any future move, they will need to be screwed back in.
How long should you wait after installation before turning it on?
If the refrigerator was transported in an upright position, 2-3 hours are enough for acclimatization. If it was carried lying down, the waiting time increases to 4-6 hours for the oil to flow into the compressor.
What to do if the holes after the bolts are too large and air is blowing?
In some models Haier plastic plugs for these holes are included. If they are not available, you can use regular window putty or a special sealant to prevent dust from entering and loss of cold, although in most cases this is provided for by the design.
Is repair guaranteed if I break the thread when unscrewing?
Mechanical damage resulting from user actions (broken threads, broken bushings) are not covered by warranty. You will have to pay for the repairs yourself, so proceed carefully.