Buying new household appliances is always a joyful event, which, however, is often accompanied by installation difficulties. LG refrigerators, known for their reliability and advanced technology, require special attention during initial installation. One of the critical steps that should not be skipped is the dismantling of the special fasteners that hold the compressor during delivery.
Many users underestimate the importance of this step, believing that the equipment will work immediately after being plugged into the network. Transport bolts fix the motor-compressor, preventing it from damage from shock and vibration along the way. If they are not removed, the refrigerator will operate with a lot of noise, and the service life of the expensive unit will be reduced significantly.
In this article we will analyze in detail the process of preparing your new refrigerator for operation. You will learn exactly where the fixing elements are located, what tools are needed and how to avoid common mistakes. Correct installation guarantees quiet operation and a long service life of your cooling system.
What are transportation fastenings needed for and where are they located?
The manufacturer equips all modern models of refrigeration equipment with special fasteners. Their main task is to rigidly fix the moving parts of the compressor relative to the housing. During transportation, even slight shaking can lead to broken tubes or damage to the motor mount, so LG engineers use reliable metal pins.
The location of these elements depends on the specific series and year of manufacture of the model. In most cases, they are located on the back wall of the refrigerator compartment, in its lower part. To see them, you need to move the unit away from the wall and gain access to the back. Sometimes access requires removing a decorative plastic panel or protective cover, which may be secured with latches or screws.
The number of bolts also varies. There are models with two, three or even four fixation points. Inverter compressor, which is often installed in premium LG models, may have a specific mounting pattern that differs from classic linear motors. It is important to carefully inspect the back panel before starting any manipulations.
⚠️ Attention: Never plug in the refrigerator until you are sure that all shipping elements have been completely removed. Operating the motor with clamped suspension springs will lead to immediate overheating and mechanical destruction of the fasteners.
Modern packaging standards imply the use of not only bolts, but also additional spacers made of foam or cardboard inside the chamber. However, it is the external bolts that pose the greatest danger during first start-up. Their presence is easy to notice by their characteristic appearance - these are long threaded pins with heads, often painted in a bright color for visibility.
Required tools and safety measures
The dismantling process does not require complex professional equipment, but having the right tool will greatly simplify the task and protect you from injury. Before starting work, make sure that the refrigerator is unplugged from the power supply. Even if it has not yet been turned on, compliance electrical safety rules is a mandatory standard for any work with household appliances.
You will need a set of wrenches. The most commonly used sizes are 10, 12 or 14 mm, but it is better to prepare a socket wrench with a ratchet or a socket with a knob. This will provide a more secure grip and allow you to apply sufficient force if the bolts are stuck or too tight at the factory.
- 🛠️ Set of wrenches or sockets (sizes 10-14 mm)
- 🧤 Safety gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges
- 🔦 Flashlight for better illumination of the lower part of the rear wall
- 📦 A box or bag for storing dismantled parts
It would also be a good idea to involve an assistant. The refrigerator is a heavy unit, and while you don't have to tilt it all the way to remove the bolts, having a second person will help keep the cabinet steady. This is especially important for models like Side-by-Side or refrigerators with a system No Frostthat have significant weight.
Remember that the floor around the refrigerator must be dry and clean. If you slip with a heavy key in your hand, you can easily damage not only yourself, but also the decorative covering of the back wall or the floor. Accuracy is the key to successful completion of the preparatory stage.
Step-by-step instructions for dismantling bolts
Now let's move on directly to the technical process. Once you've made sure the refrigerator is a safe distance away from the wall and you have access to the back, you're ready to begin. Visually inspect the bottom of the rear wall: you will see protruding bolts, often located in the corners or symmetrically relative to the center of the compressor.
☑️ Preparing to remove the bolts
Take a wrench of the appropriate size and put it on the bolt head. Rotation must be done counterclockwise. If the bolt does not budge, do not use excessive jerking force to avoid stripping the threads. Try slightly angling the wrench in different directions, or use a wrench with a longer handle to increase leverage.
After the bolt is unscrewed, carefully remove it from the hole. Please note that plastic bushings or washers may come out along with the bolt. Save all parts: they may be needed if in the future there is a need to transport the refrigerator again, for example, when moving to a new apartment.
Repeat the procedure for all other bolts. Their number may vary, so check the entire lower area carefully. On some LG models, one of the bolts may be hidden behind a decorative trim or located in a hard-to-reach place covered by wires or tubes. Be careful and act carefully so as not to damage the refrigeration circuit.
⚠️ Attention: The design of models may vary depending on the year of manufacture and region of sale. Always check the official instructions that come with your specific device, as the location of the components may vary.
Model table and mounting specifications
Different series of LG refrigerators may have their own design features. Below is a table to help you navigate depending on the type of model you have. Remember that this is general data and visual inspection always takes precedence.
td>Bottom Center
| Series / Type | Number of Bolts | Location | Type key |
|---|---|---|---|
| LG DoorCooling+ | 2-3 pcs. | Lower part of the rear wall | 12 mm |
| LG InstaView | 3-4 pcs. | Along the perimeter of the compressor | 13 mm |
| LG Side-by-Side | 4 pcs. | Bottom panel corners | 14 mm |
| Classic two-chamber | 2 pcs. | 10-12 mm |
As can be seen from the table, the most common size is 12-14 mm. However, in older models or specific modifications, other options may occur. If you cannot find the bolts in the described places, look at the technical data sheet of the product.
Some users confuse the shipping bolts with the adjusting supports, which are located at the front, at the bottom of the refrigerator. Adjusting feet they are needed to level the case, and they should not be touched during installation. Transport locks are always located at the back and have the form of long pins passing through the housing to the compressor.
What happens if you forget to remove the bolts
Ignoring this installation stage is fraught with serious consequences. The compressor is the heart of the refrigerator and is suspended by springs inside the cabinet to dampen vibrations. If the bolts are not unscrewed, the springs will not be able to work, and all the vibration will be transferred to the housing.
Technical consequences of working with a clamped compressor
When working with clamped springs, resonant vibration occurs, which destroys the soldering of the tubes. The metal gets tired and bursts, which leads to a freon leak. In addition, the motor operates with overload, which can burn the winding or damage the starting relay in a matter of hours.
The first sign of an error will be an unnaturally loud hum and rattling. The refrigerator will vibrate so much that it may move on the floor on its own. The vibration is transmitted to the shelves, and the dishes placed on them begin to rattle. Over time, this leads to mechanical destruction compressor suspension.
Another consequence is the rapid failure of the motor itself. Working in abnormal mode, without the possibility of shock absorption, it overheats. The thermal relay will constantly turn the unit off and on, trying to protect it, but in the end the resource electric motor will be exhausted long before the end of the warranty period.
It is important to note that LG service centers may refuse warranty repairs if they find traces of operating the refrigerator without with the transport bolts removed. This is considered a violation of the operating rules, since information about the need to remove them is contained in the user manual.
Frequent installation errors and their elimination
Even following the instructions, beginners often make mistakes. One of the most common is the loss of rubber plugs or washers that fall out along with the bolts. These small parts are important for sealing the holes and preventing dust and moisture from getting inside the case.
Another mistake is trying to unscrew the bolts without fixing the refrigerator itself. If the unit is not stable, it may tip over if the key is pulled sharply. Always hold your body with your other hand or have someone hold it. Also, you should not use impact tools, such as a screwdriver with impact mode, as you can damage the threads or tear off the edges of the bolt.
- ❌ Trying to cut the bolts with a grinder (risk of damaging the body and tubes)
- ❌ Ignoring plastic bushings (they can get stuck inside)
- ❌ Throwing away the bolts immediately after removal (needed for a future move)
If the bolt is rusty or stuck, do not use force. Treat it with a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) and leave it on for 10-15 minutes. This will help soften the oxides and unscrew the fasteners without damage. Using excessive force may break the bolt head, requiring drilling out the remaining parts, which is a difficult procedure.
Complete installation and first start-up
After successful dismantling of all fixing elements, you can proceed to the final stage. Make sure that there are no unnecessary parts left in the holes, and if necessary, install decorative plugs if they are provided for in the design of your model. Now the refrigerator is ready to be installed in a permanent place.
Align the unit by tightening the front legs. The doors should close tightly and independently when opened slightly by 45 degrees. After this, let the refrigerator stand unplugged for another 2-3 hours, especially if it was transported lying down. This is necessary so that refrigerant the oil flows into the compressor and takes the correct position.
Only After that, turn on the device. During the first hours of operation, it may make a little more noise than usual - this is normal, the system is entering operating mode. However, this noise should not be like knocking or clanging. If you hear a steady hum, it means you did everything correctly.
Is it possible to unscrew the bolts without moving the refrigerator completely?
Theoretically, this is possible if you have very flexible hands and a thin tool, but it is highly not recommended. You may miss all the bolts or damage the back wall. It is better to spend 10 minutes and move the equipment aside to have full visibility and access.
What to do if one of the bolts breaks when unscrewing?
If the head breaks off and part of the thread remains sticking out, try to grab it with pliers. If the bolt goes inside, do not try to get it out yourself; shaking it can damage the internals. In this case, it is better to call a specialist, since partial disassembly of the compressor protection will be required.
Do you need to lubricate the threads before reinstalling the bolts when moving?
Yes, when reinstalling for transportation, it is recommended to lightly lubricate the threads with oil or graphite lubricant to prevent corrosion and facilitate their future removal. However, make sure that the grease does not get on the rubber seals.
Does removing the bolts affect the warranty?
Removing the bolts is a mandatory procedure described in the instructions. It does not negatively affect the warranty. On the contrary, operation with bolts is a violation of the rules of use, which may cause denial of warranty service if the compressor breaks down.