Buying a new refrigerator is always a joyful event that marks the beginning of a comfortable life with working equipment. However, before you load your shelves with food and enjoy the silence of a running compressor, there are some critical steps you need to take to prepare the unit. The very first and, perhaps, the most important step is to free the case from the fixing elements that hold the moving parts of the mechanism during transportation.
Many users underestimate the importance of this step, believing that the equipment is ready for use immediately after unpacking. This is a dangerous misconception. Transport bolts are intended exclusively for fixing the compressor and shock absorbers, preventing them from being damaged by shock and vibration along the way. If they are not removed before starting, the refrigerator will operate in extreme mode, which will inevitably lead to breakdown.
In this article we will look in detail where to look for these fasteners, what tool is needed to dismantle them and what consequences may occur if the manufacturer's instructions are ignored. Removal process usually does not cause difficulties, but requires care and compliance with safety precautions so as not to damage the aesthetic appearance of the case and internal mechanics.
Why are shipping bolts needed and where are they located
When producing household appliances, engineers take into account the logistical risks that the refrigerator faces on the way from the factory to your kitchen. Roads can be rough, forklifts can jerk loads harshly, and vibrations in the truck bed can damage sensitive components. It is to compensate for these loads that transport locksare used. They rigidly connect the frame of the refrigerator with its internal suspension, turning the moving system into a monolithic block during transportation.
It is usually not difficult to find these elements, as manufacturers strive to make them visible. In most modern models, be it Bosch, LG, Samsung or Indesit, they are located on the rear wall of the case. These are four (rarely two or six) large bolts passing through a metal sheet of casing and screwed into the base of the compressor or shock absorber frame. They are often brightly colored or have plastic plugs to make them more obvious.
⚠️ Warning: Never try to find the bolts by looking inside the refrigerator compartment or by removing the bottom plastic plinth from the front. All fastening elements for transportation are located strictly on the outside, on the rear panel of the device.
Sometimes users confuse transportation bolts with shelf fastening elements or decorative overlays. To avoid mistakes, you should carefully inspect the rear of the unit. If you see large bolt heads, often with wide washers, that clearly extend right through the body, this is exactly what needs to be removed. In some models, they can be additionally secured with plastic stoppers or closed with decorative covers that need to be carefully removed.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
Before you begin dismantling, you need to organize a comfortable and safe workspace. Since the main mounting array is located at the rear, you will need easy access to the rear wall of the refrigerator. The best option is to move the unit away from the wall at a distance of at least one meter. This will allow you to move freely around the equipment and not damage the flooring or wallpaper.
As for the tools, manufacturers usually supply refrigerators with everything necessary. The kit often includes a special a wrench or wrench, the size of which ideally fits the heads of the transportation bolts. However, you should not rely on the presence of this tool in the box, as it can get lost among the foam or be removed by the previous owners (if the equipment is used). Therefore, it is recommended to prepare in advance:
- 🔧 An adjustable wrench or a set of open-end wrenches (most often a size of 10, 11 or 12 mm is required).
- 🪛 A flat-head screwdriver (may be needed to remove decorative plugs).
- 🧤 Work gloves (to protect hands from sharp metal edges and contaminants).
- 📦 A container for storing removed parts (so that the bolts do not get lost).
It is also important to ensure the stability of the refrigerator during operation. Although removing the bolts does not require excessive force, the unit should not wobble. If the floor is slippery, place thick cardboard under the legs or have someone hold the body. Some models Electrolux or Haier may have a specific arrangement of bolts that requires a slight tilt of the case, so having an assistant will be useful.
Step-by-step instructions: how to remove bolts
The process of dismantling fasteners is quite simple, but requires a sequence of actions. Getting it out of order could cause one of the bolts to jam or damage the threads. Below is a universal instruction suitable for most models of modern household appliances.
First you need to visually assess the condition of the fasteners. If plastic plugs or protective caps are installed on the bolts, they must be carefully removed. Often they are simply inserted into holes and held in place by friction. Use a flathead screwdriver or your fingernail to pry the edge of the plug and pull it out. Do not use excessive force so as not to break the plastic, which you may need in the future if you have to transport the refrigerator again.
☑️ Algorithm for removing bolts
Next, we take the prepared key and put it on the bolt head. You need to rotate counterclockwise. If the bolt is tight and does not give way, do not use jerks or impact tools - this may damage the compressor mount. Try rocking the key slightly from side to side to strip the threads. Unscrew the bolts one by one: first loosen all four (or how many of them your model has), and then remove them completely.
⚠️ Attention: When unscrewing the last bolt, be sure to hold the refrigerator, as at this moment a slight shift of the body or a characteristic knock may occur, indicating that the compressor suspension has become free.
After everything the bolts are removed, there will be through holes in the holes. The refrigerator often comes with plastic plugs (usually black or white) designed to close these holes during normal operation. Insert them into the holes until they click. This will prevent dust, moisture and small insects from getting inside the case, and will also improve heat and sound insulation.
What to do if the bolt cannot be unscrewed?
If the shipping bolt is stuck or rusted (important for equipment that has been in a damp warehouse for a long time), do not use force. Apply some penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) to the threads and wait 10-15 minutes. If this does not help, try slightly warming up the area around the bolt with a hair dryer, but be careful with the plastic elements of the case.
Table: Features of fasteners from different manufacturers
Although the principle of operation of the transport system is the same for everyone, manufacturers can use different types of fasteners and their locations. Knowing the specifics of your brand will help you navigate faster.
| Brand | Number of bolts | Location | Key type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlant | 4 pcs. | Rear wall, in the corners | Rozhkovy 10-12 mm |
| Samsung | 4 pcs. | Back panel, symmetrical | Knob included |
| LG | 2 or 4 pcs. | Bottom of the rear wall | Wrench |
| Bosch | 4 pcs. | Rear part, next to the compressor | Adjustable wrench |
| Indesit | 4 pcs. | Rear wall | Key included |
Please note that in some models two-compressor refrigerators, the number of attachment points may be increased, or they may be located asymmetrically relative to the center of symmetry of the body. Always refer to a visual inspection of the specific model. It is also worth noting that for built-in refrigerators, access to the rear wall may be limited, and the bolts must be removed before installing the equipment in the niche.
It is important to keep the removed bolts and plugs. Although they are no longer needed for operation, their loss can create problems during relocation or service that requires transportation. Place them in a bag, label the model of the refrigerator with a marker and put them in a box from under appliances or in a tool cabinet.
Consequences of starting a refrigerator with bolts
The question “what happens if you forget to remove the bolts?” is one of the most frequent owners of household appliances on forums. The answer is clear: operating the refrigerator with installed transport locks is strictly prohibited. The compressor operating mechanism is built on the principle of suspension: the motor must be able to oscillate freely on springs or shock absorbers, dampening vibrations.
When the bolts are fixed, the suspension is blocked. The compressor begins to operate in rigid coupling mode with the housing. This leads to a number of critical problems:
- 🔊 Extreme noise: The refrigerator will hum, knock and vibrate so much that it will become impossible to be in the kitchen. The sound will resemble the operation of a jackhammer.
- 🔥 Compressor overheating: Lack of shock absorption leads to increased load on the engine, which causes it to quickly overheat and shorten its service life.
- 💥 Destruction of internal components: Vibration, not dampened by the suspension, is transmitted to the heat exchanger tubes and other elements, which can lead to their rupture and leakage of freon.
⚠️ Attention: If you turn on the refrigerator and hear a loud knock or feel a strong vibration of the case, immediately turn off the device from the network! Check the back wall for the presence of transportation bolts.
The most unpleasant consequence is refusal of warranty repairs. Service centers can easily determine the fact of operation with unoccupied bolts by the characteristic signs of wear on the shock absorbers and deformation of the suspension. In this case, the repair of the compressor or the entire system will have to be paid out of your own pocket, and the cost of such repairs can be up to 70% of the price of a new device.
How to properly store removed parts
After successful After dismantling, owners often have a question: where to put these massive pieces of iron? It is not recommended to throw them away. As mentioned earlier, when moving or needing to send the refrigerator to a service center (for example, when replacing a compressor), the presence of these bolts will become a mandatory requirement for logisticians and craftsmen.
The ideal place for storage is the original cardboard box. If it is still there, put the bolts, key and instructions in a separate bag and tape it to the inside wall of the box or put it on the bottom covered with foam. If the box is disposed of, put the kit in a tight bag, label it ("Bolts for Refrigerator [Model]") and put it away in a closet or garage.
Some prudent users use scotch tapeto attach the bag of bolts directly to the back wall of the refrigerator (on the outside, at the top, where it will not be visible, but can be easily found if necessary). However, this method is not suitable if you have small children or pets who can get to the adhesive tape.
If you lose the original plugs for the holes, you can use pieces of electrical tape or special rubber plugs of a suitable diameter, purchased at a hardware store. The main thing is to ensure that the hole is sealed so that moisture does not penetrate inside, which can cause corrosion of the internal elements.
Is it possible to transport a refrigerator without bolts, but with a fixed compressor?
Theoretically, you can try to fix the compressor with wooden wedges or foam, but this is risky. The best option is to find original bolts or order them from the manufacturer's service center before transportation.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How many bolts need to be removed?
The vast majority of modern refrigerators have 4 shipping bolts. However, there are models with 2 or 6 bolts. The exact quantity is specified in the instruction manual for your specific model. Visually, all the fastening points are always visible on the back wall.
Is it necessary to remove the bolts if the refrigerator was transported in a vertical position?
Yes, definitely. The transport position (vertical or horizontal) does not affect the need for removal. The bolts secure the moving parts of the mechanism regardless of how the refrigerator was standing. Their presence blocks the operation of the compressor suspension in any case.
What to do if the holes after removing the bolts turn out to be too large for the standard plugs?
The standard plugs must fit tightly. If they fall out, they may be incorrectly fitted or damaged. You can temporarily use an isolette, but it is better to contact the brand’s service center to order original plugs. It is not recommended to leave the holes open due to the risk of moisture and dust getting in.
Is it possible to turn on the refrigerator immediately after removing the bolts?
No. After transportation (especially if the refrigerator was lying) and removal of the bolts, the unit should stand in an upright position for 2 to 4 hours (or better yet, a day). This is necessary to drain the oil into the compressor and stabilize the refrigerant before starting.