The purchase of new household appliances is always accompanied by excitement and anticipation, but the installation process often baffles inexperienced users. Refrigerators LG are known for their reliability and thoughtful design, but for safe delivery they are equipped with many protective elements that must be removed before use. Transport bolts and various fasteners play a critical role in maintaining the integrity of the compressor and internal components while moving the unit over rough roads.
Many owners mistakenly believe that it is enough to simply unpack the box and plug in the device, ignoring the specific fasteners on the back wall or inside the chambers. On LG models with a linear inverter compressor, failure to remove some fasteners can lead to increased noise or even damage to the motor mount due to vibration. In this article we will analyze in detail exactly where the fastening elements are located in various series of refrigerators of the Korean brand, and whether they should be removed immediately.
Understanding the design of your device is the first step to its long and quiet operation. We will consider not only external screws, but also hidden fasteners, which often go unnoticed, causing strange sounds when the unit operates. Dismantling of these elements is a simple procedure, but requires care and knowledge of the exact location of the fasteners for a specific model.
Purpose and types of transportation fastenings
The main purpose of any factory fasteners is to immobilize the moving parts of the mechanism during transportation. In refrigerators LG most often there are screw connections, plastic brackets and polyurethane foam. Compressorbeing the heart of the system, it is suspended on springs, and when shaking it can damage the tubes or the body itself if it is not firmly fixed.
There are several types of fasteners that you may find during inspection. Some of them are (obvious) and located on the outside of the case, while others are hidden inside the technical compartment or even in the freezer. It is important to distinguish transport boltwhich needs to be unscrewed, and the adjusting support, which, on the contrary, must remain in place.
- 🔩 Rear screws: Metal bolts passing through the housing to the compressor frame are often painted in the color of the rear wall.
- 📦 Internal spacers: Foam or cardboard inserts that secure shelves and drawers from shifting.
- 🧊 Ice maker: Special brackets holding the water supply mechanism in models with the system Ice Plus.
Some users confuse factory bolts with structural elements that must remain in the device permanently. For example, fasteners holding a condenser or fan should absolutely not be touched. Dismantling Only those elements that are clearly marked with stickers with the words "Remove before use" or "Transportation" are subject to dismantling
Location of bolts on the rear wall of the case
The most common place where shipping bolts are located in refrigerators LG is the back panel of the device. To access them, you need to move the unit away from the wall, providing free access from all sides. Usually these are 4 or 6 boltslocated symmetrically in the corners of the lower part of the rear wall, in the area of the compressor compartment.
Visually they may look like part of the structure, but their distinctive feature is the presence of a red or yellow marking tape, as well as characteristic warning stickers. In some models, such as the series DoorCooling+, the bolts may be hidden under a decorative plastic plug that must be carefully removed.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use excessive force when unscrewing. If the bolt does not budge, you may be trying to unscrew a non-removable structural element or the thread is stuck - use WD-40 and let the lubricant penetrate inside.
The removal process requires the use of a wrench, usually 10 or 12 mm in size, which often comes with instructions in a separate bag. After unscrewing the bolts, rubber bushings may remain in the holes - they need to be removed and thrown away, and the holes closed with the supplied plastic plugs to prevent dust from getting inside.
☑️ Removing the rear bolts
Internal fasteners and shelf protection
In addition to external fastenings, inside the refrigerator and freezer chambers there are also elements that prevent the breakage of glass and plastic. Doors in new models LG are often fixed with tape or special stoppers that prevent them from opening spontaneously during transportation. Scotch tape need to be carefully cut with a stationery knife without scratching the coating.
Particular attention should be paid glass shelves and plastic containers. They can be secured with foam or cardboard corners. In models with the system Multi Air Flow the deflectors on the back wall inside the chamber are sometimes fixed with temporary clips, which are easily broken if handled carelessly, so proceed with caution.
If you find that a shelf or drawer does not fit into place or, on the contrary, dangles more than usual, check if there is a piece of packaging material left somewhere. Foam inserts can get stuck between the wall and the internal plastic, creating the illusion of breakage or deformation of the body.
- 🚪 Door stops: Plastic or cardboard wedges between the door and the body.
- 📦 Fixing the drawers: Adhesive tape or film holding the retractable containers.
- 🧊 Ice maker fastenings: Temporary brackets on the ice supply mechanism.
What to do if the plastic clip breaks inside?
If you accidentally break the plastic clip inside the camera while unpacking, don't panic. Most often, these items are disposable and are needed only for delivery. If a broken piece interferes with the door closing or the movement of the drawer, it can be carefully removed with wire cutters, and the chipped area can be sealed with food tape before purchasing a replacement part. This will not affect the operation of the refrigerator.
Specifics of models with a linear inverter compressor
Refrigerators LG with a linear inverter compressor have a unique engine mount design, which requires a special approach to transportation fastenings. Unlike traditional piston units, it uses a reciprocating piston motion, which makes the system more sensitive to shock. Therefore, manufacturers install more massive and complex transport brackets.
In such models, the bolts can be located not only at the back, but also pass through the side walls in the area of the compressor niche, hidden behind the decorative panel. The instructions for series models GC-B or GA-B often contain a separate section dedicated to the depreservation of the compressor unit.
It is important to understand that if these specific fastenings are not removed, the compressor will operate in constant overload mode, trying to move the fixed piston. This will lead to rapid failure of the electronics or mechanical destruction of the components. Linear compressor must have complete freedom of movement within its working strokes.
| Mounting type | Location | Tool | Do I need to remove |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metal bolt | Back wall (bottom) | Key 10-12 mm | Yes, mandatory |
| Plastic bracket | Compressor compartment | Screwdriver/Hands | Yes, required |
| Adjusting support | Lower front legs | Pliers | No, adjust |
| Compressor bushing | Inside the bolt hole | Pliers | Yes, remove |
Do I need to remove the bolts when moving a short distance
The question often arises: is it necessary to repeat the procedure for installing shipping bolts if you are moving to a new apartment or simply transporting the refrigerator to the dacha? Experts LG and service engineers are unanimous: for any transportation, even over a distance of 100 meters, fixation of the compressor is extremely desirable.
When transported in the back of a truck or even in an elevator, vibrations and jerks that can cause the compressor to hit the walls of the housing. If the bolts have been lost, you can use soft pads (blankets, foam) to tightly seal the space around the compressor to prevent it from wobbling.
However, if you are simply moving the refrigerator along a flat kitchen or hallway floor without tilting it too much or shaking it, reinstalling the bolts is not necessary. In this case, it is enough to be careful and avoid sudden shocks. Transportation in a vertical position without tilting more than 40 degrees is considered safe even without bolts.
⚠️ Attention: When re-transporting without factory bolts, be sure to secure the doors with tape or belts so that they do not swing open and damage the hinges.
Possible problems after improper dismantling
Ignoring the need to remove the transportation bolts or errors in this process can lead to unpleasant consequences. The most common symptom is vibration. If the bolt is not completely unscrewed or the rubber bushing remains inside, the compressor may touch the housing, producing a metallic clang. extraneous noise and vibration. If the bolt is not completely unscrewed or the rubber bushing remains inside, the compressor may touch the housing, producing a metallic clanging sound.
Another problem is a refrigerant leak. If there is strong vibration of an unsecured (or, conversely, too rigidly secured during transportation) compressor, the thin tubes of the condenser or evaporator may burst. In this case, the refrigerator will stop freezing, and repairs will require calling a technician and refilling with freon.
Problems with the electronics are also possible. If the compressor cannot start due to a mechanical blockage (a forgotten bolt), the start relay may burn out or the inverter board protection will trip. In models with Smart Diagnosis an error code may appear on the screen indicating a compressor malfunction.
- 🔊 Loud hum: A sign that the compressor is vibrating against the housing.
- ❄️ Lack of cold: Possible freon leakage due to vibration.
- ⚡ Error codes: Failures in the inverter board.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Where exactly to look for bolts if there are none on the back wall?
In some modern models LG with technology ThinQ the bolts can be replaced with plastic latches or located inside the technical compartment, accessible through the lower grille at the front. Carefully inspect the instructions for your specific model, as the design may differ from the standard one.
What to do if the plugs for the holes are lost after removing the bolts?
The plugs are necessary for thermal insulation and dust protection. If they are lost, you can use pieces of rubber of the appropriate diameter or purchase a universal set of plugs from an auto parts or hardware store. The main thing is to close the hole so that the cold does not escape and the heat does not penetrate to the compressor.
Is it possible to turn on the refrigerator immediately after removing the shipping bolts?
Yes, you can. However, if the refrigerator was transported lying down or at a strong angle, it is recommended to wait 2-4 hours before turning it on so that the oil in the compressor flows back into the crankcase. If it was standing vertically, switching on is possible immediately after removing all the fasteners.
Do you need to lubricate the bolts before tightening them when transporting them again?
It is not necessary to lubricate the bolts, but it is advisable to wipe them from rust if they have been lying for a long time. The main thing is not to overtighten them, so as not to break the threads in the aluminum compressor mounts. Tighten all the way by hand, then tighten slightly with a wrench.