After purchase and delivery of a new one When installing household appliances in the kitchen, the owner is faced with the primary task of ensuring the correct installation of the unit. Often, newcomers to operation do not pay attention to the fasteners on the rear panel, believing that these are decorative plugs or part of the cooling system. However, ignoring the need to remove these parts can result in serious mechanical damage to the internal structure.
Shipping bolts perform a critical logistics function by securing the compressor and preventing it from moving during shaking. If you plan to put the unit into operation, you definitely need to free the engine from these clamps. Otherwise, vibrations during operation will lead to broken tubes or failure of the motor.
In this article we will look in detail at where these elements are located, what tools are needed to remove them, and whether the removed parts can be stored for future use. Proper preparation of equipment for the first use is the key to its long and silent service in your home.
Purpose and location of fasteners
The main purpose of using rigid fasteners during transportation is to protect the compressor suspension system. The refrigerator motor is mounted on springs or rubber shock absorbers, which allows it to vibrate freely during operation without transmitting the hum to the body. During transportation, such vibrations are unacceptable, as they can lead to impacts on the casing walls or deformation of copper tubes.
Transport bolts the compressor frame is rigidly connected to the supporting frame of the refrigerator, completely blocking any mobility. This turns the suspension into a monolithic structure that is resistant to the shaking, shock and tilting that is inevitable when loading into a truck. Without these fasteners, the risk of damaging an expensive unit during delivery increases many times over.
The location of the fasteners depends on the model and manufacturer of the equipment. In most cases, they are located on the back wall, in the lower part of the case, directly in the area where the motor is located. Sometimes manufacturers hide them under a decorative plastic panel, which must first be removed.
⚠️ Attention: The number of bolts varies from two to four depending on the size and weight of the compressor. Don't stop searching once you find one element - check all the corners of the bottom of the rear panel. Some modern models may use special shipping brackets or plastic clips instead of classic metal bolts. Their operating principle is the same, but the dismantling method may differ. Always carefully inspect the packaging and accompanying documentation before starting work.
Some modern models Liebherr or Bosch may use special shipping brackets or plastic clamps instead of classic metal bolts. Their operating principle is the same, but the dismantling method may differ. Always carefully inspect the packaging and accompanying documentation before starting work.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
The procedure for removing the fasteners does not require complex professional equipment or special technical skills. Any adult with a basic DIY kit can handle the task. The main thing is to provide easy access to the back of the refrigerator, which is often the most difficult part of the process due to the size of the equipment.
You will need to free up space around the unit. Move the refrigerator far enough away from the wall so that you can easily walk to the back wall and stretch out your arms. If the appliances are already installed in a niche of the kitchen unit, you may have to temporarily dismantle the adjacent modules or pull out the refrigerator itself completely.
- 🛠️ A wrench or a head of the appropriate size (most often 10, 12 or 13 mm) is the main tool for unscrewing.
- 🔦 Flashlight - for illumination darkened area under the compressor, where fastening holes are often located.
- 🧤 Work gloves - metal bolts may have sharp edges or be coated with industrial lubricant.
- 📦 Container or bag - for safe storage of removed parts.
Before starting work, make sure that the refrigerator is disconnected from electrical networks. Although the bolts are not live, safety should be a priority when working with electrical appliances. If you just brought the equipment from the cold, let it warm up to room temperature for 3-4 hours before any manipulations.
Step-by-step instructions for dismantling
The process of removing transportation restrictions is simple, but requires care. Do not use excessive force if the bolt does not give way - perhaps you are twisting in the wrong direction or the thread has soured from long-term static stress.
First, visually determine the number of attachment points. Most often there are two of them, located symmetrically on the sides of the compressor, or four at the corners of the engine platform. Carefully clean the holes from dust if it has accumulated there, so that dirt does not get inside the threads when unscrewing.
☑️ Algorithm for removing bolts
Insert the key into the head of the bolt and start rotating counterclockwise. If the bolt is very tight, you can lightly wiggle the wrench from side to side to loosen it. After the thread comes out of engagement, unscrew the element until the end. Please note that rubber damper bushings or washers may be removed along with the metal rod - do not lose them.
After removing all bolts, inspect the holes. In some models, in their place it is necessary to install plastic plugs, which come with the key or are in the bag with the documents. This will prevent dust and moisture from entering the case in the future. If there are no plugs, leave the holes as is, they do not affect the operation.
Table: Features of fasteners for different brands
The design of refrigerators from different manufacturers may differ significantly. Below is a summary of the typical location and type of fasteners for popular brands, which will help you find your way faster.
| Brand | Number of bolts | Location | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indesit / Ariston | 2 or 4 | Rear, bottom | Often require a 13 mm wrench |
| LG / Samsung | 2 | Rear, on the sides of the motor | Sometimes hidden under a plastic cover |
| Bosch / Siemens | 4 | On the compressor frame | Long studs are used |
| Atlant | 2 | Back, at the base | Standard M10 fasteners |
| Liebherr | 2-4 | Bottom of the platform | Often included with a key |
Data in the table are for reference only. Depending on the specific series and year of manufacture models, the configuration may vary. Always rely on a visual inspection of your equipment.
What happens if you forget to remove the bolts?
Starting a refrigerator with the transport locks installed is one of the most critical mistakes a user can make. A compressor, deprived of the ability to absorb shock, will transfer all vibration directly to the housing and tubes.
The consequences of such operation can be catastrophic. At best, you will get incredibly loud noise and hum that will be heard throughout the entire apartment. At worst, the thin copper tubes through which the refrigerant circulates will break, or the internal engine mount will be destroyed.
⚠️ Attention: Operating the compressor in a fixed state leads to rapid overheating and failure of the bearings. Repair in this case is often not economically feasible and is equivalent to buying a new unit.
If you turn on the refrigerator and hear an uncharacteristic metallic clang or strong vibration, immediately unplug the device. Check the back panel. If the bolts are in place, remove them. If you operated the equipment in this mode for a short time, most likely it was not damaged. Long-term work with a jammed compressor is fatal.
Is it possible to determine the work with bolts by the sound?
Yes, the sound will resemble the work of a jackhammer or hammer drill. The usual hum of the compressor will be replaced by a rhythmic, loud knock, synchronous with the vibration of the housing.
Storage and disposal of dismantled parts
After successful dismantling, owners often have a question: what to do with these massive metal studs? It is not recommended to throw them away right away, although many people do so.
Keeping the shipping bolts makes sense if you are planning a move in the future or if the unit can be replaced under warranty. For repeated transportation over long distances, the presence of these clamps is mandatory. Service centers also often require standard packaging and fasteners when returning equipment under warranty.
Put the bolts, washers and wrench in one bag. Label it with a marker “Transportation bolts” so that in a few years you won’t have to guess what kind of pieces of hardware they are. Put the bag in a box from the refrigerator or in a tool box where you put instructions and passports from household appliances.
- 📦 Place all the parts in the original bag from the keys, if you have one.
- 📝 Paste a sticker with the words “Do not throw away” in a visible place.
- 🔧 Put the key you used to unscrew the bolts there - it can be useful for tightening the legs.
If you are sure that there will be no moves, and the warranty period has long expired, the metal can be taken to a collection point. However, given their low weight, it is easier to leave them lying around just in case, taking up a minimum of space.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do you need to screw the bolts back after installing the refrigerator?
No, you absolutely cannot screw them back. The compressor must remain free for shock absorption. The only time they return to their place is in preparation for transportation or moving.
Is it possible to transport a refrigerator without bolts if you just drive it slowly?
No, even short-term shaking on a rough road without fixation can damage the compressor suspension. If you have lost the bolts, before transportation you need to securely fix the compressor with wooden blocks and foam or rigid gaskets, simulating standard fasteners.
What to do if one of the bolts is rusty and cannot be unscrewed?
Do not use excessive force so as not to strip the threads. Try applying a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) to the joint and wait 10-15 minutes. If this does not help, drilling may be required, but it is better to contact a specialist so as not to damage the case.
Does removing the bolts affect the warranty?
No, removing the transportation bolts is a mandatory step in putting the equipment into operation according to the user instructions. This is not considered interference with the design and does not void the manufacturer's warranty.