The purchase of new household appliances is always accompanied by the expectation of comfort, but the installation process is often overshadowed by technical nuances that cannot be ignored. One of the critical elements during installation are transport bolts, which securely fix the compressor during transportation. If you are wondering where the shipping bolts are located on the Indesit refrigerator, then you have come to the most important stage of preparing the unit for operation.
Improper handling of these fasteners can lead to serious engine damage and loss of warranty from the manufacturer. In this article, we will analyze in detail the design of refrigerators Indesit, show the exact location of the fasteners and explain why their removal is not just a recommendation, but a mandatory requirement for safe operation.
Owners often confuse shipping fasteners with ordinary adjusting feet or decorative plugs. To avoid mistakes, you must carefully examine the back wall of the device before plugging it into the network for the first time. Below we will provide comprehensive information about what the fastening system looks like and what to do if you find these elements.
Purpose and principle of operation of transport fastenings
The main function of transport bolts is to rigidly fix compressor (the motor) relative to the frame of the refrigerator. During delivery, the unit is subject to shaking, vibration and shock, which without additional insurance could damage the engine mount or break the seal of the cooling system pipes. The bolts turn the moving part into a monolith with the body, eliminating any displacement.
⚠️ Attention: Turning on the Indesit refrigerator with installed transport bolts causes extreme vibration, noise and the risk of physical destruction of the compressor in the first minutes of operation.
Design The mount is usually a long metal rod that extends through the housing and screws directly into the motor base or support platform. Some models Indesit can use not only bolts, but also special brackets or plastic spacers, which also need to be removed. The principle of operation is simple: while the bolt is tightened, the suspension springs are compressed or blocked, and the motor cannot absorb shock.
After installing the equipment in a permanent place, these elements become a useless load that interferes with normal operation shock absorbers. If you leave them in place, the refrigerator will make a lot of noise, “jump” on the floor and quickly fail. Therefore, locating and removing these parts is a top priority before starting.
Precise bolt locations on Indesit models
The answer to the question of where the transport bolts are located on the Indesit refrigerator is always the same: they are located on rear wall the body. However, their number and specific design may vary depending on the series and year of manufacture of the model. In the vast majority of cases, we are talking about the lower part of the rear panel, where the compressor compartment is visible.
A system of two or four bolts is usually used. They can be located symmetrically on the sides of the motor or form a square around it. On modern models Indesit with the No Frost system there is sometimes a third, central bolt that secures the upper part of the suspension. To see them, it is not necessary to move the refrigerator far from the wall - often it is enough to simply tilt it or look from below with a flashlight.
Visually, these elements are difficult to confuse with something else: these are large bolts with massive heads, often painted black or silver. They pass through the metal eyes of the case. If you see pins sticking out from the back with threads and nuts that are not electrically connected to anything, these are the fasteners you are looking for.
Instructions: how to properly remove the fasteners
The process of dismantling the shipping bolts does not require a complex tool, but requires following a certain sequence of actions for safety. Before starting work, make sure that the refrigerator is disconnected from the power supply, although electricity is not required when removing bolts, this is a general safety rule during installation.
To work, you will need a wrench (usually 10, 12 or 13 mm in size) or a socket with a wrench. In some cases, if the bolts are tightened very tightly, a second key may be required to hold the nut on the back side, although on models Indesit most often it is enough to unscrew only the bolt head.
☑️ Algorithm for removing the transport bolts
Act carefully so as not to scratch the back enamel of the case with the key. If the bolt does not budge, do not apply excessive force or jerk it - it is better to spray it with a penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40) and wait a few minutes. A sharp force can break the threads or damage the legs of the compressor.
⚠️ Attention: When unscrewing the bolts, hold the refrigerator with your hand, since after removing the clamps the compressor may move slightly on its springs, which will change the center of gravity of the unit.
Layout diagram and technical details
For a better understanding of the design, let’s consider typical fastening configurations found in various brand lines. The location of the elements depends on the type of compressor and frame design.
| Configuration type | Number of bolts | Location | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 2 pcs. | Symmetrically on the sides of the motor | The most common scheme for medium-volume models |
| Reinforced | 4 pcs. | At the corners of the compressor base | Found on large two-chamber refrigerators |
| Combined | 2 bolts + bracket | Back and on top of the motor | Requires careful inspection of the upper part of the suspension |
| Specific | 1 central | Directly above the motor | Rare configuration for compact models |
It is important to note that in some modifications Indesit Instead of classic bolts, plastic transport washers or bushings can be used, which just need to be pulled out. However, the question “where are the shipping bolts” most often concerns metal fasteners. If after inspection you do not find any obvious bolts, check for sticker instructions on the case - the manufacturer often indicates to them the need to remove the fasteners.
It is also worth considering that in models with an inverter compressor, the suspension system may differ from the classic one. In such cases depreciation implemented differently, and there may be no shipping bolts in the usual form at all, or they may be replaced with special latches.
What to do if the bolt thread is torn off?
If during dismantling you tore off thread or broken bolt, do not try to drill it yourself without experience. Contact a service center, as there is a risk of damaging the compressor housing, which will lead to freon leakage.
Consequences of operation with installed clamps
Many users underestimate the importance of removing the transport bolts, considering their presence a trifle. However, starting a refrigerator Indesit with a jammed compressor leads to disastrous results. The motor, deprived of the ability to absorb shock, begins to transfer all the vibration to the body of the refrigerator.
This manifests itself in the following:
- 🔊 Loud hum and clanging: The sound of operation becomes unbearable, reminiscent of a jackhammer or construction equipment.
- 🕺 Displacement of the unit: Due to resonance, the refrigerator may begin to “crawl” or bounce on the floor, scratching the coating and moving away from the wall.
- 💥 Destruction of the suspension: Springs and rubber dampers experience extreme loads and quickly tear or deform.
- 🔥 Overheating of the compressor: The impossibility of normal operation leads to overload of the electric motor and thermal breakdown.
The most unpleasant thing is that service centers, when such a breakdown is detected (and traces of use with bolts are immediately visible from the wear of the holes and the condition of the suspension), have the right to refuse service. warranty repairs. This is considered a violation of the operating rules specified in the user manual. Therefore, checking the presence of bolts is a matter of maintaining the warranty.
Frequently asked questions and troubleshooting
Despite the apparent simplicity of the procedure, users often have specific questions related to finding and dismantling fasteners on equipment Indesit. Below we will look at the most common situations.
Sometimes users find bolts, but cannot understand whether they are transportable. Remember: any bolts that are screwed “through” into the motor area and do not carry a functional load when assembled (do not hold shelves, doors or panels) are most likely intended for transportation. If in doubt, check the data sheet for your model.
There are times when bolts are missing. This is possible if the refrigerator has already been used, or if the manufacturer has used a different fixation system (for example, foam inserts that can be removed from the inside). In rare cases, on very old models, the bolts could be replaced with welded jumpers that needed to be cut off, but for modern models Indesit this is not typical.
⚠️ Attention: If you bought a used refrigerator and are not sure whether the shipping bolts were removed by the previous owner, be sure to check their presence before turning it on. It is better to double-check than to change the compressor.
It is also important to remember that technical characteristics and design may vary slightly depending on the production batch. If you find that the configuration of the bolts on your refrigerator differs from that described in the general manuals, it is always a priority to follow the instructions included in the box specifically for your device.
Is it possible to ride an elevator with the bolts installed?
Yes, for short-term transportation inside the building (for example, going up to a floor), the bolts can not be removed, but for long-term transportation in a car, they need to be installed is required.
Do I need to close the holes after removing the bolts?
Usually the holes remain open or are closed with plastic plugs included in the kit. If there are no plugs, the holes can be left as is - they are located in the lower rear part and do not affect the operation of the refrigerator. The main thing is that large objects or rodents do not get there.
What to do if you have lost the instructions and it is not clear where the bolts are?
Find the exact model of your refrigerator (on the sticker inside the chamber or on the back wall) and enter “Indesit diagram [model]” into the search. You can also call the manufacturer's hotline or contact official dealers for advice.
Is it possible to use a refrigerator without removing the bolts if it is on a soft surface?
No, the type of surface (carpet, linoleum, tile) does not matter. Vibration is transmitted through the legs and the body, and the lack of shock absorption of the compressor will lead to its failure, regardless of what the refrigerator is standing on.
How long does it take to remove the shipping bolts?
The entire procedure, including moving the refrigerator, unscrewing 2-4 bolts and checking, takes no more than 5-10 minutes. This is the minimum time that will save your equipment from serious damage.
Does removing bolts affect the noise level in the future?
Yes, directly. Only after removing the clamps does the compressor begin to operate normally, relying on rubber shock absorbers that dampen vibration and ensure quiet operation of the Indesit refrigerator.