A new washing machine must be equipped with transport bolts, which perform an important function. But before you start washing your clothes for the first time, they must be removed. If this does not happen, the unit will break down and the machine will require serious repairs. This is why it is important to know where the shipping bolts are located on the washing machine, as well as how to remove them.
Why do we need fastenings for household appliances?
The only moving part in the washing unit is the drum, around which actively working components, sensors, an electronic control unit, and wires are located.
To secure the tank during transportation, there are special types of bolts that allow you to securely fix this part.
This precaution will prevent collision of the internal components of the machine during shaking, and, accordingly, their breakdown. After all, the transport bolts on the washing machine are installed so that the internal parts cannot come into contact with each other, or hit the walls of the unit.
But it is equally important to remove the fastenings from the washing machine before you start using it. After all, when fixing the drum, the state of its movable fastening is disrupted, which is ensured by springs, bearings and flavors that reduce vibration and shaking during operation of the equipment.
If you start working with a fixed tank, the machine will begin to hum and rumble loudly, and ultimately its main elements and parts will be damaged (then they will need to be replaced). It is worth knowing that this will not be considered a warranty case - which is why you will have to repair the unit yourself.
When purchasing a washing machine, be sure to ask the seller whether the fasteners are installed, as well as what they look like and where exactly they are located. In addition, you need to remember about bolts when purchasing a used unit. After all, if you don’t secure the tank, then you can bring newly purchased equipment already broken.
Where are the transport fastenings located?
The most famous models of “washing machines” are made the same way, and the fastenings are located on the back wall. The exception is models with vertical loading of the drum. In such models, the installation of transport bolts can be carried out on the cover located on top, but this does not happen too often.
After this, the immobilized part will no longer be able to swing, since the drum will be securely pressed to the rear panel using the transport fastening. Most often, 3-6 bolts are enough to immobilize the drum.
How to remove fasteners
For normal operation of the washing machine, it is not enough to simply connect it to electricity and water supply, since forgotten fastenings can immediately render it unusable.
That is why it is very important to remove the transport bolts, and you can find out where they are and how to remove them correctly from the instructions for the device.
It is quite rare that there is a specific arrangement of the fasteners, so you do not need to disassemble the washing machine to remove them. You just need to turn the back of the washing machine towards you and you will find several fasteners on the panel.
Rarely, but still there are cases when the transport fastenings are located under the cover on top. To find out where the bolts are located, it is worth reading the user manual, which is included in the instructions for each household appliance.
Before removing them, you need to prepare the tools:
- wrench, size 10 or 14 mm;
- pliers.
After this, the pins can be easily removed and stored in a safe place. These transport fasteners will be needed if you need to move anywhere.
The holes that remain after removing the accessories can be closed with special plugs made of plastic, which come with the washer. Despite the fact that they serve an aesthetic function, the machine operates much quieter with them, and they also prevent dirt and dust from entering the equipment.
Re-installation of transportation bolts when moving is carried out independently. To do this, you need to remove the plastic plugs using a knife or a thin screwdriver, and then you can insert them into the mounting holes and tighten them.
What will happen to the device if the bolts are not removed before turning it on?
If you fail to remove the shipping fasteners yourself and the bolts remain in place, this can lead to serious equipment damage.
In addition, transportation fastenings can cause the following malfunctions in the operation of equipment:
- the occurrence of an unpleasant and unusual sound;
- the occurrence of strong vibration;
- incomplete performance of the functions required for the machine.
Some equipment owners believe that the whole issue is due to poor quality service, although the main culprit is not remote fasteners.
All of the above troubles with the washing mashine occur due to shock absorbers and springs, the main function of which is to absorb and reduce vibration during operation.
If the washing drum is firmly fixed with bolts, the vibration will transfer to the appliance panels located outside. And chaotically arranged laundry will only increase vibration, which becomes very noticeable when the device is operating.
The main damage will occur to the engine and bearings, and other parts will also be broken. If the bolts are not removed in a timely manner, all damaged components will need to be repaired yourself, since this will not be a guaranteed case.
To prevent this situation from occurring, you should carefully study the user manual, which will clearly indicate what the fasteners look like, where they are located and how to remove them correctly.
