The shipping bolts in the washing machine are pre-installed at the factory during pre-delivery and are designed to secure the position of the massive loading tank during transport.
Why and where are the shipping bolts located?
Since in the process of transportation and delivery of the machine to the installation site, it is allowed to tilt in various planes, the bolts are installed on four sides of the tank, limiting its movement in all directions from the working position. This is necessary to prevent damage to the parts surrounding the tank, but, which is especially important, to protect the tank itself from the slightest deformations, changes in its geometry or displacement from the installed position.
Accurate centering and balancing of the tank relative to the axis of rotation is of utmost importance, since in the spinning mode, the tank rotates at high speed and the slightest imbalance leads to increased vibration of the machine, high loads on the bearings and shock absorbers, which reduces their service life.
When unpacking and installing the washing machine in a permanent workplace, the transit bolts must be removed. Many people ask, what will happen if the shipping bolts are not removed from the washing machine? If you forget to remove them, then during operation the tank will touch the bolts and get damaged or deformed.
Depending on the model of the washing machine, the design and location of the tank, the transport bolts on the washing machine are located on the back panel or under the top cover of the machine. The number of bolts is usually limited to 4 pieces. They are elongated bolts with a short thread at the end with a sealing washer and plastic or rubber safety washers that secure the tank. On some machine models, metal pins may be used instead of bolts.
See also - Installing the washing machine yourself
How to remove the shipping bolts
Often, uninformed buyers, purchasing a washing machine, refuse delivery and installation services, saving money, relying on their own strength and transport. As a result, not finding the text in Russian in the operating instructions and carried away by connecting the hoses, not knowing why the transport bolts are needed, they forget to remove them. The consequences can be very sad, since the service center, despite the warranty, will refuse to perform free repairs due to violation of the instructions for using the machine by the user.
Removing the transit bolts is very easy. This requires a simple wrench, usually 10-14 mm. The bolts cannot be tightened with great effort, so they must be loosened counterclockwise with little initial effort. Unscrew all four bolts together with washers and spacers.In place of the remaining holes, special plastic plugs are installed, which are attached to the instruction manual, as a reminder to remove the shipping bolts (do not look at them in surprise, thinking where to put them?).
Plugs, in addition to decorative purposes, prevent moisture from entering the unit from the outside and muffle the sound of the engine running. If safety pins are installed instead of bolts in the machine, then they are removed with pliers. To do this, grab the head of the pin with pliers and turn it 90 degrees to either side. In this case, the protrusions on the pin will coincide with the cutouts in the machine body, and it can be freely removed from its place. It is recommended to save the removed fasteners together with the accessories for reuse if it is necessary to transport the machine for repairs or to another installation location in case of moving.
How to transport a washing machine
If you decide to transport the washing machine, then you should clean it, disconnect all hoses, drain the remaining water. Then you should install the transit bolts in place, having removed the plugs first. To do this, you need to complete them with sealing washers and safety linings that were removed earlier. When installing fasteners, it is important to precisely fit their ends into the threaded holes in the inside of the case, which will require a certain skill. Remember transporting the washing machine without the shipping bolts can lead to irreversible consequences.
It is possible that some effort will be required to screw them into the seats, since the thread may become clogged during operation. If the correct installation of the bolts interferes with the tank, then you need to turn it slightly by hand. You need to transport the machine in an upright position, avoiding sharp blows. When carrying, it is allowed to turn over in various positions, observing caution and smooth movements.
Do not forget to remove the safety fasteners after installing in a new location!
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