When purchasing a washing machine, it is important to know the rules for its installation and connection. Particular attention should be paid to the transportation bolts; we will figure out where they are on the washing machine, what they look like, how and when they need to be removed and put back.
The text is relevant for automatic washing machines of foreign and domestic production: AEG, Ardo, Beko, Bosch Maxx, Daewoo, DEXP, Candy Aqua, Aquamatic ; Gorenje / Burning, Haier / Hayer, Hansa / Hansa, HiSense / Hisense, Hotpoint Ariston / Hotpoint Ariston, Electrolux / Electrolux, Indesit / Indesit, Leran / Leran, LG Direct Drive, 6Motion / LG Direct Drive, 6Motion; Miele / Mile, Samsung / Samsung, Siemens / Siemens, Vestel / Vestel, Whirlpool / Whirlpool, Zanussi / Zanussi, Atlant, Vyatka and others.
So let's get started!
Purpose of fixing elements
Shipping bolts are temporary items used for safe transport. In a washing machine, such fasteners allow you to secure the main part - the drum - in a stationary position. The design of the machine allows for easy rotation of the drum, which during transportation can cause damage to the drum itself, as well as shock absorbers and bearings. Failures of this kind can disable the equipment.
To ensure that the drum remains stationary during transportation, manufacturers install special fasteners, which can later be reused if necessary.
How to move manually
You can only take the washing machine out of the apartment manually. And if the house does not have an elevator, then you will have to carry it by hand all the way to the car. Considering the weight of this household appliance, you need to perform the operation with two or three people.
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I work in the household appliance repair industry. Extensive experience in restoring washing machines and dishwashers.
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Important: it must be transported in the working position, that is, vertically. Only a slight tilt towards the rear wall is allowed.
How to remove shipping bolts - step by step instructions
Before the first wash, be sure to remove the fasteners, otherwise the first wash may be the last. It will not be possible to repair the machine under warranty: the manufacturers will consider that you yourself have violated the rules of use.
Location
All washing machines are designed the same, so the location of the fastening elements in different models from different manufacturers will not differ much. In machines with side loading, the fasteners are always screwed into the rear panel, and with vertical ones they can be installed from the back and top.
The number of bolts may vary, but most often the drum is secured with 2-6 fasteners. Please refer to the instruction manual for a picture indicating the location of the fastener for your specific model.
What they look like
The transport bolt is threaded and has a hex head. The fastener is equipped with one metal and one plastic washers, as well as a plastic cylinder, which allows you to fix the drum in a stationary state. Depending on the model and brand of the machine, the appearance of the fasteners may differ, but they will perform the same functions.
Sequence of actions
Once the location of the fasteners has been established, it is necessary to begin removing these elements. Since this requires access to the back of the device, it is better to remove the bolts before connecting to the communications.
Step-by-step instruction:
- Provide free access to the fixing bolts.
- Prepare a wrench of the appropriate size (from 10 to 14 depending on the brand and model). Some manufacturers include a special key for removal along with the instruction manual.
- Use a wrench to loosen each bolt by turning it counterclockwise.
- Remove loose fasteners from the holes by hand.
- Install the plugs that come with the washing machine into the bolt holes.
After dismantling the fasteners, they must be preserved, as they will be needed in case of transportation of equipment in the future.
What happens if the bolts are not unscrewed?
Sometimes clients are in such a hurry to start using the device that they forget about the mount. They just leave it in the case. This cannot be done. Such bolts can cause serious damage, and the machine may completely lose its functionality.
Very important! It is strictly forbidden to work on the washing machine with the fasteners remaining!
For normal operation, the drum is attached to the tank with special shock absorbers. The remaining shipping fasteners will begin to clamp the drum. As a result, the bolts will begin to deform the tank, touching it during operation.
When the unit is running, engine parts experience enormous stress. This is very noticeable when spinning. The car body begins to vibrate violently. Unpleasant sounds are heard, the machine “jumps” on the floor. The quality of washing sharply deteriorates, since the distribution of laundry in the tank is uneven.
A little help! In order for the product to work properly, internal fasteners must be removed from exhibition samples. When purchasing a device from a display case, be sure to ensure that the mounting bolts are installed before transportation.
Question answer
Some users make mistakes due to inexperience and forget to remove the bolts before operating the washing machine or neglect to install them during subsequent transportation.
What happens if you don't shoot?
The washing machine is designed for a long service life, but just one mistake in the form of not removing the drum fasteners can significantly shorten this life, and sometimes make the device completely beyond repair.
During washing, the drum rotates smoothly and gently, while the load is distributed evenly. If you do not unscrew the fasteners, they will interfere with the free operation of the drum when starting the wash. Vibration and beating will spread to the housing, and the bearings and engine will be under load.
Outwardly, this will be manifested by strong jumps, especially during spinning, and the presence of extraneous noise. During such operation, the internal parts of the device and the drum itself are damaged, which will require expensive repairs or a complete replacement of the washer in the future.
How to install back
It must be remembered that the transportation bolts must be put back in case of repeated transportation (moving, selling, etc.).
To do this, you need to follow three simple steps:
- Remove the plastic plugs.
- Insert each bolt into the hole and press it in a little so that it does not fall out.
- Screw them into the holes clockwise, thereby fixing the position of the drum.
Is it possible to transport without them?
Just one transportation not according to the rules is enough for the washing machine to fail. Attempting to transport equipment incorrectly will result in internal and external damage, for example:
- damage to the power cord;
- dents, cracks and chips on the plastic parts of the machine, including the internal compartment for powder and other detergents;
- damage to hoses for water intake and drainage;
- rupture of the cuff and breakage of the hatch fasteners;
- breakdown of the program switch on the control panel;
- electrical wiring fault;
- damage to the drain pump.
If for some reason there are no fasteners, which often happens when re-transporting used devices, you will have to fix the drum using improvised methods.
Preparing SMA for transportation
Before leaving, take care of your packing. The best option is an original box, in the walls of which you place sheets of foam plastic or foam rubber pieces. Of course, the washing machine may not have lasted more than 2 or 3 years, which means that the original packaging cannot be found, not to mention the fasteners and other components. You will have to get out on your own, improvising with what you have. When preparing the unit for transportation, follow the recommendations of specialists:
Disconnect communications: electricity and hoses connecting the device to the water supply and sewerage.
Drain the remaining water from the SMA. It can remain in hoses, pipes, powder containers and pumps. When transporting, especially on its side, it will definitely spill, creating inconvenience and a dangerous situation for the machine itself.
- Using a roll of tape, wrap around the sharp protrusions of the case. Secure the powder pick-up so that it does not fall out or break.
- The last stage is fixing the tank. During a long move to another city, the tank is secured with transportation bolts, the purpose of which we wrote about earlier. If they are not preserved, they will have to be transported without shipping bolts. To do this, the CMA cover is dismantled, and foam or foam pieces are placed between the tank and the body to secure the drum located in the tank. Then these nodes will not be damaged by vibrations. You can also use cardboard, unwanted clothes, etc. Then the lid is screwed into place.
How to pack SM when moving if there is no box from the store?
After the procedures, wrap the equipment in fabric (an old blanket will do) or film with “pimples” and secure with a cord or rope. Having done everything carefully and correctly, you can easily transport the automatic washing machine without harming it.
Transportation instructions
If there is a need to transport the washing machine to a new location, it must be prepared in advance. To do this, we will perform the following steps.
Disconnect from water and electricity
First, disconnect the power wires from the electrical network and disconnect the hoses for water intake and drainage. Often during transportation, the same mistake is made - they begin to move the “washing machine” without unplugging it from the socket. This may damage the cord and hoses where they are attached.
Pour out the water
Even if the machine has not been washed for a long time, there will still be a small amount of water in the hoses that needs to be drained. After draining the residue, leave the hose holes open to dry.
We fix hoses, wires, hatch
The hoses and power cord must be folded and secured so that they are not damaged or interfere with transportation. The hatch for loading laundry and the powder compartment must be in the closed position. To prevent them from opening when moving, we recommend additionally securing them, for example, with masking tape.
Fixing the tank
An obligatory step is to fix the washing machine drum. If the bolts are not preserved, you can unscrew the top panel and fill the space between the tank with improvised materials (foam rubber, bubble wrap, etc.). This way the drum will remain stationary during transportation.
We pack correctly
The last stage of preparation is packing the washing machine. The ideal option is factory packaging, but you can do without it. Hoses and electrical wires must be wrapped in bubble wrap or any soft cloth. The body should be wrapped with stretch film and covered with foam plastic (corrugated cardboard), after which the packaging should be tightly secured using tape. You can replace the foam with a regular blanket by wrapping it around the body with tape. You also need to install the machine for transportation on something soft (any rags, blanket, etc.).
Transportation methods
During transport, it is important to properly install the washing machine in the vehicle. Three options:
- in a natural upright position;
- on the back wall;
- turn over onto the side wall.
When transporting, it is better to order a truck to place the car in a vertical position, since this option is considered the safest.
If there is not enough space (for example, in a car, in a taxi), the car can be placed in a horizontal position on its side. It is better to choose the side that is closer to the powder compartment; in this case, you must first remove the container for detergents and dry the inside of the water so that moisture does not get into the electronics.
Transportation on the rear panel is also allowed, with the exception of models in which the fill valve design does not allow loading the panel. Otherwise, the heavy weight will simply break the valve.
It is strictly forbidden to transport the device upside down and the front panel. In the first case, this can lead to complete breakdown of the equipment, and in the second, to the breakage of the hatch and rupture of the cuff.
How to transport a washing machine: rules
Any equipment will have a long service life if you follow the rules of operation and transportation. It is necessary to read the instructions included with the equipment. When transporting the device, you must adhere to the following basic recommendations:
- Disconnecting equipment from communication networks - electricity, sewerage and water supply. It is important to disconnect the drain hose and power cord, otherwise the consequences may be negative;
- Drain all liquid inside the device using the drain hatch. After unscrewing the plug, the washing machine needs to be tilted forward. After completing the procedure, there is no need to close the lid again; it is better to wait until the moisture has completely evaporated. In this way, it is possible to prevent water from entering the board and avoid short circuits during further use;
- Securing hoses and wires on the surface of the body so that these objects do not interfere when carrying the unit;
- It is better to seal protruding elements and corners with several layers of tape for personal safety;
- The drum part is fixed using special fasteners that tightly hold the movable base.
Is it possible and how to transport a washing machine without transport bolts?
If the fasteners have not been preserved, they can be purchased at any store that sells household appliances.
If this is not possible, you should be responsible when transporting equipment without bolts. Such manipulation is quite possible, but you will have to fix the moving part with improvised means. It is necessary to unscrew the back panel of the device, insert materials suitable for softening vibrations into the gap between the tank and the wall. The best option would be foam rubber, rags made of soft fabrics, or polystyrene foam. After this manipulation, the panel is attached in place.
Healthy! It should be remembered that the moving part must be fixed in such a way that it does not hit the walls of the housing and internal parts of the structure.
Removing the locking device
A washing machine that has just been delivered should not be immediately connected to the network. You need to keep it at room temperature for some time. The transport screws are removed when all communications are already connected. To dismantle you will need a wrench. Some manufacturers supplement the package with the necessary tools. Instead of a key, you can use pliers.
The procedure for removing the shipping bolts on a delivered washing machine consists of the following steps:
- loosening fasteners with a wrench;
- pushing the screw inside the machine until it stops;
- removing rings and inserts.
How do they look?
The details are quite easy to identify at first glance. They are large and easily stand out from the rest of the bolts and parts of the back wall. they look like ordinary threaded bolts with a thick hex head made of plastic and a metal washer. They connect the body and the drum and prevent its deformation. In this case, between the body and the internal parts, one special plastic cylinder is put on each bolt, which ensures rigid fixation of the parts.
What problems can occur if transportation rules are violated?
All recommendations described above must be strictly followed. If you suddenly forgot to provide for something, then transportation may result in expensive repairs, or even the purchase of a new machine.
Here are the main options for the outcome of incorrect transportation:
- a loose power cord can be broken;
- poor-quality packaging of the case can lead to breakage of plastic parts;
- when transporting with support on the front cover, you can get a torn cuff or breakage of the loading hatch fastening;
- a loose or poorly secured drum can lead to repairs to shock absorbers, replacement of bearings and breakage of body panels;
Do you wash by hand?
Oh yes! No
- poorly installed rubber parts can be torn during transportation;
- if you forgot to drain the remaining water, be prepared for failure of the electronic unit, interruptions in power-on due to oxidation of contacts and short circuit of the wiring;
- transporting the “washing machine” upside down guarantees damage to the drain pump;
- If you forgot to secure the powder container with tape, then with a high degree of probability you will bring it broken.
Unremoved bolts: possible consequences
The fixing screws must be removed before putting the machine into operation. Otherwise, over time, the bearings and spring system will fail, followed by other parts of the equipment. This is noticeable already during the first wash:
- the machine vibrates strongly and moves along the floor throughout the entire cycle;
- work is accompanied by strong noise and extraneous sounds.
If fasteners were discovered after the washing equipment began operating, you need to remove them and call a technician to assess the integrity and functionality of the internal parts. After inspection, the specialist will tell you whether the machine can continue to work.
Location of transportation structures
The location of the bolts in the machine depends on the type of load of laundry:
- when loading vertically, look for fasteners at the top or rear of the case;
- When loading horizontally, the screws are located on the rear surface.
For most models, the second option is used. If it is difficult to find the place where the shipping bolts are located on your washing machine, you need to read the instructions. Their location and method of dismantling the fastening structures are indicated there.
The total number of clamps usually does not exceed four pieces. But sometimes manufacturers limit themselves to three or two bolts.
Before using the washing equipment, it is necessary to unscrew the transport bolts. They will need to be installed during transportation.
