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 possible to tilt it in various planes, the bolts are installed on four sides of the tank, restricting its movement in all directions from the working position. This is necessary to prevent damage to parts surrounding the tank, but, which is especially important, to protect the tank itself from the slightest deformation, change its geometry or displacement from the set 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 bearings and shock absorbers, which reduces their service life.
When unpacking and installing the washing machine at a permanent place of work, it is necessary to remove the transport bolts. 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 gaskets securing 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 being 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.
Dismantling the transport bolts is very simple. This requires a simple wrench, usually 10-14 mm. Bolts cannot be tightened with great effort, therefore they must be unscrewed counterclockwise with a small initial force. Remove all four bolts together with washers and spacers. In place of the remaining holes, special plastic plugs are installed, which are attached to the operating instructions, 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 drown out the sound of the engine running. If safety pins are installed in place of the bolts in the machine, they are removed using pliers. To do this, grab the head of the pin with pliers and turn it 90 degrees to either side. In this case, the projections on the pin will coincide with the cutouts in the body of the machine, and it can be freely removed from its place. It is recommended that the removed fasteners be stored together with accessories for reuse if it is necessary to transport the machine for repair or to another installation location in case of relocation.
How to transport a washing machine
If you decide to transport the washing machine, then it should be cleaned, disconnected all hoses, drain the remaining water. Then it is necessary to establish a transport bolts into place, having removed previously caps. To do this, you need to complete them with sealing washers and protective linings that were removed earlier. When installing fasteners, it is important to precisely hit their ends into the threaded holes in the inside of the case, which will require a certain skill. Remember transportation of the washing machine without transport 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. The machine must be transported in an upright position, avoiding sharp blows. When carrying, it is allowed to turn over in various positions, observing caution and smooth movement.
Do not forget to remove the safety fasteners after installing in a new location!
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