Instructions for handling transport bolts in the washing machine
When buying a “washer” it is important to know the rules of its installation and connection. Particular attention should be paid to the transport bolts, let’s understand where they are on the washing machine, how they look, how and when they should be removed and put back.
The text is valid for automatic washing machines of foreign and domestic production: AEG, Ardo, Beko, Bosch Maxx, DAEWOO, DEXP, Candy Aqua, Aquamatic; Gorenje, Haier, Hansa, HiSense, Hotpoint Ariston, Electrolux, Indesit, Leran, LG Direct Drive, 6Motion, 6Motion; Miele, Samsung, Siemens, Vestel, Whirlpool, Zanussi, Atlant, Vyatka and others.
What you need to disassemble the washing machine
Some types of joints just “stick” over time.
In order for you to be able to unscrew such an old screw, you will need a special liquid, which almost all motorists have. WD-4O.
In addition, you will never need a small basin to drain the remaining water from the hose and a few rags, with which you can wipe the internal parts, wipe your hands and quickly collect the water that has spilled outside the basin.
Remove the narrow panel
Unscrewing the lower front strip is necessary, because it hides the large front panel mount. There is also a hatch that provides access to the pump and filter. Once you take it off, you’ll see the screws you’ll have to unscrew.
After removing the bolts, lightly pry the cover from underneath with a flathead screwdriver. The fasteners will slip out of the grooves and the plate can be removed, then put aside.
How to remove the transport screws on the washing machine
If you think that the smooth operation of your washing machine depends only on its parts, installation and assembly, you are mistaken. It also depends on proper transportation. The drum is the most unprotected part of your washer when it’s in transit. It is mounted on sturdy spring-mounted shock absorbers, so it can move around inside the washing machine almost unhindered. During transportation, the drum can accidentally damage the inside of the machine. To prevent such an unpleasant situation were foreseen transport bolts in the washing machine.
Every person who has ever purchased such equipment, most likely met with similar fasteners. The most important thing is not to forget to remove them before using them. Otherwise it can lead to the breakage of a brand new washing machine. In this article, you will learn why you need transport bolts in the washing machine, how to properly transport this technique and how to remove them.
How to remove the shipping bolts yourself
When the long-awaited acquisition. the washing machine, “arrived” at home, do not rush immediately to start the big wash. To avoid damaging it, you need to:
- Let the appliance stand for a while. It must reach the temperature of the room. It is worth bearing in mind that this requirement should be observed regardless of the time of year.
- If the machine has access to all utilities. plumbing, electricity, sewage system, you can proceed to “disarm” the unit. If not, then first you need to ensure the supply of communications.
- You’ll need a wrench to remove the fasteners. With some models of “washing machines”, such as LG, Hotpoint-Ariston, Indesit, Bossch and some others, the necessary tools are included.
- Unscrew the retaining screws. But do not unscrew them completely, just loosen them.
- Press down on each bolt so that it DOES go inside the washer housing.
- Without removing the fasteners remove the plastic gaskets and rubber o-rings. Then remove the bolts.
- There will be holes left on the case from the fasteners. They are quite large in diameter, so you need to mask them. If you do not, they will allow moisture to enter the cabinet. It also increases the noise level that appears during the washing process. It is customary for the manufacturer to furnish special plugs. Locate and install them in the resulting holes. If they are fixed correctly, you will hear a characteristic click.
Help. Once you have removed the shipping bolts, do not throw them away. They may come in handy if you decide to move the unit to another location. It is better to pack them up and keep them, then you won’t have any trouble transporting them.
How to remove transit bolts from your washing machine or tumble dryer
What happens if the bolts are not unscrewed?
In each manual, the installation of washing machines is described step by step, and the removal of transport bolts is prescribed as a mandatory procedure. If they are not removed, the unit will not work properly. Damping devices when the drum is rigidly attached to the housing stop fulfilling their functions, which causes increased vibration during operation. This is especially noticeable in the spinning mode. The unit can move from its place, which in some cases leads to the breakage of electrical, water and sewage connections.
The washing machine has a fairly large weight, and at high spin speeds, its uncontrolled movement around the bathroom or kitchen can lead not only to a breakdown of the household appliance, but also to damage to plumbing or interior items.
What you need to disassemble the drum
The set of tools for repair and replacement of bearings is not complicated. Basically, all of this is in every home or garage. In an extreme case at a neighbor’s. You will need:
-
set of screwdrivers;
- set of keys;
- auto puller;
- blowtorch or gas torch, although this option is not the best because of the lower heating temperature;
- drill with drill bits;
- wire cutters;
- wooden bar;
- hacksaw for metal with blades;
- copper hammer;
- WD-40 grease.
Is it worth undertaking the work
Most often, the drum of a washing machine is disassembled in order to replace the failed bearings. To identify this breakage is not difficult, just turn it by hand and listen. If you can feel resistance to rotation, you hear extraneous noises, usually crunching and cracking. the bearings need to be replaced.
Undoubtedly, replacement of bearings, as well as a number of other works, can be performed by a specialized service center, but the cost of wizard services is often unreasonably overstated, especially it is important in the case of repair of the machine with a non-dismountable drum. No service center will undertake this kind of repair, offering to install a new module instead of replacing the bearing.
If it is expensive to repair in a workshop, there is time, desire, tools and experience in this kind of work, you can disassemble any drum on your own, it is only important to be extremely accurate and attentive.
If you run the machine with the bolts?
It is forbidden to use the washing machine with unscrewed bolts. The fact is that these fasteners fix the drum in a stationary state, which when you turn on the engine will inevitably lead to dire consequences. First the shock absorbers will suffer, then the bearings will take a hit, and then the drum itself and the surrounding elements will be damaged. The longer this “cycle” lasts, the fewer chances the washer has to “survive”.
Unfortunately, many people forget about the bolts and start washing with them. In this case, the machine begins to signal the problem as follows:
- In the process of washing, rinsing, and especially in the spinning process, it starts to vibrate a lot;
- vibration turns into “bouncing” around the room;
- The shaking is joined by noise and loud rumbling.
Washing with shipping bolts not removed is not considered a warranty case!
If the machine has been switched on despite the drum being locked, it should immediately, forcibly end the cycle. After necessarily call at home a specialist from the service center and ask to assess the condition of the internal parts of the washing machine. The inspector will give an expert opinion and make necessary repairs if necessary.
