Those who purchase washing machines are divided into two groups - some prefer to install the device themselves, while others charge this task to professional masters or a knowledgeable acquaintance. Before starting to work, it is recommended that you read the user manual very carefully and get acquainted with the recommendations of specialists. If you are used to doing everything yourself, be prepared for the fact that such a simple, at first glance, task as installing and connecting a washing machine can conceal a lot of pitfalls.
One of these nuances, which beginners masters are not ready, are the transportation bolts. About what they are and why they are needed, read below.
What is it and how do they look?
Transport bolts are temporary fasteners that are installed on new devices to ensure that the transportation process does them less harm. In this case it is a question of fasteners fixing the drum of the washing machine, protecting it from deformation and breakdowns that can occur as a result of impact or fall of the unit during transportation.
The transport bolt is a standard fasteners with thread and hexagon head. The bolt is provided with two washers, one of which is made of metal, and the other is made of plastic. In addition, this part has one more obligatory element, namely a plastic cylinder, which is needed in order to fix the drum in a certain position.
Why are you?
We have already talked about the fact that transport bolts are needed in order to ensure safe transportation of the washing machine. When the unit stands still, the drum inside it is positioned in such a way that it does not touch the walls of the device. However, in the process of transportation, shaking inevitably occurs, as a result of which the tank swings and touches the internal parts of the machine. This can lead to extremely undesirable consequences, the most unpleasant of which is the loss of efficiency of the styralke.
Where are they located?
The transport bolts are located at the rear of the washing machine. Usually they are screwed to the rear panel, so remove them better before the unit is installed in place. The number of fasteners can be different, but most often 3, 4 or 5. The opposite part of the bolt is fixed to the tank, but in order to remove it, you do not need to disassemble the machine, since the bolts are very easily pulled out.
How to remove?
To dismantle the transport bolts it does not take long, and the tool kit will be needed very little. Some manufacturers attach a special key to the washing machine for these purposes, but a regular wrench of the appropriate size is also suitable.
First, turn the unit so that you can easily get to the rear panel. Using a key, loosen the fasteners by turning them counterclockwise. You can easily remove bolts from the holes manually. Look for accessories that went along with the washing machine, a set of plastic caps - they are needed in order to disguise the holes.
You should not throw out the removed bolts, they may be necessary for you when moving.
Below is a visual video tutorial for removing bolts from the machine.
What happens if I do not take it off?
Before using the washing machine, the bolts must be removed, otherwise the device's life will be very short. To the drum rotate smoothly, evenly redistributing the load, it rests on the springs, which provide a smooth, soft movement. The presence of bolts prevents the normal rotation of the drum, because of which the machine begins to vibrate and make extraneous noise.
But all these are only external manifestations. In fact, at this time, the mechanism of the washing machine causes serious damage, as a result of which the unit can become non-repairable. If the stylalka breaks due to the fact that you forgot to remove the shipping bolts, the service center may refuse to provide you with a warranty service.
In the following video you can observe the behavior of the machine if the bolts still will not be extracted.
Installation of
If you need to re-install the transport bolts, for example, if you move or sell a washing machine, you need to do the same procedure, but in the reverse order. First of all, you should remove the decorative stubs. To do this, you need to pick up a screwdriver or a penknife. Then insert the bolts into the holes, push them in a little, and, with a screwdriver, twist in the clockwise direction.
Carriage of the washing machine
The washing machine must be transported in the same way as any other household equipment, that is, with the utmost care. The first step is to take care of the presence of transport bolts. The second most important factor is the position of the unit. When transporting it is better to place it standing or on its side, so that the pump is at the bottom - in this case the accumulated water does not get to the electronic unit.
