Where are the shipping bolts on my LG washing machine?

Many users mistakenly believe that after purchasing a washing machine, the only task is to install the unit and connect it to all utilities. In fact, it's crucial to remove all packaging material, especially the shipping bolts. Not everyone knows what they are, much less where they are located. Let's explore the purpose of these bolts and how to find and remove them correctly.

Where to look for screws?

As for LG washing machines, their shipping bolts are located in the same place as all other washing machines; there are no special features. They're quite easy to find:

• If the loading type is front, the bolts will be located on the rear cover of the washing machine.
• If the loading type is vertical, then you will need to look for the bolts either on the top panel or also at the back.

Important! If you're unsure, consult the instructions first. They not only detail where to find the bolts, but also provide instructions for removing them and the rest of the washing machine installation.

If you don't have the operating manual at hand, you can simply carefully inspect the back panel. Transport bolts are most often attached to the edges of the rear wall. As mentioned above, all front-loading washing machines have the same location for the shipping bolts, so if you've already had to remove them, doing it again won't be difficult.

Why do they screw them in?

Other types of household appliances are much easier to transport than washing machines. Simply pack everything in a box, generously padding it with paper, foam, and other cushioning materials, and nothing will happen to the appliance. However, the design of the washing machine does not allow for neglecting transportation rules: the tank and drum are constantly suspended and are only partially secured by some other elements. This prevents vibrations during washing, but makes the machine vulnerable during transportation.

When transporting a washing machine on rough roads, every bump and stone will cause sudden jolts, causing the drum to slam against the frame, damaging not only itself but also the rest of the washing machine's internal components. This is where transport bolts come in. They secure the drum in a completely immobile position, eliminating the risk of damage during transport.

LG washing machine shipping bolts are completely standard. They consist of an elongated screw with a metal spiral rod, the end of which is fitted with a polymer pad, separated from the rod by a rubber layer.

Important! The number of bolts may vary depending on the size of the washing machine, its type, and the drum capacity. The standard number is 2-4 bolts.

What if you forget to remove the screws?

Every manufacturer warns users against washing with the shipping bolts still attached. When you start a cycle, the washing machine's motor gradually begins to accelerate and attempt to spin the drum, which is how the washing machine operates. However, since the drum is fixed in place, such strong mechanical force will damage not only the drum but also the shock absorber system, shaft, bearings, and all components located in close proximity to the drum. The longer the washing machine operates in this mode, the more severe and critical the damage will be.

The widespread use of washing machines among the population leads to overconfidence during installation. As a result, people don't even bother to open the manual and have no idea that they need to remove the shipping bolts, or they simply forget and start the wash cycle. The machine will indicate a problem in the following ways:

• unusually high vibration level;
• sharp jumps, much sharper even than when spinning at high speeds;
• strange sounds that are jarring to the ear and are not typical for a working washing machine.

If your washing machine is already running and you suddenly realize you haven't removed the bolts, immediately press the "Stop" button and unplug the power cord. Then call a technician to assess the extent of the damage.

Important! Leaving bolts in place is not covered by warranty, so if serious damage occurs, you'll have to pay for repairs out of pocket.

If you're lucky, things might not be so bad, and the repair might just involve replacing the shock absorbers. However, if your washing machine has been running for a long time, you'll have to prepare for a major repair, or even scrapping the unit and buying a new one. Therefore, it's crucial to remove the shipping bolts before starting up your LG or any other washing machine.

   

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