How to remove the shipping bolts on a Bosch washing machine?

After purchasing a washing machine, it's important to carefully transport it home and install it properly. When performing these two tasks, remember to use the shipping bolts. These are essential when transporting any automatic machine, and Bosch appliances are no exception. During installation, it's important to remember to remove the shipping bolts. Leaving them in and starting a cycle can cause immediate damage to the machine. Let's look at where the shipping bolts are located and how to remove them correctly.

Looking for bolts

It's easy to figure out where the shipping bolts on your Bosch washing machine are hidden. Their location is predictable. There are only two possible locations:

• for front-loading machines - on the back wall;
• For vertical models, the fasteners can be located at the top or at the back.

Information regarding the location and number of transport screws can be found in the equipment instructions.

On most washing machine models, the screws are located at the back, on the sides of the housing. It's best to avoid wasting time searching and instead consult the user manual. The instructions indicate the exact location of the fasteners and provide instructions for removing them. In washing machines Bosch can use 2 to 4 transport screws. Their number depends on the size and capacity of the machine.

Removing bolts

Once your Bosch washing machine arrives at your apartment, leave it at room temperature for 2-3 hours. During this time, access to the water supply, sewerage system, and electrical outlet should be established. After the machine has rested, you can remove the factory stickers from the casing and begin removing the shipping screws.

Usually, the automatic washing machine comes with a special key designed for removing the fixing bolts.

If the tool is not included, you will need pliers or a 12 mm socket wrench. The next step is as follows:

• loosen the clamps by unscrewing them by 3-4 cm;
• Push the screws into the case until they click into place against a hard surface. A two-centimeter depression is usually sufficient;
• without touching the bolts, remove the sealing rubbers and the plastic tip;
• Insert the special "plugs" included with the machine into the resulting holes. It's important to press the flaps until they click into place.

Don't throw away the shipping screws. It's best to put them in a bag and store them with the equipment's documentation. You'll need them the next time you transport the washing machine, if you decide to move or sell the unit. Manufacturers strongly recommend against moving washing machines without the screws.

What happens if you don't unscrew them?

Never operate a Bosch washing machine without the shipping bolts removed. They securely hold the drum in place, so turning on the motor and causing the drum to rotate will cause damage. The shock absorbers will be the first to take the hit, then the bearing assembly will be damaged, followed by the tank and other internal components.

Many people are so eager to start their washing machine for the first time that they completely forget about the fasteners. The longer the process takes, the less likely the machine is to survive. A machine running with the bolts still attached will indicate a problem in the following way:

• "Scary" vibration during operation. The shaking will be especially noticeable during the spin cycle;
• "jump" around the room;
• make a lot of noise, grinding and rumbling.

Machine failure after washing with the fasteners not removed is not covered by the warranty.

If you started a wash cycle without removing the fasteners and then realized you did, you need to force the cycle to stop. Then remove the shipping bolts. Next, it's recommended to invite a service technician to diagnose your Bosch washing machine and assess the internal condition. If the technician reports all components intact, you can continue using the machine. If necessary, you'll have to pay for repairs.

How to transport a car without bolts?

Sometimes the drum bolts get lost, and the washing machine needs to be transported. In this situation, you'll need to secure the machine in other ways. Following the recommendations below can reduce the risk of damage to internal components during transport.

So, if you've lost the shipping bolts for your Bosch washing machine and need to transport it to another location, follow these tips:

• Always transport the washing machine horizontally, with the detergent drawer facing down. Unsupported vertical transport can cause the drum to wobble and the shock absorbers to weaken.
• Do not place the appliance upside down. In this position, any remaining water in the machine may flood the electronics.
• you should surround the drum with things, towels or foam to fix it in one position;
• It is important to drain any remaining water from the washing machine through the waste filter beforehand.

Transporting a washing machine without proper support is quite dangerous. Therefore, if possible, it's best to entrust the transport to a service center. This service is usually available.

Buying new shipping screws is pointless, especially if they're from a different brand. Fasteners are unique. The size and shape of the screws will vary even among washing machine models from the same manufacturer.

The main purpose of transport bolts is to help the washing machine survive transportation. Any pothole or bump in the road can damage the washing machine, whose drum is not secured. Therefore, it's important to become familiar with the fasteners, inserting them as needed, and remembering to remove them after installation.

   

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