New washing machine owners mistakenly believe that after payment and delivery, the "adventure" is over and they can safely start washing. However, the machine must be removed from its packaging, installed in a suitable location, connected to the power supply, and the shipping bolts removed. It's this last step that users often forget, resulting in mechanical damage and failure before the machine even completes its first wash cycle. Let's find out where the shipping bolts are located on an Electrolux washing machine, what they do, and how to remove them correctly.
What are they used for?
Household appliances can be easily transported in a truck or regular vehicle in a cardboard box with a foam frame. When it comes to washing machines, additional measures are required to prevent damage during transit. This is due to their design: the drum and tub are constantly suspended, held in place only by springs, a shaft, and dampers. This design suppresses strong vibration during high-speed spin cycles, but it does pose some transportation challenges.
If an Electrolux washing machine is transported over rough roads over long distances, it will bounce on every bump. This will cause the drum to hit the frame, damaging both the drum and other components. Even shock absorbers won't help in this situation.
Transport bolts come to the rescue. They securely hold the drum and prevent it from hitting the internal walls, engine and other parts. This way, transporting your washing machine will be completely safe and will not cause any damage.
Electrolux washing machines are shipped with standard bolts. These are elongated screws consisting of a metal spiral rod, a rubber washer, and a polymer tip. Only the fastener sizes vary; their diameter depends on the machine model.
When transporting household appliances, the number of transport bolts required varies. This number depends on the type of washing machine, its size, and the capacity of the drum. Typically, 2-4 bolts are used during transport.
Search for bolts
Electrolux washing machines and other manufacturers' appliances all have the same location for the transport bolts. They're easy to locate at home. They're located:
on the back of the device for front-loading machines;
on the top lid or on the back of top-loading machines.
Important! All information regarding the number and location of transport bolts, as well as the disassembly and installation procedures, is provided in the operating instructions.
Most often, the fasteners are screwed into the sides of the case at the rear. However, if you have the manufacturer's instructions at hand, there's no need to carefully inspect the device and try to find the necessary part. The manufacturer's instructions include a special section on shipping bolts and how to remove them, including visual examples and detailed explanations.
Removing fasteners
Once the machine arrives at its destination, don't immediately remove the bolts and start a wash cycle. Let the machine rest at room temperature for several hours. During this time, you can carefully review the instructions and plan your next steps.
All factory stickers should be removed from the housing. Then, the appliance is connected to the utilities. After the specified time has passed, you can begin removing the drum retainers:
take a special key (should be included in the kit) or a 12 mm socket with pliers;
loosen the bolts one by one, unscrewing them by 3-4 cm;
push each bolt in until it hits an obstacle;
remove the gaskets and plastic tip;
Close the resulting holes with the special plugs included in the kit.
Don't throw away the shipping bolts after dismantling. It's best to keep them with the manual, warranty card, and other documents, as you never know when you might need to move the washing machine. Transporting the machine with the drum unsecured can cause serious damage.
They still forgot to remove the screws.
Do not wash with the locking bolts removed. If you start any program, the motor will begin to rev up and attempt to spin the drum, which is locked in place. This will first damage the shock absorbers and springs, then deform the shaft and bearings. The drum will hit the interior walls of the machine and nearby components. The longer the washing machine runs with the shipping bolts still in place, the more damage it will suffer.
Despite the manufacturer's warnings and the instruction manual's section on removing the locking devices, many buyers forget to remove them. In this case, it's important to act quickly and stop the device before it malfunctions completely. The device will indicate a problem as follows:
unnatural vibration of the body;
jumping around the room;
grinding and other sharp sounds.
If the bolts are not removed and the wash cycle is running, immediately press the "Stop" button and unplug the power cord. Then, call a repair technician to assess the extent of the problem and its consequences. At best, the user will get off with a scare or pay for replacement shock absorbers. If the outcome is worse, the machine must be discarded as it is no longer fit for use. Device failure due to failure to remove shipping bolts in a timely manner is not covered by the warranty, so the owner will have to pay for the service center's services in full out of pocket.
How to transport a car without bolts?
Of course, it's best to transport household appliances according to all the rules, using special bolts. However, at the last minute, you may discover that parts are missing. In this situation, don't panic and try to find new parts immediately, as Electrolux washing machines come with model-specific fasteners. There's no way to replace these pins, so it's best to resort to other solutions.
Rules for safe transportation of a washing machine:
exclusively horizontal position with the powder receptacle facing down (if the equipment is standing vertically, the tank and shock absorbers will loosen, and when the door is facing up, moisture may get on the electronics);
complete emptying of liquid through emergency drain;
filled drum (you can use clothes, bed linen, foam rubber, paper);
wrapping or covering with blankets, foam.
Despite the effectiveness of the methods listed above, transporting an Electrolux washing machine without shipping bolts is quite risky. If the move isn't urgent, you can try purchasing new bolts. If you're pressed for time, it's recommended to contact a specialized company that specializes in the safe transportation of washing machines.
New washing machine owners mistakenly believe that after payment and delivery, the "adventure" is over and they can safely start washing. However, the machine must be removed from its packaging, installed in a suitable location, connected to the power supply, and the shipping bolts removed. It's this last step that users often forget, resulting in mechanical damage and failure before the machine even completes its first wash cycle. Let's find out where the shipping bolts are located on an Electrolux washing machine, what they do, and how to remove them correctly.
Do not wash with the locking bolts removed. If you start any program, the motor will begin to rev up and attempt to spin the drum, which is locked in place. This will first damage the shock absorbers and springs, then deform the shaft and bearings. The drum will hit the interior walls of the machine and nearby components. The longer the washing machine runs with the shipping bolts still in place, the more damage it will suffer.
Add a comment