Where are the transport bolts on a Zanussi washing machine?
It's important to remember to remove the shipping bolts before installing and using your washing machine. These bolts secure the drum to prevent damage during transit. Forgetting to remove the bolts can damage the machine the first time you use it. To remove the bolts, you need to know where the shipping bolts are located. Let's look at which side to look for them and how to remove them correctly.
Purpose of these fasteners
Each type of household appliance has its own transport recommendations. For example, a cardboard box with padded inserts is sufficient for transporting a refrigerator. However, to ensure the safe and secure delivery of a washing machine, shipping bolts are essential.
The tub of a Zanussi washing machine, along with the drum, floats in near-zero gravity. The unit is supported only by the shaft and shock-absorbing elements: springs and dampers. This design reduces vibration during operation. However, this design feature can make transporting the washing machine challenging.
If you transport a Zanussi washing machine on a potholed road, the machine will start to bounce, causing the unsecured tank to hit the frame, damaging both itself and the rest of the washing machine's internal components. Transport bolts secure the tank and prevent it from dangling during transportation, touching the motor, body, and other parts.
Transport bolts ensure safe delivery of the washing machine and protect it from damage.
Typical Zanussi washing machine shipping screws consist of an elongated metal rod with a cap, a rubber seal, and a tip. Let's figure out where to look for the bolts.
Is it difficult to find bolts?
Washing machines of all brands have shipping bolts located in the same place. Finding them is easy. It all depends on the type of machine:
- for front-facing cameras – on the back wall of the case;
- for vertical TVs - on the side wall or rear panel.
The Zanussi washing machine manual provides information on the number and location of the retaining bolts and describes the procedure for removing them.
Therefore, the first step is to consult the user manual. This will eliminate the need to carefully examine the case trying to find screws. A whole section of the manual is dedicated to describing the shipping bolts and how to remove them. Carefully read the instructions to avoid mistakes during removal.
How to unscrew it correctly?
When your washing machine arrives from the store, be sure to let it rest at room temperature for a couple of hours. During this time, you can study the instructions for the equipment, familiarize yourself with the installation instructions, and learn how to properly remove the shipping bolts.
The algorithm of actions after delivery of the washing machine from the store should be as follows:
- remove the machine from the packaging;
- let the machine “sit” for 2-3 hours;
- remove all factory stickers from the body;
- Drag the equipment to the installation site.
Now you can remove the shipping bolts. To do this:
- take a special key (it comes with the Zanussi washing machine);
- loosen each of the bolts by unscrewing them by 3-4 cm;
- push the screws in one by one until the metal hits an obstacle;
- remove the sealing rubbers and the tip;
- Insert the plugs included with the washing machine into the holes.
Once you've finished disassembling, don't rush to throw away the screws. It's better to store them away along with the manual, warranty receipt, and other documents. You may always need the shipping bolts for transporting the equipment.
Transporting a Zanussi washing machine with the drum unsecured can cause serious damage to the equipment.
The screws were accidentally left behind
Sometimes, users are so excited about their new "home assistant" that they completely forget to remove the shipping bolts. They install the machine, activate the first cycle, and discover that it's not working properly. It is strictly forbidden to start a washing machine with locks inside.
If you start a wash cycle without removing the bolts, the machine will suffer serious damage. The motor will start running and attempt to spin the drum, which will remain secured by the clamps. This will first damage the shock absorbers, then cause deformation of the shaft, and eventually damage the bearing assembly.
The drum will hit the inside of the machine, damaging not only the body but also some components. The longer the washing machine is left running with the shipping bolts still in place, the more damage it will suffer.
Once you have determined that your Zanussi washing machine is operating with the transit bolts in place, you should complete the cycle as soon as possible.
A machine with retainers not removed will not operate properly. The following will be noted:
- excessive vibration of the body;
- "jumping" and moving the washing machine around the room;
- unnatural grinding, creaking and humming.
If you realize the machine is running and the shipping bolts haven't been removed, you should immediately stop the cycle by pressing the "Stop" button and unplug the power cord. Then, be sure to call a washing machine repair technician. A technician will assess the extent of the damage and what repairs are needed.
In the best-case scenario, the user will only get off with a scare. A slightly less unpleasant situation is when springs and dampers need to be replaced. In the worst case, the washing machine may be completely unusable if the body, tank, motor, and other components are damaged. Damage due to failure to remove the transport bolts in a timely manner is not covered by the warranty. Therefore, the owner of the automatic machine will have to pay for the repairs themselves.
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Washing machine repair
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Dishwasher
Thank you. Everything is clear and accessible, but where can I find the bolts? The car isn't new.
Hello. I have the same situation.