Removing shipping bolts on a Candy washing machine
Buying a washing machine is only half the battle. After delivering the equipment home, it is necessary to correctly install the machine, remove it from packaging, connect it to communications and remove the transport bolts. The last point is often forgotten, which causes premature failure of the unit that is not covered by warranty. If you start washing without dismantling the transport fasteners, the washing machine will suffer serious mechanical damage. It’s easy to avoid an accident – you just need to act strictly according to the instructions.
Why does the manufacturer use them?
While a refrigerator, stove or other household appliance can be safely transported in a cardboard box with a foam frame, such protection is not enough for a washing machine. It's all about a special design, which necessarily includes a tank-drum assembly. These elements are in a suspended state, fixed only by a shaft, springs and a pair of dampers. This helps the washer suppress vibration from centrifugal force during high-speed spinning, but makes transportation more difficult.
The problem is that a “suspended” tank, when transported over long distances and on a bad road, will jump like a dummy toy on every bump. The drum will begin to hit the body of the machine, damaging itself and neighboring elements. Shock absorbers will not help in this case.
Shipping bolts are another matter. With their help, the drum is fixed in a stationary position, preventing the tank from touching the body, engine and other components. Thanks to this protection, transporting the washing machine becomes safe.
Shipping bolts are necessary for the safe transportation of the washing machine - they secure the tank, protecting the unit from damage.
The Candy washing machine uses standard bolts. They are long screws and consist of three parts: a metal spiral rod, a rubber gasket and a plastic tip. Only the size of the fasteners varies, the length and diameter of which depends on the model of the washing machine.
The number of clamps used also differs. The number of screws screwed in depends on the brand of the machine, the dimensions of the equipment and the capacity of the drum. Usually 2 to 4 pieces are installed.
We find all the fasteners
Regardless of the brand of the machine, the transport bolts are located in certain places. Their location is predictable and easy to identify. There are two possible options:
on the back panel of the case, if the machine assumes front loading of laundry;
on the top cover or at the back if the machine is a vertical type.
In the instructions, the manufacturer indicates the number and location of transportation bolts, as well as the rules and procedure for their dismantling.
Typically, the retaining bolts are screwed into the rear sides of the housing. However, there is no need to guess - it is much easier and faster to find out the location of the fasteners from the factory instructions. In a special section, the manufacturer indicates the number and location of screws, as well as a step-by-step algorithm for their dismantling with visual examples and explanations.
Removing fasteners
So, the washing machine was successfully delivered to the house. But this does not mean that you need to immediately remove the transport bolts and, especially, start washing.First, you need to let the machine “rest” for 2-4 hours at room temperature, and during this time carefully study the instructions and prepare for further manipulations.
Afterwards we proceed to “arrangement” of the washing machine. Carefully remove the factory stickers from the case and establish a connection to communications. Only then do we proceed to dismantle the transport bolts. We proceed in the following order:
we find a special key that comes with the equipment (if it is missing, we take a 12-point socket or pliers);
We cling to the bolts one by one and loosen them by unscrewing them by 3-4 cm;
we push each rod deep until it rests (usually 2-2.5 cm is enough);
take out the rubber gaskets and remove the plastic tip;
we plug the holes in the case with special plastic “plugs”, pushing them until they click (they are also included in the Candy package);
The Candy washing machine comes with a special key and “plugs” for removing the transport bolts.
The transport screws do not need to be thrown away after dismantling. It is more rational to leave the bolts in a safe place and store them together with the instructions, warranty card and other technical papers. All this will be useful when reselling the equipment or during subsequent transportation. Remember that it is strongly recommended not to transport washing machines without securing the drum - this can be dangerous for the machine.
What are the dangers of spinning with bolts?
It is prohibited to start the washing machine with transport bolts. The explanation is simple: when you turn on the washing program, the engine will begin to gain speed and try to spin the drum, which is fixed motionless.The first shock will be taken by the shock absorbers and springs, after which the shaft will jam, the bearings will be damaged, and then the cylinder will begin to hit the walls of the housing and adjacent parts, damaging everything around. The longer the washing machine “works” in such conditions, the more seriously the equipment will suffer, even “death.”
Despite written warnings in the instructions and verbal instructions from sellers, many forget about removing the bolts and start the washing machine with a stationary drum. The important thing here is to realize your mistake as quickly as possible and stop the cycle. The machine will warn of danger with the following signals:
strong vibration of the body during the first rotation of the drum, especially during rinsing and spinning;
"jumping" around the room;
noise, grinding and rumble.
Starting a washer with shipping screws is not considered a warranty case - the user will have to pay for repairs out of his own pocket.
Having noticed the terrifying behavior of the machine, you must immediately complete the cycle - stop the program with “Stop” or pull out the power cord from the outlet. Then we make sure to contact the service center and ask a specialist to assess the extent of the damage. If the outcome is favorable, you can get away with a warning or replace the shock absorbers; in the worst case, buy a new machine. You should not count on free service, since this breakdown is not covered under warranty.
Planning to move, but the bolts are lost
Ideally, the machine is transported only with transport bolts. If the fasteners are lost on the eve of the move, then there is no point in buying other fasteners - the Candy washing machine has rods installed specifically for this model.It is impossible to replace them with third-party ones; it is better to secure equipment using other methods.
Safe transportation of the washing machine should proceed as follows:
only horizontally, with the powder receptacle facing down (a standing position will loosen the tank and shock absorbers, and laying it with the hatch up can cause moisture to get on the electronics);
after emptying the washing machine through the emergency drain;
the drum is filled with clothes, paper or foam rubber;
The body of the machine is covered with a blanket or a foam frame.
Transporting a machine gun yourself without bolts is very risky. It is better to contact a service center, which often offers a service for the safe transportation of washing machines.
Buying a washing machine is only half the battle. After delivering the equipment home, it is necessary to correctly install the machine, remove it from packaging, connect it to communications and remove the transport bolts. The last point is often forgotten, which causes premature failure of the unit that is not covered by warranty. If you start washing without dismantling the transport fasteners, the washing machine will suffer serious mechanical damage. It’s easy to avoid an accident – you just need to act strictly according to the instructions.
Add a comment