When you purchase a brand new front-loading washing machine, four large bolts protruding from the back panel might leave you wondering what they’re for. These are transit bolts (also called shipping bolts), critical components that protect your appliance during delivery but must be removed before operation. Understanding their purpose and exact location prevents costly damage to your new washing machine.
What Are Transit Bolts?
Transit bolts are specialized heavy-duty fasteners installed by manufacturers at the factory during pre-delivery preparation. These long fasteners, often brightly colored or plain white, protrude from the machine’s rear panel and feature plastic or metal spacers. They serve as temporary restraints specifically designed to secure the internal drum assembly during transportation from warehouse to your home.
Primary Purpose of Transit Bolts
Protection During Transport
When transportation allows the machine to tilt in various planes, bolts installed on multiple sides limit movement in all directions from the working position. Without these fasteners, unsecured drums could collide with internal walls during shaking, causing breakdowns.
Why You Must Remove Them Before Use
Installing a washing machine with transit bolts still in place causes serious problems:
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Excessive noise and vibration during wash cycles
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Interference with washing machine action
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Permanent damage to the machine
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Warranty invalidation if left installed
The internal tub and rotating drum are suspended together to allow large movement needed for spinning fast enough to clean clothes. Transit bolts lock this system into place, preventing the necessary movement required for operation.
Exact Location of Transit Bolts
Standard Placement
The transit bolts are typically located on the rear panel of the machine, appearing as three or four large bolts. You’ll find them clearly visible from the back without needing to disassemble the washing machine.
Location Variations by Model Type
The most famous models follow the same design with fastenings on the back wall. Most often, 3-6 bolts are enough to immobilize the drum securely. You simply turn the back of the washing machine toward you to find several fasteners on the panel.
Rare cases exist where transport fastenings are located under the cover on top, but this doesn’t happen too often.
Removal and Reinstallation Process
How to Remove Transit Bolts
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Locate the bolts – Typically four bolts on the back securing the drum
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Use appropriate tool – Spanner or socket wrench (most common size: 10mm)
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Undo bolts – Turn as you’d expect until fully undone
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Remove bolt and holder – Slide them out completely
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Cover holes – Attach plastic supply covers/lids to fill remaining holes
Saving Bolts for Future Moves
Never throw away transit bolts after removal. Keep them in a safe place because:
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You’ll need them if you move house
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Return bolts to former positions to secure the drum when moving again
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Essential for transporting the machine without risk of damage
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Required when moving the washer in the future
All you need to do is return the bolts to their original positions to secure the drum in place, allowing the appliance to be moved safely.
Key Takeaways
Transit bolts are strictly shipping components that create a temporary, solid connection between drum and static frame. They must be removed before the first wash cycle and before any subsequent operation. Always consult your owner’s manual for model-specific instructions on safely removing transit bolts. Checking whether bolts are still installed is simple: try to move the tub—if it won’t move at all, bolts are still in place.