Washing machine transit bolts are small but extremely important components supplied with many new front-loading washing machines. They are designed to secure the internal drum and suspension system while the appliance is being transported from the manufacturer, warehouse, shop, or one property to another.
The important thing to remember is that washing machine transit bolts must normally be removed before the appliance is operated. Leaving them installed can cause excessive vibration, loud noise and, depending on the machine and circumstances, damage to internal components. Manufacturers such as Bosch and Samsung specifically instruct users to remove transport or shipping bolts before first use.
Appliance Repair Service Tip: If your newly delivered washing machine sounds unusually loud, shakes violently or appears to move across the floor during the first spin cycle, check whether the transit bolts have been removed. Do not continue operating the appliance until the installation has been checked.
What Are Washing Machine Transit Bolts?
Transit bolts are heavy-duty bolts fitted through the rear panel of a washing machine. Their purpose is to immobilize the drum or tub during transportation.
During normal washing, the drum needs to move on its suspension system. During transportation, however, uncontrolled movement of the drum can place excessive stress on springs, dampers, bearings and other internal components.
The transit bolts therefore hold the tub securely in position while the appliance is being moved.
Depending on the brand and model, a washing machine may have different numbers and arrangements of transport bolts. For example, Samsung notes that some front-loading models have three or four bolts, while particular models can have different configurations. Bosch models commonly use four transport bolts.
Common Names for Transit Bolts
You may encounter several names for essentially the same type of component:
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Transit bolts | Common term used for bolts securing the drum during transport |
| Transport bolts | Another common manufacturer term |
| Shipping bolts | Frequently used by appliance manufacturers |
| Shipping screws | Alternative terminology for some models |
| Transport locks | General term for the entire locking system |
| Drum locking bolts | Describes their function of securing the drum |
Why Are Transit Bolts Installed?
A washing machine contains a suspended drum that is deliberately allowed to move during operation. This movement is controlled by the suspension system.
When the machine is being transported, road vibrations, lifting, loading and unloading can cause the drum to swing. Without adequate protection, these movements can put unnecessary strain on the suspension and other internal components.
Transit bolts restrict this movement.
Their main functions include:
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Securing the drum during transportation
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Reducing movement of the tub
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Protecting the suspension system
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Reducing the risk of transportation damage
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Keeping internal components stable during delivery
Samsung explains that shipping bolts keep the tub secure during transportation and should be reinstalled before moving a front-loading washing machine again.
Why Must Washing Machine Transit Bolts Be Removed?
The same mechanism that protects the washing machine during transportation can become a problem when the machine is operating.
During a normal wash and spin cycle, the drum needs to move. If the transit bolts remain fitted, the drum cannot operate as intended.
A washing machine with its transport bolts still installed may exhibit:
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Excessive vibration
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Very loud spinning
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Shaking or movement across the floor
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Knocking or banging sounds
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Abnormal drum movement
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Stress on the suspension system
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Potential damage to internal components
Bosch specifically warns that transport bolts left in place can damage the drum and cause excessive vibration and noise during spin cycles.
Appliance Repair Service Advice: Never assume that a newly delivered washing machine is ready to run simply because it has been connected to water and electricity. Always confirm that the transit bolts have been removed according to the manufacturer's installation instructions.
Where Are the Transit Bolts Located?
On most front-loading washing machines, the transit bolts are located on the rear panel.
They are normally easy to identify because they appear as several large bolts or bolt-and-spacer assemblies arranged around the rear of the drum.
However, the exact number, shape and position vary by manufacturer and model. Samsung, for example, states that the number can vary by model.
The owner's manual should therefore be consulted before attempting removal.
How to Remove Washing Machine Transit Bolts
The procedure varies slightly between brands, but the general process is straightforward.
Step 1: Read the Installation Manual
Locate the manufacturer's instructions for transport-bolt removal.
Do not rely solely on the appearance of another washing machine because different models can use different bolt arrangements.
Step 2: Locate the Bolts
Move the washing machine sufficiently to access the rear panel safely.
Identify all the transit bolts.
Step 3: Loosen the Bolts
Use the supplied spanner or the correctly sized wrench.
Many manufacturers instruct users to turn the bolts counterclockwise to loosen them.
Step 4: Remove the Bolts and Sleeves
The bolts may be accompanied by plastic sleeves or spacers. These components may also need to be removed.
Bosch installation instructions, for example, specify removing both the screws and sleeves.
Step 5: Fit the Hole Covers
Many machines are supplied with plastic caps for the holes left behind after the transit bolts have been removed.
These should be installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Step 6: Check the Drum
After the bolts have been removed, the drum should have the normal freedom of movement associated with its suspension system.
Samsung recommends checking the drum movement as part of confirming that the shipping bolts have been removed.
Transit Bolt Removal Checklist
| Check | Action |
|---|---|
| Owner's manual | Confirm the correct procedure |
| Rear panel | Locate all transport bolts |
| Number of bolts | Confirm every bolt has been identified |
| Bolts | Loosen and remove completely |
| Sleeves/spacers | Remove where applicable |
| Bolt holes | Install supplied covers |
| Drum | Check for appropriate movement |
| Floor | Ensure the appliance is level and stable |
| Test cycle | Run an appropriate test programme |
What Happens If You Forget to Remove Them?
One of the most common installation mistakes is running a washing machine with the transport bolts still fitted.
The machine may immediately produce severe vibration and unusual noise during spinning. Because the drum is being restrained when it needs to move, continued operation can place stress on components that were designed to work with the drum's suspension.
Samsung advises removing shipping bolts before using the appliance, while Bosch likewise warns that operating with transport bolts installed can cause vibration, noise and potential damage.
If a machine has already been operated with the bolts installed, it is sensible to stop using it and have the installation checked, particularly if there is persistent noise, vibration or other abnormal behaviour.
Do Transit Bolts Need to Be Kept?
Yes.
Although the bolts are removed for normal operation, they should generally be stored somewhere safe.
This becomes particularly important if the washing machine is moved to another house, transported for servicing or relocated within a property.
Before transporting the machine again, the transit bolts should normally be reinstalled according to the manufacturer's instructions. Bosch and Samsung both recommend keeping the transport bolts for future transportation.
Appliance Repair Service Tip: Keep the transit bolts, sleeves and spacers together in a labelled bag and store them with the washing machine documents. This can save considerable difficulty when the appliance needs to be moved later.
How to Prepare a Washing Machine for Moving
When moving a washing machine, transit bolts are only one part of the preparation process.
A general preparation checklist includes:
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Switch off and unplug the machine.
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Turn off the water supply.
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Disconnect the water inlet hose.
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Disconnect the drain hose.
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Drain residual water as appropriate.
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Secure loose hoses and the power cable.
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Reinstall the transit bolts according to the manufacturer's instructions.
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Protect the exterior against scratches and impact.
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Keep the machine upright where the manufacturer's instructions require it.
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Install and level the machine correctly at its new location.
Bosch documentation specifically instructs users to disconnect hoses and reinstall transport bolts before transportation.
Transit Bolts vs Levelling Feet
Transit bolts and levelling feet serve completely different purposes.
| Component | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Transit bolts | Secure the drum during transportation |
| Levelling feet | Stabilize and level the washing machine during operation |
| Drum suspension | Allows controlled movement of the drum during washing and spinning |
| Bolt-hole covers | Cover openings after transport bolts are removed |
A washing machine can therefore have its transit bolts correctly removed and still vibrate if it has not been properly levelled.
Manufacturers recommend placing the washing machine on a suitable, solid and level surface and adjusting the feet as necessary.
What If the Machine Still Vibrates After Removing the Bolts?
Removing transit bolts is an important first step, but it is not the only possible solution to excessive vibration.
Other causes may include:
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Uneven flooring
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Incorrectly adjusted feet
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An overloaded drum
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An unbalanced laundry load
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Damaged suspension components
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Worn shock absorbers
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Bearing problems
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Installation problems
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Foreign objects or mechanical faults
Samsung notes that excessive shaking can also result from uneven contact between the machine's feet and the floor or from unbalanced loads.
If vibration continues after correct installation, professional diagnosis may be appropriate.
Appliance Repair Service Advice: Do not automatically assume that every vibrating washing machine has a transit-bolt problem. If the bolts have been correctly removed and the appliance remains excessively noisy or unstable, the suspension, levelling, load balance and mechanical components should be inspected.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I operate a washing machine with transit bolts installed?
No. Transit bolts are designed to secure the drum during transportation and should be removed before normal operation.
2. Where are washing machine transit bolts found?
They are usually located on the rear panel of front-loading washing machines, although their number and configuration vary by model.
3. How many transit bolts does a washing machine have?
There is no universal number. Different models may use different configurations, so the owner's manual should be consulted.
4. Should I throw away the transit bolts?
No. Store them safely because they may be required if the machine is transported again.
5. What happens if a washing machine vibrates after bolt removal?
Check that the appliance is level, the feet are properly adjusted and the laundry load is balanced. Persistent vibration may indicate a mechanical or installation problem.
6. Can Appliance Repair Service help with transit-bolt problems?
Yes. Appliance Repair Service can assist with washing machine installation-related problems, diagnosis and repair. For assistance, contact 0720048519.
Professional Washing Machine Assistance
Transit bolts are simple components, but their correct removal is an important part of washing machine installation. They protect the appliance during transportation but must not remain installed during normal operation.
Whether a machine has just been delivered, is vibrating excessively, or needs to be prepared for relocation, understanding the purpose of the transport locking system can help prevent avoidable damage.
For professional assistance with washing machine installation, diagnosis and repair, contact Appliance Repair Service through 0720048519.
Appliance Repair Service Final Advice: Always follow the installation instructions supplied with your specific washing machine. If you are unsure whether all transit bolts have been removed, or the machine develops severe vibration immediately after installation, stop the cycle and have the appliance checked before continued use.
