Should You Remove Washing Machine Shipping Bolts Before Use?

The answer

Yes. If your front-load washer was shipped with transit or shipping bolts, remove them exactly as the installation instructions require before normal use.

Why

LG explains that the bolts secure the tub during transportation. If they remain installed, the tub cannot move as designed and the washer can produce severe vibration and noise; LG also warns that continued operation can lead to permanent damage.

When it is usually OK

• The installation instructions show shipping bolts on the rear of the washer.
• The washer is newly installed and transport hardware is still present.
• The manufacturer explicitly instructs removal before operation.

When you should not

• The hardware you are looking at is not identified as shipping hardware in the manual.
• You are preparing the washer for transport and the manufacturer instructs reinstalling the saved bolts.
• You do not have the correct instructions for identifying the transport parts.

Risks and exceptions

• Operating with shipping hardware installed can cause severe vibration and noise.
• LG warns that leaving shipping bolts or retainers in place can lead to permanent damage.
• Removing unrelated structural fasteners can also damage the washer, so only documented transport hardware should be removed.

Best practice

Use the exact installation guide for your model, remove every specified shipping bolt and packing retainer, install any hole caps provided, and save the transport hardware if the manufacturer recommends keeping it for future moves.

Alternatives

• Have an installer verify the setup.
• Contact manufacturer support if you cannot identify the shipping hardware.
• Do not run a high-speed spin test until required transport hardware has been removed.

Frequently asked questions

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