What are Washing Machine Transit Bolts? (Explained)

If you’re like most people, you probably don’t give much thought to the bolts on your washing machine.

But if you ever have to move your washer while shifting, you’ll need to know what these Transit Bolts are for.

If you have ever peeked at the back of your washing machine, you may have noticed a few large bolts that are placed usually near the bottom and their main purpose is to secure the washer during transit.

Without installing these transit bolts, your washer could move around inside the shipping container and may sustain serious damage.

So what are transit bolts? Why they are important?

Let’s try to clear some doubts around transit bolts.

Here’s what this article covers:

What are Washing Machine Transit Bolts?
Should you remove the transit bolt from the washer?
How do Transit Bolts affect a Washing Machine?
When do you need to replace the Transit Bolts of a washer?
Where to buy washing machine transit bolts?
How do you replace the transit bolts of your washing machine?
Final Thoughts
Frequently Asked Question

What are Washing Machine Transit Bolts?

On the inside of your washing machine, there is a metal panel that helps hold the tub in place. The bolts that keep these metal panels attached are known as transit bolts.

If your washer has transit bolts, you’ll need to remove them before using the washing machine.

Transit bolts are used to secure the washer during shipping so that it doesn’t move around and prevent damage.

There are several different types of transit bolts that can be used on a washing machine.

The most common type is the washer bolt, which is used to secure the washer to the machine.

The other types of transit bolts are the dryer bolt, which is used to secure the dryer to the machine, and the door bolt, which is used to secure the door to the machine.

It is important to use the correct type of transit bolt for your particular washing machine because using the wrong type of transit bolt may damage the washer during transit.

Should you remove the transit bolt from the washer?

It is recommended to remove the transit bolts once your washer is in place and properly leveled.

Transit bolts are typically located on the back of the washer and must be removed before use.

Failure to do so can result in serious damage to your washing machine.

You don’t need to keep them attached for any reason, and they won’t affect the performance of your washer.

You may keep them in a secured place for further uses.

Alternately, if the washer needs to be sent to service centers for repairs and service purposes then simply secure your washer with these transit bolts.

When do you need to replace the Transit Bolts of a washer?

When you notice that the bolts are loose, or if there is damage to the threads, and if you have lost one or two bolts, then this is the right time to replace the bolts before moving your washer.

You can find transit bolts at most hardware stores, and they’re relatively easy to install.

Just make sure to get the right size of bolt for your washer.

Once you have the new bolts, simply remove the old ones and screw in the new ones tightly.

You may simply unscrew them with the help of a wrench or pliers.

How locate the moving pins or transit bolts?

Let us look into the steps to locate and remove the moving pins in a washing machine;

Step 1: Refer to the user manual

To make sure you are removing the correct bolts or pins, it’s best to refer to the user manual of your washing machine model.

It will also give you a fair idea of the number of pins that are available in your washing machine.

Step 2: Locate the moving pins

Referring to the user manual is always helpful when locating moving pins; however, they can be easily found at the bottom of the machine or on the back or side of the machine in most cases.

Most front-load washing machines will have these pins located at the back or base surface with a yellow capping.

These plastic cases are also known as spacers that need to be removed.

Some moving pins will appear like large bolts.

You can identify it through the bolt heads on the back or side-bottom of the access panels.

Step 3: Remove the moving pins

Using an adjustable wrench, start rotating the bolt head to loosen it.

You will need to rotate it counterclockwise until it’s completely off the machine.

Remove the spacers and the bolts carefully and place them aside.

Step 4: Locate other pins

Check if there is more than one moving pin fixed to the bottom area of the machine.

It can be found on the bottom area of the side walls or at the back of the machine.

Step 5: Rotate the drum manually

To make sure all the bolts have been removed, open the door of the washing machine and try to move the drum with your hands.

These bolts usually secure the outer drum to the washer’s body, and if they aren’t removed, the drum will not move freely.

Step 6: Store the pins

Once all the moving pins have been removed from the machine keep them safe in a drawer.

You may need them in the future for transporting your washer (if you plan to move elsewhere).

How do you replace the transit bolts of your washing machine?

If you are in the process of moving your washing machine then it is important to check the fittings of the transit bolts and make sure they are tight.

Loose or faulty transit bolts can cause serious damage to your washing machine, so it’s important to check and tighten or replace them as needed.

You can simply tighten or replace the transit bolts in 4 easy steps

Things needed: Wrench or Pliers, replacement bolts.

Step 1: The foremost step is to unplug your washing machine from the power outlet.

Step 2: Locate the transit bolts, they are usually on the back of a washing machine. There are typically four transit bolts fixed, two on the top and two on the bottom of the washer’s back panel.

Step 3: Now inspect if they are loose, use a wrench to tighten each of the transit bolts. Be sure not to overtighten them, as this can strip the threads or break the bolt. Just snug them up until they are holding tight.

Step 4: For a faulty or damaged bolt simply remove them and fix the new replacement bolts.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your washing machine is safe and secure for a move.

Where to buy washing machine transit bolts?

If you’re planning on moving your washing machine, be sure to pick up some transit bolts first, It could save you a lot of money and keep the unnecessary headaches away.

In case your washer is missing a transit bolt, then it becomes important to get a replacement bolt and if you’re wondering where to find a transit bolt for your washing machine, they’re easily obtainable from most local hardware stores.

Be sure to take the old bolts with you, so that you can get the correct size and threading.

Final Thoughts

Transit Bolts may seem like a small thing, but making sure that your washer is properly secured during the transit helps to avoid serious damage.

If you’re planning on moving your washer to a different location, be sure to check for transit bolts before getting started

Frequently Asked Question

Some common questions related to Transit Bolts.

What happens if I don’t replace the faulty Transit Bolts of my washer?

The transit bolt is responsible for holding the tub in place during shipping. Without it, the tub could become loose and cause all sorts of problems. In the worst-case scenario, the tub could even detach from the machine entirely. So if you’re missing a transit bolt or if the transit bolt is faulty, be sure to replace them as soon as possible.

Do all washers have the same type of transit bolts?

The size and type of transit bolts may vary in different washers and dryers and these are easily available in local hardware stores. Bolts are usually identified using several numbers as per their sizes and types. If you want to get a replacement of your washer’s transit bolt then simply carry one of the bolts to acquire the right one.

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