Every new washing machine ships with transit bolts — rigid bolts or brackets that hold the drum securely in place during transport to prevent damage from movement. These bolts must be removed before the machine's first use, and forgetting this step is one of the most common and most damaging installation mistakes.
What Transit Bolt Removal Involves
Removing transit bolts correctly is a precise process, since incomplete removal can be just as damaging as forgetting them entirely:
- Locating all transit bolts, typically found on the rear panel of the machine, since the number and position vary by brand and model
- Removing each bolt fully, along with any accompanying spacers or brackets that were installed for transit protection
- Filling the resulting holes with the plastic caps provided by the manufacturer, which protect against water ingress and maintain the machine's structural integrity
- Retaining the bolts and spacers safely in case the machine needs to be moved again in the future, since reinstalling them protects the drum during any future relocation
- Testing the machine with a spin cycle to confirm the drum moves freely without any remaining transit restraints
- Checking for any unusual noise or restricted movement that might indicate a bolt or spacer was missed
Because transit bolts are sometimes hidden or easy to overlook depending on the machine's design, this is a step best performed by someone familiar with the specific brand's bolt locations.
Transit Bolt Removal Cost Breakdown
| Service Type | Estimated Cost Range (KES) |
|---|---|
| Basic transit bolt removal (new machine, standard brand) | 500 – 1,000 |
| Transit bolt removal for less common or commercial brands | 1,000 – 2,000 |
| Transit bolt removal combined with full installation | Often included in installation package |
| Emergency correction of missed transit bolts | 1,500 – 3,500 |
Why Forgetting Transit Bolts Causes Serious Damage
If a machine is run with transit bolts still in place, the drum cannot move freely during the spin cycle as it's designed to. This causes severe vibration, loud banging noises, and in many cases, serious internal damage to the drum, motor mounts, or suspension system within just one or two cycles. This is one of the most common causes of "new machine" breakdowns reported shortly after a DIY installation, and it's almost entirely avoidable with a careful installation process.
Common Mistakes During Transit Bolt Removal
Removing only some of the bolts while missing one or two hidden ones is a frequent mistake, particularly on machines where bolts aren't in an obvious or symmetrical arrangement. Failing to fill the resulting holes with the protective caps is another common oversight, which can allow moisture into the machine's rear panel over time. Some people also mistakenly discard the bolts entirely, only to need them later when moving the machine to a new location. Labelling and storing the bolts in a small bag taped to the back of the machine, or kept somewhere memorable, is a simple habit that saves considerable frustration if the machine ever needs to be relocated.
Why This Step Should Never Be Skipped
Even for people comfortable with general DIY installation, transit bolt removal deserves particular care given how quickly and seriously a missed bolt can damage a brand-new machine. The cost of a professional check is minor compared to the cost of repairing drum or suspension damage caused by running a machine with bolts still in place.
What to Do If You Suspect Bolts Were Missed
If a newly installed machine is vibrating severely or making loud banging noises during its very first few uses, it's worth stopping the machine immediately and having it checked for retained transit bolts before running any further cycles. Continuing to use the machine in this state, even for what seems like a single additional wash, significantly increases the risk of permanent damage to the drum or suspension system.
Washing Machine Repair In Nairobi ensures thorough, correct transit bolt removal as part of every installation across Nairobi, protecting your new machine from preventable damage. Contact our team today to arrange a professional installation.