How To Replace LG/Kenmore Washer Shipping Bolt FAA31690705

Is your washing machine making more noise than usual after a move? You might need to replace its shipping bolts to restore peace and efficiency. Our easy-to-follow guide, complete with a how-to video just below, will walk you through replacing those bolts safely and effectively, ensuring your washer runs smoothly once again.

Looking for the right part? Enter your appliance model number below to find the exact match and get your appliance running like new again!

Replacing the shipping bolt on your LG or Kenmore washer might not be part of everyday maintenance, but it’s important if you’re moving or reinstalling the machine. The shipping bolt helps secure the washer drum during transport to prevent damage. If you’ve lost the original or need a replacement, installing a new FAA31690705 shipping bolt is quick and easy once you know where it goes. Let’s get started!

Watch the repair here: How to replace shipping bolts

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

What are shipping bolts

Shipping bolts are used to brace the inner wash tub and drum basket during transportation and handling. They keep these internal parts safely immobilized. Most front load washers have four shipping bolts – two short bolts at the top and two longer ones stabilizing the rear bottom section. Some models sell these in a kit, some sell the bolts individually. It’s important to check your model to see how many shipping bolts your unit uses and if they are sold separately or in a kit.

These bolts screw directly into the outer tub casing surrounding the wash basket. Tightening them down eliminates vibration and shifting. Removing the bolts is important once you install your washer. Keeping them in place will lead to noisy operation, imbalance, and reduced cleaning capability throughout cycles.

Replacing bolts makes sure your washer has proper reinforcement when being transported for service or during a move.

Tools and materials

• Phillips screwdriver  
• 12mm socket wrench  

• Replacement shipping bolts, take your model number to AppliancePartsPros.com to locate the correct part for your model. 

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind: 

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of injury from electric shock.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
• Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access the interior parts.
• Clear your workspace of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with bare wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check your user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions for your part or appliance. 
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause injury.
• Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury. 
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time for any heating parts to cool down before working on it. 
• Take pictures or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting to prevent any problems with reassembly.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs to any appliance parts that hold water. Have towels ready for any residual water in the system when removing parts. 

Step 1: Uninstall the rear access panel

1. Locate the panel and identify the Phillips screws securing it (usually 3-5 screws).
2. Using your Phillips screwdriver, fully remove all screws from the access panel and set them aside.
3. There are small tabs protruding on the bottom edge of the panel. Push up on the panel to disengage these tabs before pulling it down and off.
4. With the panel removed, you now have clear access to install the replacement shipping bolts.

Step 2: Install new shipping bolts

• Examine the rear tub casing for empty bolt holes – newer models may have plastic covers over holes.
• Take your new replacement bolts and confirm sizing -for example, some use 2 longer bolts and 2 shorter ones.
• Insert a longer bolt into one of the lower holes. The threads should catch – turn slowly clockwise using your fingers until tight.
• Take your power cord and make a loop around the bolt. This helps secure it on reinstallation later.
• Using your 12mm socket wrench, grip the shipping bolt head and tighten down firmly but not excessively.
• Repeat with the second longer bolt for the other lower rear hole.
• Finish by installing the 2 shorter bolts similarly into the upper holes.
• Confirm all 4 bolts are tightened down completely once done.

Step 3: Replace access panel

• Feed the power cord back toward the cavity so the access panel can reattach smoothly.
• Align the access panel horizontally over the rear opening and slide vertically up into place. You may need gentle pressure to get the tabs lined up.
• Hold the panel flush and re-insert all the Phillips screws you initially removed – tightened down snugly but do not overtighten.
• Carefully loop excess cord in open areas so it doesn’t get pinched and damaged.

With that — pat yourself on the back! You’ve successfully swapped out worn bolts for new OEM replacements. Following the proper bolt tightening spec prevents vibration and noise.

Remove bolts before washer use

NEVER operate your front-loading washer without first removing the shipping bolts. Before pushing your washer back into place and doing laundry, be sure to take out all 4 bolts fully. Otherwise, you could damage internal parts. Not good!

More tips

Thanks for reading! If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, you can find more resources including our DIY blog at AppliancePartsPros.com. There, you can enter your model number to order the exact parts you need. Most orders arrive in two business days.

You can also reach our award-winning customer service team at 1-877-477-7278, chat with a pro on our website and watch thousands of free video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

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