Washing Machine Transit Bolt Fallen into Machine

WidowTwanky_2

I've just been removing the transit bolts from my washing machine. All the actual bolts, the screws, came out fine, but one of the plastic casings broke in the process and has now dropped inside the washing machine. On the right you can see an unbroken one, and on the left, the remains of the one that broke, the rest of it being in the machine.:doh:
Can I leave it in there, presuming it's harmlessly sat at the bottom of the machine, or do I need to get the cover off and remove it? Please let it be the former.
Please help. I'm dying to plumb it in and do a wash. Not had a working machine for over a month.
Thank you very, very much.
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/538/jN2cOg.jpg

jbainbridge

The last machine I looked at didn't have a cover on the base - I think. With an assistant - tilt the machine carefully and see if it's dropped out.

Failing that - it's unlikely to cause any problems.

WidowTwanky_2

I'll wait until my 'assistant' gets home and will give that a go. Thank you very much for that.

Nilrem

jbainbridge wrote: »

The last machine I looked at didn't have a cover on the base - I think. With an assistant - tilt the machine carefully and see if it's dropped out.

Failing that - it's unlikely to cause any problems.

That's about it, something similar happened with my last new one.

I think the way we got the bolt out was to tip it over slightly, then wobbled the drum so that the bolt had enough space to complete it drop.

phoenix_w

I got one out before by removing the top cover, lifting the machine to one side and then fetching it out with a stick and sellotape when it was visible.

If there's a hole at the bottom of the machine, though, that's the way to do it...

Definitely get it out. The noise of a loos piece of plastic being bounced around the case during a spin cycle is likely to be annoying.

jbainbridge

phoenix_w wrote: »

I got one out before by removing the top cover, lifting the machine to one side and then fetching it out with a stick and sellotape when it was visible.

Excellent idea ... I was just thinking that. The lid will usually be held on by 2 or 3 screws at the back - although they may be torx so only easy if you've get the correct tool.

WidowTwanky_2

phoenix_w wrote: »

I got one out before by removing the top cover, lifting the machine to one side and then fetching it out with a stick and sellotape when it was visible. If there's a hole at the bottom of the machine, though, that's the way to do it...

Wonderful idea. Thank you!
I'll have a look at the screws and pray they're not Torx

Update. They are Torx. Off to borrow scredriver!

WidowTwanky_2

Thanks so much, all you helpers. I borrowed the Torx screwdriver fitting and retrieved the broken plastic transit bolt holder out from the machine.
I'm now going to put the machine in its maiden voyage

PS: I took the back off in the end, just three screws.

pinkteapot

Good work. The first time we bought a washing machine, we ran it with the transit bolts still in. That taught me not to get my hubby and brother to install things - they didn't look at the instructions. :wall: