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Replacement of ceramic faucet axle box. How to repair a faucet axle box for a mixer with your own hands: simple instructions. Restoring the stuffing box

A high-quality faucet can last for years without repair or replacement. Ceramic plates practically do not wear out, but still, over time, the faucet begins to run. And the point here is most likely a thoughtful technological miscalculation of the manufacturer. The manufacturer does not need eternal mixers; it is not profitable for him. Not all faucets have interchangeable components; it’s good if you can buy spare parts for the faucet. They cost 3 kopecks, took them apart, inserted new ones and forgot for 3-5 years.

Over time, the mixer valve head “sticks” to the stem; it is difficult to remove it right away - it stands “like a horse in the rye.” WD-40 will help, 2 sprays and let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then removing it is much easier, slowly, with a rocking motion.

The most common cause of faucet leakage is a gap between the ceramic plates due to wear of the seal or gasket.

Possible malfunctions of the valve axle:

Pro tip:

Before going to the store for spare parts, take the faulty parts with you or take a photo of them, this will make communication with the seller easier and save you from making a second trip.

and then you will be aware of new articles and I will be glad to see your ideas.

In the bathroom, the plumbing system is a whole plumbing system, the crown of which is the mixer. The axle box valve for the mixer is a shut-off and regulating device; it is this part of the device that is susceptible to the most frequent mechanical influences. The wear of this part can be recognized by the ever-flowing water when the tap is in the closed position and by the characteristic rattling sounds, then the faucet axlebox in the mixer will need to be replaced or its complete replacement.

The faulty condition of this part can cause a lot of troubles, but they can be quickly eliminated by replacing the axle box. Replacing and repairing valve axles are fairly simple operations in themselves and, as a rule, do not require special skills or calling a specialist. Before starting a review of its replacement, it is necessary to consider what crane axle boxes are, how they differ from each other and what advantages and disadvantages they have.

To understand how to change an old faucet axle box in a mixer, you need to know the types of faucet axle boxes for modern faucets. There are two types of these products:

Conventional worm gear with rubber cuffs.
New generation with ceramic inserts.

Their difference is the length and number of slots. The imported product has 20 and 24 (under the handle). The domestic mixer has a square fastener for the handle, equipped with a special screw for fixation. They also differ in the diameter of the threaded part, the one that must be screwed into the tap. ½ inch diameter is more popular, ¾ inch diameter is less common.

Let's take a closer look at the varieties of these products and their main differences.

Axlebox tap for mixer with rubber cuffs. The operating principle of this type of axle box has a worm drive and a rubber gasket at the end of the retractable rod. It will take two to four turns to close it completely.

This axle box operates as follows: the rubber gasket located in the inside of the valve is pressed against it, thereby blocking the path of water. This gasket is subject to rapid wear, but is easily replaced. The gasket can be made of different types of rubber, which determines its service life.

There is no need to completely replace the valve axle, you can simply change the gasket.
Low price for gaskets.
Possibility to make rubber gaskets yourself.

Short service life.
It requires a large number of turns to open or close.
Over time, the smoothness of movement is lost, which leads to the fact that the tap needs to be tightened more strongly.
A particularly unpleasant noise is caused by a resonating valve. This occurs when the gasket is worn out. This factor may negatively affect the operation of water communications.

Crane axle box with ceramic inserts. The basis of such a faucet box is two ceramic inserts, which are made in the form of plates and equipped with identical holes. From fully open to maximum closed position, only half a turn of the handle is required.

The design of the axle box is made in such a way that one of the plates inside its body is rigidly fixed. The second is located on the rod and is secured by the flywheel. When you turn the faucet handle, the holes on the plates are aligned so that water flows through them into the mixer.

Ceramic inserts can be replaced, but removing and changing them is not as easy as with rubber gaskets, because they need to be selected individually according to the size of the axlebox. In this case, repairs are not needed; it will be easier to buy and install a new axlebox.

Long service life of ceramics.
Ease of use: to open the water you only need half a turn.
Low noise level during operation.
Smooth turning of the handle.

Flaws:

Prices are much higher than models with rubber gaskets.
It will be more difficult for the axle box to work if there are various coarse impurities such as sand in the water, so in order for uninterrupted operation, it is recommended to install a filter for fine water purification.

How to replace the faucet in the faucet?

To replace the crane axle box, you need to do the following:

The risers with cold and hot water must be closed. After which you need to make sure that water is really not flowing; to check this, you need to fully open both taps.
After which you need to take some flat tool, a screwdriver or a knife may be suitable for this, and use it to remove the plastic colored plug. It needs to be pryed up and then removed.
Under the plug there is a screw that needs to be unscrewed. If the axlebox is imported, then the plastic lock cannot be located on it, which must also be removed.
After this, you need to remove the handle. At this stage, difficulties may arise in the form of nitrous on the splines, then they need to be soaked or resort to the help of pullers specially designed for this.
After the flywheel is removed, access to the valve axle is open; it must be unscrewed using an adjustable wrench. If the axlebox has a lock nut, then you must first release it, and only then begin to unscrew the axlebox.

Installation of a new crane axlebox is done in the reverse order. When replacing the crane axle box, you can change the direction of its rotation. To do this, you need to unscrew the locking screw that is screwed into the axlebox rod. Next, you need to screw this screw in from the reverse side, which will allow the axle box to turn in the other direction.

How to choose a new crane axle box?

It is best to purchase a new crane axlebox only when you have an old one that can be shown to the seller so that he can select a part of a suitable configuration.

When replacing a crane axle box, when choosing a new part, you must take into account its dimensions (usually they are ½ and 3/8 inches). In addition, you need to pay attention to the manufacturing companies.

For domestic faucets, rubber and ceramic “square” faucet axle boxes are usually used. Crane axle boxes with 20 and 24 slots on the top of the stem are used for imported mixers.

As a rule, valves are made “slotted” and “squared”. Manufacturers use metal or plastic to make them. Before purchasing a crane axle box, you need to measure the length of the crane and the rod. If you don’t know anything about such matters, in order to avoid problems in the future and to avoid mistakes when choosing, it is better to take the old crane axle box and valve (flywheel) to the store.

The standard and the faucet come in different standards, because of this it is recommended to try on the flywheel in a store before purchasing it. It is worth remembering that the bolt that holds the flywheel may have a different thread pitch.

When purchasing a faucet for a kitchen or bathroom, you can independently verify which faucet axle is installed in it. This check can be done simply by turning the flywheel. If the valve rotates three to four turns, this means that the valve axlebox is rubber, if half a turn it is ceramic.

Manufacturers of plumbing equipment offer two modifications of faucet axle boxes and mixers of different price categories to choose from. The price of crane axle boxes with ceramic inserts ranges from 600 rubles, rubber ones usually cost about 350 rubles.

Since ceramic taps are highly sensitive to various contaminants in water, and there is no water purification filter installed at the inlet, then in order to avoid various problems, it is recommended to give preference to axle boxes with rubber gaskets. Having learned all the advantages and disadvantages of both types of models, you can choose the optimal option.

Can the mechanism be repaired?

When you hear metal grinding inside the bathroom faucet and intermittent water flow, this is a sign that the stop gasket has failed. A similar replacement of the gasket is also necessary during faucet leaks. After the faucet box has been removed, it is necessary to carefully inspect the water intake bucket.

If cracks, holes, or chips are found on the saddle, this means that we urgently completely replace the device; repairs in this situation will not have a long-term effect. You can cut the gasket yourself or purchase it at the store. Typically, gaskets are fastened to a bushing or screw located at the end of the rod.

Water flowing directly through the valve indicates that the valve axle seals need to be lubricated or replaced. For this procedure, you need to disassemble the mechanism by removing the fastening washer from the rod using a screwdriver.

The repair kit usually includes several suitable O-rings for replacement. Oil seals can be lubricated with any waterproof lubricant, silicone is no exception. When installing inexpensive models of faucets in the bathroom, you should immediately check the faucet axle boxes for the presence of a sufficient amount of lubricant.

As for the repair of devices with worm devices, it usually consists of replacing the locking gasket. In this case, all you need to do is disassemble the valve axle and replace the old gasket with a new one. If necessary, you can cut it yourself from fairly thick and strong rubber.

It is much worse when the defect is at the seat itself, because of this, even if the gasket is in good condition, the valve axle box will nevertheless leak slightly. In this case, you will need to change the entire faucet; as a short-term solution, you can install a thicker gasket.

As for the repair of a crane axle box with ceramic plates, this problem can only be solved by completely replacing it. But sometimes the cause of a leak lies in the wear of the ring, which guarantees good pressing of the plates to each other.

In this case, the repair can be done with your own hands; to do this, you will simply need to cut a new ring of approximately the same thickness (it is not necessary to strictly observe the dimensions) and install it instead of the old one on the rod. This is the only thing that can be done to repair ceramic faucet axle boxes.

If replacement or repair seems quite complicated or you don’t have the necessary tools at hand, then you should contact a specialist with this issue. He will carefully perform this operation, eliminating the unpleasant sound and ensuring smooth opening of the tap and, as a result, stable operation of the entire water supply system for the near future.

Repairing a ceramic faucet axle box - the main element of all modern faucets - is not so difficult.

But before that, it is necessary to understand their design in order to understand what we are dealing with.

In this article we will look at the features of a ceramic axlebox tap.

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Design of ceramic faucet axle box

There are two types of crane axle boxes - . It is quite easy to distinguish them; you just need to turn the tap all the way. A crane with a worm mechanism will make two or three revolutions, but the ceramic part will make only half.

Ceramic faucet axle boxes are recognized as more reliable elements of mixers, which is why they are used almost everywhere. However, their design remains quite simple. In them, the task of regulating water is carried out using smooth cermet disks, usually made of aluminum oxide.

Most often, the gaskets in axle boxes fail - it is because of them that the faucet begins to leak.

To replace them, you will need to purchase a repair kit; it is available in any plumbing equipment market.

Note: Imported and domestic designs require different repair kits.

Replacing the gasket in the valve seat

This gasket ensures sealing of the axle box in the structure itself. It is put on the outer part of the case and is made in the shape of a ring. To change it, you don’t even need to remove the axle box. To do this you need:

Turn off the water to your home to prevent unexpected flooding.
Using a flathead screwdriver, pry up the top plastic valve cover.
Unscrew the fixing screw and remove the flywheel.
Unscrew the upper part of the axle box from the saddle.

After this, you should have a bolt in your hands, or a pipe, with a rubber ring put on it. Remove the ring, put a new gasket in its place and perform all the steps in reverse order. But before this, you need to make sure that there is no significant damage to the faucet - chips, shells, otherwise the whole procedure will be in vain, and you will have to replace the entire faucet.

Replacing the ceramic plate gasket

If water flows directly from the faucet when the valve is closed, and not from under the valve, then the problem is in the ceramic disk gasket. To replace it, you will have to completely disassemble the axle box. There is nothing complicated about this, all steps are repeated from the previous paragraph, except for the last one. At the last stage, using a wrench, you need to unscrew the axle box directly from the mixer - the axle box is removed.

Then, using simple manipulations, we separate the upper and lower parts and gain access to the ceramic discs. There should be a gasket between the top plate and the body, usually it is white. This is what needs to be changed. After replacing, perform all operations in reverse order.

You can try to eliminate unevenness by rubbing them with a pencil lead.

In some cases, ceramic discs can cause problems. They are perfectly polished and ground together, thanks to which, when the valve is closed, they fit tightly to each other and do not allow water to pass through. If any grain of sand gets between them, the seal will be broken. Therefore, after disassembling the axle box, take the trouble to check and clean, if necessary, the gap between the discs.

Note: When assembling, do not tighten the nuts too tightly, otherwise the gaskets will break or the threads will be damaged.

Another serious problem is the formation of scratches and grooves on the surface of the disc. In this case, you will have to change the plates, which should be in the repair kit.

After completing all operations, assemble the crane and check your work for integrity.

How to repair a broken crane axle box, watch the video:

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The kitchen faucet is one of the most used devices in the entire house. Therefore, if even the most minor breakdown occurs, it is associated with considerable difficulties. Therefore, let's talk about how you can quickly and at minimal cost repair a ceramic crane axle box with your own hands.

What it is?

The faucet axle is an integral part of the mixer. Using a faucet, water is supplied and shut off: cold or heated. The part consists of a metal rod and sealed gaskets. The latter are made of rubber or ceramic movable plates.

Important! A crane axle box equipped with ceramic plates is considered more reliable and durable. It allows you to open the water with just ½ turn of the faucet handwheel.

The design is based on a frame with 2 ceramic plates attached to it, in which holes are made. The displacement of the plates relative to each other (divergence or alignment) promotes overlap, or vice versa - the release of water outward.

The design, equipped with rubber inserts, is not so durable. In addition, to let the water flow, you need to turn the valve several times. The component consists of a worm rod, which is attached to the flywheel on one side. The rubber gasket limits the other side. The operating principle is quite simple.

Important! The rubber gasket serves to shut off the water supply and coordinate the flow force.

How to fix a faucet in a mixer?

Let's look at how to put a ceramic axle box into working condition. It is completely repairable if you purchase spare parts. If it cannot be repaired, then the structure can be replaced completely.

There are the following causes of breakdowns:

Wear of ceramic plates. They fail infrequently, and changing plates is quite difficult. It is much more expedient to purchase and install a new part.
Foreign objects getting between the plates. To prevent this, it is advisable to install an inexpensive filter for rough purification of water from impurities.
Wear of the thread between the component body and its rod. The problem can be solved by completely replacing the entire part.

Before you start repairing the faucet box or start replacing it, you need to shut off the water supply to your apartment or house. In addition, you will need the following tools:

2 Phillips and flat head screwdrivers.
Keys - ring and gas.
Pliers.

Preparatory work:

To prepare for repairs, remove the flywheel. To gain access to the flywheel, remove the decorative plug. Now, slightly pull the flywheel up and remove it. There is a bolt located under the flywheel. Unscrew it and you can remove the valve. Sometimes force is required. Water, in contact with the parts of the mixer, holds them together to the envy of any glue.
Once the valve is removed, clean the flywheel and threads.
Unscrew the decorative insert of the faucet using a spanner with a head size of 17.

Important! A box wrench is the most desirable option, but if you don’t have one, you can use a gas one. To prevent the gas key from scratching the tap, when unscrewing, use a thick textile gasket between the tap and the key.

At the end of this stage, access to the axle box is obtained. Unscrew it using an adjustable wrench counterclockwise. Clean the threads of the faucet using a cord brush.
Replace a worn crane axlebox with a working one in exactly the reverse order and with the greatest care. Tighten the screws as carefully as possible to avoid damaging the ceramic plates. If you cleaned the threads, as they say, conscientiously, installing a new part will not be difficult for you.

Let's look at various options for how to repair a crane axle box.

Gasket wear

Wearing of the silicone gasket causes most of the problems that are associated with leaks. If the gasket has sagged in some place, it needs to be changed. Sometimes it is even possible to repair it. The principle is to unscrew the part and increase the layer of silicone in height. It is enough just to apply a layer of silicone on top, and then return the crane axle box to its place.

Foreign objects getting between the plates

In this case, the tightness of the device is broken and leakage occurs. The procedure in such a situation is as follows:

Unscrew and disassemble the part.
Clean the ceramic plates and treat them with waterproof lubricant.
Screw the valve axle back to its original location.

Important! The plates must not be turned over during repairs. During the period of operation, the plates managed to get used to each other.

Violation of the integrity of the plates

The best option is a complete replacement of ceramic plates. Banal extensions are unlikely to help here. If the damage is minor, then sanding with the graphite rod of a soft pencil helps. After this, you need to grind the plates as best as possible.

Wear of the plastic washer

This malfunction leads to the fact that the pressure force on the plates from the silicone gasket decreases, and the ceramic plates are not pressed tightly against each other. The malfunction can be eliminated by replacing the washer with a new one or placing an additional layer of sealant under the gasket. Such a seal can be, for example, electrical tape.

The author values time more, because repairing a crane axle box will take less than five minutes, and a trip to the store will take more than an hour. In addition, to go to the store you will have to dismantle the non-working crane axle box, otherwise you will not be able to find the one you need. After spending a couple of minutes reading the article, you can fix your faucet without outside help.

Materials and tools.
A Phillips or hex screwdriver depends on your faucet.
An adjustable wrench or pliers.
Vinegar or citric acid.
Copper wire 1.6mm
Rubber gasket, or rubber 6mm thick

Just a little theory for those who are repairing a faucet for the first time, and the author will begin to practice.
How can you find out which crane axle boxes you have?

By the number of valve revolutions.
A ceramic crane axlebox, unlike a worm gear, makes only a quarter of a turn.

It stops dripping if you press on the valve from above.

A worm-type valve can make more than one full revolution around its axis, and stops dripping when the valve is closed with force.

For a ceramic one, the author will replace the fluoroplastic ring with a homemade one made from copper wire.

The gasket of the worm gear valve is changed.

The gasket can be bought or cut from rubber 6-7 millimeters thick.

The cheapest and fastest repair can be done by simply turning over the old gasket.

If it doesn't have any cracks, it will work.

To begin with, the author turns off the water.
The procedure for dismantling ceramic and worm-type crane axle boxes is similar.

Unscrews and removes the valve. The bolt will be hidden on top or on the side.
You may have a bolt for a screwdriver. The author has a hex key.

After that, he unscrews the decorative skirt. Do not press too hard or scratch it; it may be made of plastic.

Under the skirt there will be edges for a wrench.

If you don't have such a wrench, grab the edges with pliers and twist counterclockwise.

Then everything is simple, if you have a worm-gear axle box, change the gasket as mentioned above.
If it is ceramic, you will need a small piece of copper wire with a diameter of at least 1.6 millimeters.

Takes out the silicone gasket.

Then two ceramic plates.

Next, use something sharp to remove the retaining ring.

Sometimes they rot and break, that's not a big deal.

And pushes out the inside. It went easily.

Ceramic crane axle boxes are very reliable, but they have one weak point.

This is the fluoroplastic washer.

Over time, it wears out and becomes thinner, as a result of which the pressure weakens and the tap begins to leak. The author will make a new washer from copper wire. The wire he found is almost two millimeters in diameter. And about 1.6mm is required. 3-4 tens can be removed with sandpaper or a regular knife.