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German brand. Emphasis on ceramic crane axle boxes manufactured using innovative technologies. The result is high resistance of axle boxes to damage, impacts, and water with impurities. The simplicity of the design allows you to eliminate most leaks yourself.
VIDIMA
More than 60 years on the market. Good reputation because the products are high quality, reliable, and affordable. Production is concentrated in Bulgaria.
Each product undergoes individual quality testing under high water pressure.
German brand. Specialization in ceramic CBs. The production of ceramic elements is patented. The result is a 5-year warranty regardless of water quality. The reliability of mixers is 4 times higher than accepted European standards.
Service centers in 30 Russian cities.
The main thing about the axle box crane: its types and sizes
The variety of mixers that are presented in construction stores and on Internet sites is amazing. But this diversity is more visual and aesthetic. For a plumber, there are only two types of plumbing devices. Let's talk about them in more detail, and at the same time talk about what axle box cranes are, their types and sizes.
- Devices in which a threaded (rubber) faucet with a worm screw is installed;
- Devices in which a metal-ceramic faucet axle box is installed.
Threaded axle boxes
The principle of operation is based on the rotation of the valve, which exerts pressure on the rubber gasket. Depending on the strength of this pressure, the water pressure is regulated. To obtain a jet of maximum force, you need to ease the pressure on the gasket as much as possible. To do this, you need to perform several full turns of the rod.
Threaded axle box Source vesali.ru
Rubber crane axle boxes are divided into:
- Reverse threaded devices.
- Devices with guides.
The crane box is fixed using a thread. It is applied to the outer part of the case in its lower part. The method for using the wrench is provided at the top.
The quality of the rubber gasket used in the device determines the period of its trouble-free operation. A gasket made of high-quality elastic rubber will last several times longer than a similar gasket made of low-quality rubber.
The condition of the gasket can be judged by whether water drips from a closed tap or not. If there are no drops, everything is fine. If drops appear on a fully closed faucet, the gasket needs to be replaced.
The advantages of this type of device include ease of replacement and maintenance, low price, and the ability to repair using improvised means.
At the same time, it has a drawback: a relatively short service life, which, remember, depends on the frequency of use of the device.
Ceramic crane axle box
The short service life of the classic valve head was the reason that engineers began to look for an alternative to it. The task was this: to increase the service life, but at the same time maintain all the advantages. And they almost succeeded.
Ceramic axle box Source masterprof.net
See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in water supply, sewerage and related work
Instead of rubber, it was decided to use metal ceramics. The water supply in such devices is controlled not by rubber cuffs, but by special discs. These discs are made of cermet and have a perfectly smooth surface. This surface is achieved by grinding and ensures maximum adherence of one disc to another.
Each of the disks has a special hole. One of the disks is static and does not move, and the second rotates 90 degrees. The rotation of the disk is controlled using a fitting. When the tap is open, the holes align and water flows freely through them. And when the tap is closed, the discs reliably block each other’s holes.
But rubber is also used in such axle boxes. True, in this case as a pressing element. Thanks to the pressure it exerts on the discs, they are pressed against each other very tightly.
These devices are distinguished by their durability, silent operation and ergonomics.
But the problems only increased. The pressure gasket may fail. If the faucet starts dripping, most likely it is her fault. And if the water is rich in lime or contains sand, the surface of the discs may be damaged. Damage can be avoided by installing filter systems.
The price of a metal-ceramic faucet axlebox is higher than that of a classic one. If the core of the device is damaged, the answer to the question of how to repair a ceramic axle box is no way, its repair becomes impossible. Complete replacement only.
Various models of crane axleboxes Source natrix-el.kz
The length of the crane box varies from 46 mm to 60 mm depending on the model.
Debris got between the ceramic plates
If there is sand or other foreign particles in the space between the ceramic surfaces, this will inevitably lead to a violation of the tightness of the joint. As a result, the axle box will begin to leak. To eliminate the malfunction, it is necessary to dismantle and disassemble the head. Its plates are thoroughly cleaned and lubricated with a waterproof substance. When putting the assembly back together, it is important not to confuse the top and bottom of the plates. Sometimes scratches can be found on the surface of the discs: in this case, only replacing the parts with new ones will help.
The device of a ceramic crane axle box
You can see more details on how a ceramic crane axle box is disassembled in the video:
Another option is to remove scratches and chips by grinding the ceramic base. This is done using fine abrasive powder (it is also used for grinding car valves and sharpening tools). The material consists of aluminum oxide and silicon carbide. The appropriate grit in this case is 1200.
Before starting the procedure, the powder is poured onto some glass, using machine oil as a solvent. Next, take the damaged plate and begin to rub it on the glass in a circular motion. After the scratches disappear, the circle is washed with water.
How to choose a crane axle box
In order not to make a mistake when choosing a new axle box, try to take into account the following nuances:
- The diameter of the seat and the length of the old crane axle box.
- What crane axle box was used?
- Rod size and shape.
- Exact number of splines.
- For a ceramic model, you need to know the exact angle of rotation.
If the broken axle box was made in Russia, a Russian model will definitely take its place. If you want to exchange such a model for an imported one, you will have to purchase a part equipped with a flywheel. To avoid difficulties, it is recommended to take the old axle box with you to the store and ask the consultant to select a replacement for it. Another good option is to watch videos on YouTube. You can learn how to repair a crane axle box and see the whole process step by step. One of these videos will be in our article just below.
Disassembled crane axlebox Source ad-cd.net
If you have an old sewer system in your house and there is sand in the water, then very soon you will begin to worry about the question of how to repair a semi-revolving ceramic axle-box faucet. Therefore, either purchase an additional water purification system, or use a classic axle-box faucet.
Repair of worm axle box
Rubber valve heads typically leak for the following reasons:
- There were problems with the thread.
- The rubber gaskets are worn out.
- Mechanical damage.
If the worm gear is heavily worn, and the body or rod of the valve box is covered with cracks, the product needs to be replaced. Water seeping through the faucet from under the shut-off device indicates the need to replace the O-ring. If the tap leaks, the rubber cuff that acts as a valve seal must be replaced.
The operating procedure is as follows:
- Removing the locking part. When disassembling the mixer, you need to proceed exactly as in the case of a ceramic axle box.
- Cleaning threaded areas and washing the element from dirt.
- Removing the worn gasket from the rod. Before this, remove the screw holding the seal. Some older models do not have this, and the gasket is held in place by a groove or hole in the surface of the rubber.
Removing the gasket from the worm axle box - Installation of the entire cuff. Before this, it is recommended to lubricate it with a waterproof compound (silicone sealant works well). It happens that it is not possible to find a new part that matches the size. In this case, they buy a wider product, and cut off the protruding parts with a sharp knife (it is advisable to chamfer the edges of the seal at an angle of 45 degrees).
Installing a new gasket on a worm gear valve
When reassembling the mixer, it is advisable to immediately replace the O-ring and lubricate the worm gear. These simple measures will delay the next repair.
You can watch the video for more information about worm-mounted valve axle boxes, as well as about replacing the gasket and cutting out a new gasket:
What you need to pay attention to when choosing a valve head
If you use faucets at home made in Russia or even in the USSR, then their rotating mechanism is equipped with a connecting part that has a square shape. Until now, this connection option is considered the most successful and reliable. It practically eliminates the possibility of erasing the edges and turning the flywheel. Devices manufactured abroad are more susceptible to this.
Crane axlebox options Source gilevasvetlana.ru
Such devices use a splined valve mount. There are many small grooves on the stem. When cut, it resembles an asterisk. The splines can wear out over time, and the product has to be completely replaced.
Is it possible to replace the worm axle box in a mixer with a ceramic one?
Considering the fact that ceramic valve heads are more practical and durable, in some cases they are tried to be installed in the body of a worm mixer. When choosing a suitable replacement option, they are guided primarily by the dimensions of the seat (meaning the diameter of the lower part of the valve head).
It is also important to understand the design of the flywheel pin. Foreign-made products are equipped with notches in this area. In domestic valve boxes, a steel tetrahedron is used. Therefore, when installing an imported ceramic axlebox, the flywheel will also need to be replaced. As for matching the length, there are fewer problems: most of these products have the same dimensions. In this case, inserting a ceramic head instead of a rubber head is quite simple.
How to disassemble a crane axle box
Be careful. Independent work with water under pressure requires a responsible approach. Before purchasing an axlebox in a store, remove it and measure it carefully. Before removing, be sure to turn off the water supply to the apartment.
Attention! It is important to understand well how to disassemble a faucet axlebox before starting plumbing work.
Remove the decorative plug from the valve and, using a Phillips screwdriver, dismantle it. The plug can be easily removed with a slotted screwdriver or knife.
Unscrew the valve axle Source mr-build.ru
conclusions
When faced with valve mixer leaks, you should first inspect the faucet axle box. As a rule, the reasons lie in the failure of one of the elements of the unit. If the whole point is that one of the gaskets is worn out, they change it. More serious damage can be resolved by replacing the entire part. Ceramic valve heads are considered more reliable in this regard: leaks on them occur much less frequently than on rubber ones.
Repairing a crane axlebox with your own hands: instructions with photos and videos
plumbing repair faucet
What to do if the valve head is leaking
The smallest grains of sand that are in tap water over time disrupt the smoothness of the surface of the discs and the tap begins to leak.
The reasons why the faucet starts to drip are as follows::
- Ceramic discs wear out. As we wrote above, this is due to the presence of solid particles in the water. This problem can be solved by replacing the disks with new ones of similar size.
- If you notice in time that the crane begins to work a little differently than before, it makes sense to disassemble it and remove the crane axle box. It, in turn, also needs to be disassembled and cleaned. Such a preventative measure can significantly extend its service life.
- Are there any drops? Disassemble the mixer, remove the faucet and examine the condition of the sealing elements. If they are in order, see point 1. If traces of mechanical damage are visible, replace the seals and reassemble everything in reverse order.
- If the axle box mechanism has been used frequently for a long time, it has probably become unusable. It is impossible to repair such a breakdown. Complete replacement only.
Assembling the faucet Source 5domov.ru
Only after understanding the cause of the breakdown can you understand how to repair a ceramic faucet axle box in one case or another.
Pressure washer wear
The pressure washer (it can be propylene, fluoroplastic or caprolon) acts as a compensator for possible gaps between the ceramic discs. During the operation of the crane axlebox, this seal constantly experiences loads, leading to its gradual wear. Due to the reduction in the thickness of the pressure washer, the tightness of the bypass units is reduced: water begins to seep into the resulting gap.
To replace this part, you will need to completely disassemble the valve box, removing the retaining ring, rod and removing the plastic washer. After installing a new element, the plates need to be cleaned and lubricated. If a new washer of suitable size has not been found, the old gasket is built up by gluing electrical tape to its surface. Another option is to place a thin circle of polyethylene under the washer.
Pressure washer repair
You can see more details about repairing the crane axle box pressure washer in the video:
