Types and sizes of crane axle boxes, features of device selection

The plumbing in an apartment is a rather complex plumbing system. And the locking mechanism in it is a crane-axlebox. Without it, it is quite difficult to imagine the normal functioning of the entire plumbing system in a home. These devices are responsible for regulating the water supply through the mixer, for turning on and shutting off its outlet from the tap. They have a certain service life, after which they are replaced. These devices come in different types, and they also differ in size. And when deciding how to choose the right ones for replacement, all this must be taken into account.

Benefits of ceramics

Unlike the usual faucet axle box with a rubber gasket, the ceramic locking element is a pair of ceramic plates.
The material is very hard, so it does not scratch. The plates fit tightly together, can be rotated and have holes. Due to the convergence and divergence of the holes when the plates are rotated relative to each other, the water flow opens, closes and is regulated. On the “worm” faucet with rubber gaskets, it is necessary to make several turns before it completely blocks the flow of water. With ceramics the situation is somewhat simpler - half a turn and the water is closed!

Due to the fact that taps with gaskets have to be tightened with force, the rubber quickly wears out and begins to let water through. Therefore, rubber gaskets have to be changed quite often.

The operating principle of a standard ceramic crane axle box is as follows. One of the two plates is fixed in the mechanism body itself, while the other, with notches, engages the rod to which the mixer flywheel is attached.

When the flywheel is turned, the top plate moves, opening the passage for the flow of water. This design can last a very long time, but costs a little more than the previous model. This mechanism is quite bad at dealing with dirty and hard water, so it is recommended to install at least a simple filter in front of the tap.

Taps with ceramic plates open easily, simply and, most importantly, completely silently. It is enough to turn the mixer handwheel 90 degrees to ensure full water pressure.

In order to better see all the advantages of this model, let's look at what parts it consists of and what they are intended for.

So, the ceramic faucet box consists of:

1. Housings;
2. Rod;
3. Rod clamp;
4. Turn signal;
5. Two ceramic plates;
6. Gaskets.

The body, as a rule, is made of various alloys of non-ferrous metals. It has a sealing gasket, so there is no need for additional insulation (flax, FUM tape, etc.).

There are slits on the sides for water to flow in.

When purchasing such a crane axle box in a store, you need to pay attention to the length of its body. It may differ from the length of the axle box body that was in your mixer

The rod is held on the body using a clamp. It is usually made of steel and is pulled out using a regular flathead screwdriver. The turn signal is the part that is responsible for the movements of the handle. It is quite fragile and breaks easily if excess force is applied.

The top ceramic plate connects to the turn signal. Previously, this plate rotated a certain distance. In new models, manufacturers have removed this limitation.

The second plate must perfectly coincide with the top one, otherwise the water will flow poorly. For this purpose, there are additional protrusions on the bottom plate, due to which it is securely fixed in the case. For best performance, the records should be treated with silicone grease before assembly.

The gasket is responsible for the tightness of the structure. Its task is to make sure that water flows in only one direction - between the plates. It does not participate in work or friction, so it lives quite a long time. The service life depends mainly on the quality of the water that runs from the tap.

When we turn the mixer lever with our own hands, the rod with the turn signal moves the upper ceramic plate relative to the lower one, opening the passage for the flow of water. We turn it back, the plate snaps into place, the hole closes, and the flow of water into the mixing chamber stops.

Types of crane axle boxes

Detailed description of ceramic faucet axle boxes for mixers
Based on their design, faucet axle boxes are divided into two types:

1. Worm model. It is two parts of one whole: the body and the worm. There is a thread cut inside the body along which the worm rod moves when rotated. It goes right through the body. At the end of the rod there is a rubber or paranite gasket, which, when the rod is lowered, falls into the mixer seat, cutting off the water supply. By rotating the rod in the opposite direction, the water supply is opened. Household faucets use a rubber gasket, which is why the faucet axle is often called rubber.
2. Ceramic model. This design is based on two disks with holes: one fixed, it is fixed inside the axlebox body, the second is movable, fixed on the rod. When the latter is turned, either the hole is aligned, thereby opening the liquid supply, or the holes are closed with blind planes of ceramic disks. Therefore, to open or close you only need to turn the rod half a turn. Such taps and mixers are often called semi-revolving.

Both types of faucet axle boxes for mixers are interchangeable parts, therefore, if necessary, you can replace one with another, but with one condition - the threads inside the mixer body must fit both types.

Another point that you need to pay attention to is the external thread for screwing in. Today, manufacturers offer a wide range of axle boxes, differing from each other in design and shape, but there are two models that differ from each other in thread (shape and pitch)

1. Domestic manufacturers make the external thread on the rod metric. This is either M18 in steps of 1 millimeter, or M22 in steps of 1.5 millimeters. At the upper end of the rod, a square is cut, onto which a wing (flywheel) is placed to rotate the rod around its axis and relative to the body of the valve axle box.
2. Foreign manufacturers use inch threads in crane axle boxes: either 1/2 or 3/8. Instead of a square, 15-24 longitudinal slots are applied to the end of the rod for the valve, which is fixed on top with a screw and washer.

Thus, domestic crane axle boxes will not fit foreign models. Therefore, when going to the store for a new part, take with you an old crane axlebox that has failed.

In addition to the main parameters, there are other indicators (technical characteristics). For example, the temperature that the axle box can withstand, water pressure, throughput. These characteristics are no less important, but practically no attention is paid to them when choosing a part. All well-known manufacturers offer parts with a margin of these indicators.

Faucets are not just plumbing fixtures installed on sinks. This name covers all products that are used to mix hot and cold water. Consequently, mixers are installed in shower fixtures, bidets and other products. They all differ from each other in shape and appearance, but they have the same crane axle boxes. Thus, manufacturers are doing everything to unify the design of plumbing fixtures. This makes it possible to avoid high costs by producing parts of different shapes and sizes. In addition, this position simplifies the repair of plumbing fixtures.

How to replace a crane axle box with your own hands?

Small bath: types, sizes and features of choice

1.

The topmost cap must be removed from the flywheel. It may not be easy to do this during long-term use, so pliers will help in this case. Under the cap inside the flywheel there is a bolt that must be unscrewed to remove the faucet valve.

2.

Often, in order to unscrew the valve, a lot of effort is required, because the metal under the constant influence of water forms an oxide, which, sometimes, tightly holds the parts of the mixer together. After the valve is removed, it is necessary to clean the thread to which the bolt was attached - during the period of operation, debris could probably have accumulated there. The flywheel itself must also be cleaned from the inside.

3.

Next, you should start unscrewing the faucet fittings, which may also not give in the first time. For convenience, you need to take sliding pliers, and in order not to scratch the glossy surface with them, you can put a piece of dense material under them.

4.

After removing the fittings, you can see the axle box screwed into the mixer. Before unscrewing it, be sure to check whether the supply of hot or cold water is shut off (depending on what kind of water was regulated by the failed faucet).

If the water is not shut off, it will gush out immediately after removing the axle box from the mixer.

5.

When the axle box is unscrewed, it is necessary to thoroughly clean the threads of the mixer. This is necessary so that the new valve axlebox fits tightly along the threads, otherwise, if debris remains there, water will leak not only from the nose of the gander, but also at the base of the flywheel. A card brush is suitable for cleaning.

6.

For each mixer, a certain type of faucet axlebox is suitable. It is necessary to select this part so that it matches the thread, size and material (ceramic or rubber). For convenience, you can simply take a broken axlebox with you to the store.

7.

We screw the new axlebox into the place where its predecessor stood. If the mixer thread is cleaned normally, then there should be no problems with further assembly of the flywheel.

Since the faucet is often used in the bathroom and kitchen, it will be useful to have the skills to replace the faucet axle box, because most often it is the cause of water leakage. And, thanks to step-by-step instructions with photos, not only a man, but also a housewife who does not have the opportunity to contact a plumber can cope with this.

I also suggest watching a video on how to replace a faucet axle box with your own hands.

Types and sizes

Circulation pump for heating: types, devices, selection criteria

The axle box valve is a structure made of brass or steel, consisting of a metal body, a fitting and a rotary rod. It also includes sealing elements (seals) that ensure the tightness of the product. The internal locking element of the axle box changes position depending on the movement of the lever or mixer valve. This element can be manufactured in the form of:

• flat plate (classic type);
• metal sphere (general design of all ball valves);
• worm element with rubber seals (the most popular type of product).

We recommend that you familiarize yourself with: Design and types of three-way valve, functional features of the tee

The standard dimensions of the faucet axlebox established by GOST are 1/2 and 3/8 inches, which coincides with most modern domestically produced mixers. When purchasing a product to repair a faucet, you need to know the dimensions of the internal hole of the plumbing element so as not to make a mistake with your choice.

There is a generally accepted classification of axle boxes, dividing all products into two types:

• worm;
• ceramic.

Worm - models in a metal case with a thread in which there is a rotating rod. When the mixer flywheel moves, the rod moves and presses against the rubber gasket, which shuts off the water supply. The external thread serves for direct fixation of the element in the mixer.

Ceramic - faucet axle boxes in a metal case, which contains two ceramic pressure disks with through holes for water. One of the disks is fixed in the housing, and the second one moves when the flywheel is turned. Changing the position of the rotary plastic changes the size of the axlebox flow area, thereby regulating the flow of water. The faucet body is installed in the mixer using standard seals and washers.

Devices with worm gear

Rubber or worm devices are equipped with a rod. When you turn the handle of the tap, it extends. As a result, the gasket in the device opens or closes the valve seat and, accordingly, the water supply. The gasket itself can be made of various types of rubber. And how long it will serve depends on this. Its wear can be determined by the hum in the pipes, which appears when the water supply tap is turned on.

The main disadvantage of this type of crane axlebox is the short service life of this device. Among the advantages that devices with a worm mechanism have are:

• fairly low cost of these devices;
• widespread availability on sale, which makes it easy to find the right model;
• ease of replacement or repair of this device with your own hands;
• the ability to make the gasket yourself from suitable rubber.

Basic malfunctions of the crane axle box

If a person is good with technology, then he can easily disassemble and reassemble both the mixer and the axle box.

External manifestations of a crane axle malfunction:

• the valve does not tightly close the flow of water: the reason is the wear of the gasket;
• water leaks from under the faucet.

In the first case, if the crane axlebox is of the worm type, it is necessary to replace the rubber gasket. To do this, you just need to unscrew it from the king pin and replace it with a new one. If you don’t have a branded gasket, you can find a piece of rubber sheet 3–6 mm thick, cut a gasket from it to fit and screw it to your workplace. The main thing is that the rubber is elastic and not dry out.

If the faucet box is of a ceramic type, then you will have to disassemble it, remove the ceramic plates, thoroughly clean them of layers and grains of sand, check for chips and cracks, and then carefully put them in place. If the faucet still flows after cleaning, then you need to ensure a tighter fit between the ceramic plates and each other. To do this, a couple of pieces of electrical tape are glued to the ceramic insert (see figure below). Before assembly, the faucet parts are lubricated with waterproof lubricant. After assembly, the plates are pressed more tightly against each other, and the rubber ring is also pressed more tightly to the seat - and water does not leak when the tap is closed.

If any type of crane axlebox has damaged metal parts, then it cannot be repaired and will have to be replaced with a new one.

PHOTO: YouTube.com Removing the rubber pressure ring

PHOTO: YouTube.comGluing duct tape

In some cases, it becomes necessary to replace the fluoroplastic washer with an “eternal” copper one. Since it is almost impossible to buy such a washer of the required size, a ring is made from copper wire. A piece of wire is wrapped around the rod several times, then the rings are cut off. The resulting washer is installed in place.

PHOTO: YouTube.comMaking a copper washer

If water leaks from under the faucet, then this means only one thing - the sealing rubber under it is destroyed. In this case, the old rubber ring is removed, and fum tape in the form of a roller is wound onto the thread instead (see Fig. 8). A “roller” of wound fum tape replaces the standard o-ring.

PHOTO: avatars.mds.yandex.net Rewinding the fum tape on the crane axle box

The corrected faucet axle can be installed in place in the mixer.

PHOTO: YouTube.com The faucet is installed in the mixer

How to unscrew the valve axle if it is stuck to the body

Often, faucet axle boxes in Soviet-style plumbing fixtures cannot be removed with a tool. This is due to the fact that over time, the elements rust and oxidize.

If the valve head is stuck to the mixer body, you can try:

1. Hook up the edges of the element with an adjustable wrench, loosen the element and turn out the valve axle. The main thing is to calculate the force: if you apply a little more force, you can easily break the thread and break the tap.
2. Use chemicals. Vinegar, household chemicals for removing rust, oxygen-containing products, and WD-40 can eat away rust. They will need to lubricate the element and wait a quarter of an hour for the substance to take effect. If necessary, the procedure can be repeated.
3. Use the thermal method. If the faucet box does not unscrew, then you can try heating it with a hair dryer. You can also use an open fire, but then the plastic fittings of the mixer can straighten out, and the metal can darken.
4. Drill out the valve head. This method should be resorted to only if others have failed. Since after carrying out the work, a new thread will have to be made in the mixer body. To remove an element in this way, you first need to cut off the protruding part of the bolt with a hacksaw, and then drill out the remaining part.

The methods can be used either independently or in combination with each other.

Useful recommendations for choosing a faucet axle box for a mixer

Any device needs to be replaced after some time

Before buying a faucet for a mixer, it is important to consider some aspects. It is necessary to determine the size of the seat, the type and pitch of the threaded connection, the length and configuration of the rod, the number of splines, which is typical for imported products

In domestic versions, valves are “square”.

Before purchasing a new crane axle box, you need to find out the dimensions of the seat

To replace a worn valve head, you should buy the exact same model from the same manufacturer. In case of choosing a modified analogue, it is necessary to take into account full compliance with the overall dimensions and interaction with the mixer. To eliminate mistakes, you should choose a crane axle box in a specialized store, having the old part with you.

We should not forget about the quality of water, which will affect the uninterrupted operation and duration of operation of the shut-off element. The cheapest options are offered by Chinese manufacturers. The cost of the valve head is in the range of 70-800 rubles. The domestic manufacturer produces high-quality products in the price range from 100 to 1500 rubles. The cost of a European brand crane axle box will be 450-2100 rubles.

When purchasing a new faucet for a bathroom or kitchen, you need to independently verify which faucet axle is installed in it. To do this, rotate the flywheel. For a rubber faucet for a shower or washbasin, you will need 3-4 turns, but for a ceramic one, only half a turn is enough.

As a rule, imported and domestic crane axle boxes are not interchangeable

Replacing the crane and crane axle box

Sometimes an expensive faucet replacement can be avoided by replacing the faucet axle box. This can be done quickly enough and without professional help. At the same time, it should be remembered that different crane axle boxes are not interchangeable. The same can happen with axle boxes from different manufacturers (domestic axle boxes cannot replace foreign ones and vice versa). In addition, if a domestically produced valve head is replaced with an imported analogue, then the flywheel will also need to be changed. Therefore, it is better to go for a new element with an old crane axle box with you.

You can determine which faucet axle is in the mixer by moving the flywheel: if the valve makes four turns, then the faucet has a worm-type valve head, if it makes ½ turn, then the part is ceramic.

Having selected an element, you can begin replacing it. Replacement, however, must be carried out with the water supply turned off.

After this, in order to replace the valve head you need to:

1. Remove the protective cap from the flywheel using a knife or flat-head screwdriver.
2. Remove the bolt under the flywheel and unscrew the valve.
3. Clean the thread to which the bolt was attached.
4. Get the accessories.
5. Unscrew the valve axle with an adjustable wrench.
6. Clear the footprint for the new element.

How to repair a faucet with ceramic discs

A water tap is one of the most commonly used types of shut-off valves. It is the tap that ends the water pipes, and it is through it that water enters houses and apartments. Today, hundreds of different types of taps are available in stores. They differ not only in appearance, but also in their internal structure. What is the structure of a water tap and mixer? Let's look at the most common types of structures.

In colloquial speech, the concepts of “faucet” and “mixer” often replace each other. In fact, these terms hide different concepts. The tap is used to install only on the hot or only on the cold water supply branch.

The mixer is connected to both pipes at once; by adjusting the supply level of cold and hot water, you can easily achieve the required temperature. Today, taps are rarely installed in apartments, since using faucets is more convenient. But simple ones are also used quite widely - in dachas, production, etc.

How to remove the faucet axle from the mixer (video)

The faucet axle is the main element in the mixer, which affects the flow and shut-off of water. If worn, the crane axle box can be repaired or replaced with your own hands. You should choose a new part, taking into account its size and type, and the technical characteristics of the plumbing. A high-quality replacement and repair can be carried out using the instructions presented above.

In the general sense, the plumbing in the bathroom and kitchen represents a single plumbing system, the crown of which is the mixer. The main purpose of this device is to supply the required pressure, as well as mix cold and hot water to the required temperature.

The main element of each mixer, which is responsible for adjustment, is the faucet axle. It bears the main load during operation. Because of this, it is most susceptible to breakdown. It must be said right away that the repair or replacement process is not a very complicated procedure, which allows everyone to carry out restoration operations without the assistance of specialists. Still, if you have difficulties with repairs, it is better to entrust this work to a specialist who will do everything quickly and really efficiently.

How to replace an old crane axle box with a new one?

Replacing the valve head It is not difficult to disassemble and then assemble the device. The repair worker will first of all have to turn off the water supply to the problem tap. Only then will it be possible to dismantle the old crane axle box. First he must remove the cap from the flywheel, and then unscrew the exposed bolt.

By unscrewing the bolt, the repairman gains access to the valve, which, when unscrewed, will allow him to get to the valve axle box. To quickly release the valve head from the mounting hole, it is better to arm yourself with a wrench.

Features of installation of the crane axle box:

After inspecting the threads and removing any debris that has accumulated inside the mixer, the contractor begins installing a new axle box.

Now the repair work is carried out exactly the opposite - when the new faucet axle is installed in the seat instead of the old one, it is the turn of the valve and the decorative cap. Particular attention should be paid to the correspondence of the dimensions of the old and new crane axleboxes. They must match each other. In most cases, repairing a worm-type axle box comes down to lubrication and replacing the rubber locking gasket (“cuff”)

In this case, there is no need to buy a new crane axle box. Having taken out the malfunctioning part, you need to replace the leaky rubber gasket (“cuff”) with a new one, and then return the valve axlebox to its old place. A new gasket for repairing the crane axle box can be purchased at a specialized store, or you can cut it yourself from a dense and durable piece of rubber (if available).

Sometimes the landing socket needs repair. This situation is one of the worst. Even if the “cuff” has not yet been worn out, the faucet box begins to let water through. If this happens, then the entire faucet must be replaced. In the case when, at a particular stage, purchasing a new product is too expensive and is not possible, the repairman can take so-called temporary measures - install a thicker “cuff” on the crane axlebox.

If problems arise with a ceramic faucet (the device stops working properly or starts leaking water), the cause most likely should be sought in a leak. In this situation, the crane axle box cannot be repaired and must be replaced with a new device.

Worm-mounted faucet for mixer: pros and cons

A worm-type crane axle box, or gran axle box as it is also called, is a part consisting of a metal rod with a thread, which is fixed in the rod and extends when acted upon by the flywheel. At the end of the screw there is a rubber gasket, which, pressing against the valve, blocks access to water.

The advantages of worm-type crane axle boxes include:

• Low cost;
• Possibility of carrying out independent repairs;
• The ability to make gaskets (which, most often, are the cause of element failure) independently.

The disadvantage of using such a part is much greater. The main disadvantages of the product include its fragility, the presence of a large number of revolutions, a decrease in smoothness over time, and noise.

Installing a sink is quite a labor-intensive process. How to cope and save time and money, learn from our article: https://homeli.ru/stroitelstvo-doma/inzhenernye-sistemy/kanalizatsiya/montazh-rakoviny

DIY kitchen faucet repair

There is an oil seal under the nut. It is advisable to remove the old one. But if the nut is long enough, you can simply add a new one.

To repair oil seals, there are special packings - braided cords made of linen threads impregnated with graphite lubricant, or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) ropes. As a stuffing box, you can use FUM tape, which is cut into rings and laid around the rod. It is then clamped with the gland nut. The second option: loosely wind the flax thread, having previously soaked it with any lubricant (for example, graphite).

If, instead of a nut, the rod is kept from falling out by a bracket, a rubber ring is used as an oil seal.

To replace it, we take out the bracket, disassemble the valve axlebox and replace the rubber ring (of which there may be several) with a new one of a suitable size. Such rings can be purchased at plumbing or auto stores. Moreover, in a car store the choice of sizes is much larger.

Features of replacing axle boxes

It must be said right away that ceramic mechanisms cannot be repaired. If one of the plates fails, then the mechanism itself must be completely changed. The first thing you need to do before starting repairs is to turn off the water pressure. After this, it is necessary to disconnect the cover that covers the rod connecting to the axle box. Then you need to unscrew the screw plug. It is attached to the axlebox rod. To do this you need to use an adjustable wrench.

After this, the valve and decorative cap are removed. The axle box itself is unscrewed using a square wrench set to “seven”. After dismantling the mechanism, it is necessary to perform all actions in the reverse order. This procedure for replacing the axle box is also suitable for models with a rubberized base. Replacing an axle box is not the cheapest event. However, when choosing a high-quality mechanism, you can forget about the problems in the operation of the mixer for the next few years.

Advantages and disadvantages of the product

Any mechanism has advantages and disadvantages. As for the advantages of axle boxes, they include:

• 1) Useful life. Crane axle boxes, if installed correctly, will function properly for many years. The situation is different with rubberized faucet axle boxes: due to the need to constantly tighten the faucet tightly, friction arises, which causes the failure of such models.
• 2) High functionality. A kitchen faucet with a ceramic axle is the best way to ensure optimal supply of hot and cold water to the apartment. Almost all modern faucets are equipped with ceramic faucet axle boxes. This is due to the fact that it is much easier to open and shut off the water supply with such a mechanism than with a similar operation with rubberized faucet axle boxes.
• 3) No noise during operation. By using aluminum oxide in the structure of the axle box plates, it is possible to reduce the noise that occurs when connecting and separating the plates.

Disadvantages of crane axle boxes

• 1) Very high cost. When compared with rubberized models, ceramic crane axle boxes have a very high price. However, the high cost is fully compensated by the fact that such mechanisms do not have to be changed very often.
• 2) It reacts very “poorly” to the presence of impurities in water. This applies to water supplied through pipes to city apartments. It contains a large amount of sand and impurities that settle on the plates. Thus, the service life of such mechanisms is significantly reduced. To prevent the formation of dust and dirt on the surface of the plates during the installation of the faucet axlebox, it is necessary to additionally purchase a filter for fine water purification.

Thus, we can conclude that a ceramic faucet for a mixer is one of the main elements of plumbing equipment. The principle of their operation and the material from which they are made ensure that this mechanism has a very long service life. If it is installed correctly and of proper quality, you can forget about problems with the device for the next few years.

Unlike rubber models, ceramic mechanisms are very expensive. However, the price includes the durability and quality of the crane axle box. It is also necessary to keep in mind that ceramic models of crane axle boxes cannot be repaired. If one or two plates fail, the entire mechanism will need to be replaced, which will significantly impact the budget.

Crane box for mixers

is a device inside valve mixers designed to open and shut off water. In fact, this is a valve mixer cartridge, which, if it fails, must be replaced or repaired. The latter is not so easy to do, which is especially evident in the case of ceramic models. The advantage of faucet axle boxes is ease of use, as well as an economical mechanism for passing water, which allows you to create a fairly strong pressure, despite the fact that the amount of water consumed per unit of time is less.

Ceramic crane axle box: advantages and disadvantages

Valve mechanisms have been replaced by valve axle boxes with a working pair made of ceramics. Ceramics is a material obtained by firing clay substances with the addition of minerals. It is heat resistant and durable. Therefore, ceramic valve heads are durable and reliable.

Ceramic plates have identical holes. One of the plates is located in the body of the part, and the second is on the rod. When you turn the tap, the holes overlap each other, allowing water to flow.

It is possible to replace the plates if they break, but you will have to select a working pair specifically for the size of the part. Most often, it is easier to replace the entire part.

The main advantages of using ceramic valve heads include:

• Durability;
• The small number of revolutions required to open and close the tap;
• Silence;
• Smooth ride.

The disadvantages include the cost of the ceramic product, which exceeds the cost of the part with rubber cuffs, and the need to install a fine water filter for the correct operation of the valve head.

Repairing a ceramic crane axle box

A ceramic faucet axle that has become unusable can be repaired by purchasing the necessary parts, or by replacing it completely. Moreover, experts advise the latter option, which will take less time.

Reasons for repair may be the following:

• The ceramic plates are worn out. Their breakdown occurs infrequently, and replacing individual plates is a complex and time-consuming operation; it is much easier to buy a whole part and install it.
• Foreign objects have entered the space between the plates. In order to reduce such cases to a minimum, it is advisable to install devices for purifying water from impurities.
• The thread between the rod and the body of the valve axlebox has been developed. In this case, the entire part changes completely.

Before you begin repairing or replacing the faucet box, you need to turn off the water supply in your apartment or house and prepare the necessary minimum tools: screwdrivers (flat and Phillips), pliers, gas and spanner wrenches.

Preparation for repair

First, you need to remove the flywheel from the crane axle box. To get to it, remove the colored decorative plug from the faucet valve. Next, remove the flywheel by pulling it up. There is a bolt under the flywheel, which can be removed to remove the valve. Often, this requires the use of force, since water is constantly in contact with the parts of the mixer, and an oxide forms on the metal, which holds the parts together better than any glue. After removing the valve, the first thing we do is clean the threads and flywheel. Then unscrew the decorative insert of the faucet using a socket wrench with a 17mm head.

We remove the crane axle box step by step

Tip: in order to avoid scratching the surface of the faucet when using a gas wrench, you can make a kind of gasket from a piece of thick fabric between the faucet and the tool. But it is better to use a spanner.

At this stage, access to the axle box is already available. Using an adjustable wrench counterclockwise, holding the mixer, unscrew the valve axle. After this, be sure to clean the threads of the mixer, for which you can use a cord brush.

Next, if you plan to replace the ceramic axle box, then we do it in the reverse order and with the utmost care. The screws should be tightened delicately to prevent the ceramic plates from cracking

The new axlebox will snap into place without any problems if the threads have been cleaned correctly.

If there is no need to replace the entire crane axlebox, then it can be repaired.

Situation 1: gasket wear

Wear of the ceramic gasket in the crane axle box

Almost all problems that lead to leaks are caused by wear of the silicone gasket. If such a circumstance occurs and the gasket seems to have become “stuck” in one place, it can be replaced. Or "repair". The mechanism of operation is as follows: unscrew the valve axle from the tap and increase the height of the gasket. To do this, apply a thin layer of silicone on it. Then we return the axle box to its place.

Situation 2: foreign elements getting between the plates

Any foreign particles, for example, grains of sand, falling between the plates, violate the tightness of the axlebox and lead to leakage. Here we proceed as follows: unscrew the valve axle and disassemble it. We carefully clean the ceramic plates and treat them with a water-resistant lubricant. Next, we return the axle box to its place.

Situation 3: chips on the surface of ceramic plates

In this case, increasing the height will not help. The way out of the situation is to replace both plates, but in case of minor damage, grinding them is also possible. This can be done with a simple pencil lead (necessarily soft), then the plates should be rubbed in.

Ceramic gasket chipped in the faucet box