Modern faucets for bathtubs and kitchen sinks consist of separate faucets for cold and hot water. They are quite repairable in domestic conditions. More complex systems with a rotating jib will require specialist intervention.
The water in the taps is closed by turning two ceramic discs with special windows. The axle box crane consists of a body, a wing, a post (rod) that transmits rotation from the wing to the locking disks, the disks themselves and various gaskets. During many years of operation, wear of the internal gaskets (seals) occurs and some subsidence of the lowest gasket, which is not subject to rotation and does not wear out. The subsidence of this gasket leads to water leaks when the tap is closed.
Tools and materials
To repair the axle box crane without replacing it, we will need:
- adjustable wrench or set of wrenches;
- screwdriver;
- pliers;
- scissors;
- sheet rubber from a bicycle inner tube.
This repair can be done without removing the mixer. It is enough to unscrew the valve axle. The water must be turned off.
Faucet repair process
Remove the faucet from the mixer.
To do this, you need to unscrew the decorative cap and use a screwdriver to unscrew the wing fastening screw. After removing the wing, unscrew the decorative collar nut, unscrew it with a wrench and remove the axle box.
Next, use a screwdriver to remove the lower locking gasket.
We take out and inspect gaskets, seals, ceramic discs.
The additional fluoroplastic gasket between the body of the valve-axlebox is worn out, and it is actually because of it that leaks occur, since normal clamping of the disks is not ensured.
Commercially available repair kits for cranes do not include such a gasket, so you will have to eliminate the longitudinal play of the post and locking ceramic discs in another way. But there is another way available to everyone.
We cut out a gasket according to the diameter of the gasket-seal, from any sheet rubber up to 1 mm thick. In the middle of this gasket, cut a hole with a diameter of 3-4 mm and install the seal on ceramic discs.
We assemble the crane axle box in the reverse order, and before installing the lower locking gasket, install our homemade one.
We install the standard locking gasket in place and assemble the mixer.
We check its operation - the backlash has been eliminated. There is no leak.
Conclusion
Having a simple set of tools and some sheet rubber, with your head and hands, you can always repair the axle box and extend the service life of the mixer. If you find severe wear on the gaskets or deep scratches on the ceramic from sand or metal, do not despair.With the dismantled crane axlebox, you need to go to a hardware store and pick up a new device that matches the size. After this, replace it.
