Modern faucets for bathtubs and kitchen sinks consist of separate taps for cold and hot water. They are completely repairable in domestic conditions. More complex systems with a rotary gander require the intervention of specialists.
Locking water in taps is carried out by turning two ceramic disks with special windows. The axle box consists of a body, a lamb, and a stud (rod) transmitting rotation from the lamb to the locking disks, the disks themselves and various gaskets. In the process of many years of operation, there is wear of the inner gaskets (glands) and some subsidence of the lowest gasket, which does not rotate and does not wear out. A drawdown of this gasket leads to water leakage when the tap is closed.
Tool and materials
To repair the axle box without replacing it, we need:
- adjustable wrench or set of keys;
- screwdriver;
- pliers;
- scissors;
- sheet rubber from a bicycle camera.
This repair can be done without removing the mixer. It is enough to unscrew the crane box. Water must be shut off.
Crane repair process
We take out the crane box from the mixer.
To do this, unscrew the decorative cap and unscrew the lamb fixing screw with a screwdriver. After removing the lamb, we unscrew the decorative nut-cuff, unscrew it with a wrench and remove the axle box.
Next, using a screwdriver, remove the lower locking gasket.
We take out and inspect gaskets, oil seals, ceramic discs.
An additional fluoroplastic gasket between the casing of the axle box has wear, and it is due to it that it is leaking, since normal clamping of the disks is not ensured.
Such gaskets are not equipped with commercially available crane repair kits, so you will have to eliminate the longitudinal play of the barrel and locking ceramic discs in another way. But there is another way available to everyone.
According to the diameter of the gasket-seal, from any sheet rubber with a thickness of up to 1 mm, we cut the gasket. In the middle of this gasket, cut a hole with a diameter of 3-4 mm and install a seal on ceramic disks.
We assemble the crane box in the reverse order, and before installing the lower locking gasket, put our homemade one.
We install the standard locking gasket in place and assemble the mixer.
We check its work - the backlash is eliminated. There is no leak.
Conclusion
Having the simplest set of tools and a little sheet of rubber, with your head and hands attached, you can always repair the axle box, extend the life of the mixer. If severe wear of the gaskets is detected, deep scratches on the ceramics from sand or metal, do not despair. With a dismantled crane box you need to go to a hardware store and pick up a new device that is appropriate in size. Then replace it.
