Water supply is a complex construction, the main part of which is precisely the mixer. Masters ascribe to him the main purpose. This is maintaining the right temperature and water pressure during operation. The axle box is a regulating and fixing mechanism. The main pressure is on this component.
As a result, it is easy to understand that it is it that is often subjected to repair and replacement. Each person can do this himself, because there is nothing complicated in work. The modern water supply system has two main types of structures - worm and ceramic.
Worm gear
The axle box crane got its name from the existing mechanism. The shaft of the rotary rod is taken as the basis. Outside there is a thread and a place to work with a wrench. Inside there can be two options - with a thread reverse to the worm shaft or a guide for the shut-off valve. If this is the first option, then rotation occurs relative to the mixer.
The locking gasket must lock into the fixed valve, although often this is done directly to the stem. There must be a thread on the outside to fasten with a bolt. If a worm gear stem is used, it is mounted with a bracket. Water leaks are excluded, as the seal is installed.
Operation process
The worm construction of the axle box crane has been known for several years and is actively used. To understand that the design was created many years ago, it is worth paying attention to the head. It should be square. Today they produce slotted ones. Masters believe that the expiration date depends on two main factors:
- Abrasion pads. But if the saddle is well subjected to grinding, the period of use increases.
- Seals in water adversely affect the seal, resulting in wear.
An oil seal can also often fail. The reasons for this are the same as for the gasket. However, if lubrication is done on time, breakdowns rarely occur. Also note that the crane box of the worm structure does not have such a long service life as other types. But at the same time its price is low. And it’s easy to repair the axle box crane.
There is one feature. If the axle box is used in the kitchen or in the bathroom, where there is a high level of intensity of use, then its term is no more than two years. But on the riser, this period increases to five. The moving parts of the entire installation are subject to wear.
Ceramic
These types of crane-axle boxes for mixers are quite modern. At the base are two ceramic plates. They are tightly fixed to each other, but have holes for the flow of water. One is motionless, and the other changes its position to align with the recess and to supply water. The jumper of the ceramic axle box has a thread to be fixed with mixers. Butt parts are protected by seals, which avoids leaks.
Using the washer, the stem is fixed to the body. There is an oil seal for sealing. After the adapter is applied. Its choice depends on the model. The groove connection allows you to reliably fix the fixed ceramic disk to the jumper. Further on, it is necessary to complete the construction with a gasket in order to avoid leakage.
Ceramic axle box cranes have many advantages, especially compared to the first model.
As it shows itself in work
Since the design is fully thought out, the result is a tightly locking mechanism. Ceramics are not exposed to chemical compounds from water, which means that it serves a long period of time. Masters call the operation period of at least five years. Despite many advantages, this design also has weaknesses. Particles of sand in the water adversely affect ceramic discs. But you can cope with this by installing additional filters, although creating such conditions is not appropriate in every place.
What are the dimensions of the axle box? Diameter - from 10.8 to 24.5 mm. Length - from 24 to 42 millimeters. What are the sizes of threads for crane boxes? It is metric, in increments of 1, 2 or 2.5 mm.
What you need to know about the repair?
There are new discs on sale, but there is one caveat: adjusting them as tightly as possible will not work. Yes, and all nodes will have to be changed. Only the factory crane box will last a long time. After repair, its operating period is halved. Leakage of oil seals on the stem is rare, one might say, never. Because there is maximum sealing and good lubrication.
Tap replacement
How to change the axle box if there is a leak? Oddly enough, those who do not have experience do this. The problem can only appear in the right selection of spare parts for your crane. It is better to take it off and go to the store to look for an identical design. Do not forget that the water is previously blocked. What steps do:
- From the tools it is worth preparing: a screwdriver, an adjustable wrench and a cutter, pliers and a knife.
- Block the water.
- The design has a decorative cap. It can just be put on or screwed on. Depending on this, either a screwdriver is used, or simply the part is removed with a knife (but carefully so as not to break anything).
- Next, remove the fixing screw.
- It is necessary to remove the valve, but so that the grooves do not break. Next, the valve is unscrewed.
- After the time has come decorative lining. This is done with pliers or a screwdriver, but first they need to be softened. For this, an electrical tape or any insert material is suitable. This method completely eliminates the appearance of scratches, which will not lead to additional damage.
- The crane is dismantled using an adjustable wrench. After the structure is opened, you can see the joints that are covered with rust. You need to clean them. For this, simple vinegar is suitable. It is poured and then dismantled.
- When the valve is in place, do not tighten it strongly so as not to disrupt the thread and damage the gasket. There is a simple way - twist your hands to the stop, but in a sealed ring. Then, with the help of a tool, a rotation of 90 degrees is performed. That will be enough.
Everyone can cope with the replacement. It remains only to acquire the necessary and stock up on the tool. In stores they sell faucet-boxes for mixers, the types of which are very different.
How to avoid breakage?
Often you need to understand when something is wrong with the tap so that the breakdown does not occur. When a rattle is heard after the water supply or the pressure goes intermittently, this already indicates a problem. If a leak occurs, the gasket sometimes just changes.
Remove the axle box, after which you need to pay attention to the water intake saddle. If chips or other malfunctions are found on it, you will have to completely change it, since the repair will not bring any result. The gasket is purchased in the store, although many do it themselves. Then it is mounted on a screw or stem.
Conclusion
So, we found out how to repair the crane-axle box. As you can see, this is a simple process - you just need to carefully follow the recommendations.