Moen faucet - replacing cartridge, will not budge

9 years ago

Hi,

I have a Moen bathroom faucet and it has a small leak. I am trying to replace the cartridge. The old faucet is from 1998. I'm on well water.

I have tried to replace the cartridge years ago for the same faucet but in a different bathroom years ago and unfortunately ended up replacing the entire faucet (which actually is much nicer looking so not really a bad thing) since we could not get the cartridge out. I think we ended up ruining the faucet.

I have had to replace the cartridge on both showers as well. This was not fun but we eventually were able to do this.

I have a cartridge pulling tool. I've tried white vinegar. The cartridge will not budge, either rotating or in terms of coming out. The faucet is coming loose and pulling away from the counter from all my pulling.

Any other suggestions on what I could try? Even though a new faucet would be nice, there are 2 sinks and I'd have to replace both. And I do plan on remodeling the bathroom in the next 5 years so would really rather just keep the old faucets until then.

Thanks,
Sue

Featured Answer

Ellen1234
Original Author

9 years ago

Thanks - yes there is a retaining clip and I have removed it. I have an animated instructional presentation from Moen that I followed as well to ensure I had all the parts removed...

Comments (7)

User
9 years ago
Are you sure the cartridge doesn't have a retaining pin that needs to be removed first? They are very common in Moen faucets, and sometimes not that easy to see.
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User
9 years ago
I've used this method before and it works. Here's a video clip (it's only a couple of minutes long): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGdExIS3b-o
toolbelt68
9 years ago
How about giving it a shot of WD-40 or even Liquid Plumber.
If that doesn't work I'd try heating it up with a torch. Don't get carried away.....lol
Ellen1234
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks for the replies!

I have tried WD-40 and that didn't help. I could try Liquid Plumber though.

I watched that video as well and will see if I can try something like that - unfortunately one of the plastic pieces broke off so I'm not sure how much leverage I'll be able to get to turn the cartridge.

I didn't realize there was a plastic tool in the package and should really have tried that first before the puller tool.

Thanks!
User
9 years ago
WD-40 will not help with corrosion.

If you suspect corrosion you need PB Blaster (easy to find) or Kroil (harder to find). Repeated applications over a few days is very effective.
User
9 years ago
Problem might be breaking the o-ring seal so the cartridge can be pulled up.

If that's the case you want to spray silicone around the cartridge so it can get down to the o-ring. Then that's where twisting with the included tool would break the seal so you can pull the cartridge.

Since one of the plastic pieces broke off you have to devise a way to turn the cartridge.

You might be able to fit a thin instrument like a feeler gauge alongside the cartridge and break the o-ring seal.