I am trying to replace the cartridge in my shower. I have the water turned off, everything disassembled (including u shaped clip), I have the T shaped cartridge tool. I was able to get the inside out of the brass housing but I cannot get the brass housing to move no matter what. The T shaped tool is in the housing and I have tried to twist, turn, pull, etc... nothing and now I can't get the tool out. I have soaked in CLR and tried WD40. I need other ideas!! I haven't had water for 4 hours and I'm no closure to getting this dumb thing out.

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Originally Posted by ketttre

I am trying to replace the cartridge in my shower. I have the water turned off, everything disassembled (including u shaped clip), I have the T shaped cartridge tool. I was able to get the inside out of the brass housing but I cannot get the brass housing to move no matter what. The T shaped tool is in the housing and I have tried to twist, turn, pull, etc....nothing and now I can't get the tool out. I have soaked in CLR and tried WD40. I need other ideas!!!! I haven't had water for 4 hours and I'm no closure to getting this dumb thing out.

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Dontcha just hate it when that happens? What causes the cartridge to stick is the "O" rings swelling against the walls of the valve body. The trick to getting the rest of the cartridge out is to break the "O" rings free by getting t5he cartridge body to turn. Once the "O" rings no longer are binding the cartridge body can be pulled out with a pair of pliers.
To break the "O" rings free I Take a sharp chisel that's a little oversized and pound it in until it wedges tight, (the cartridge is either brass or plastic and the chisel will dig in) Now put a wrench on it and try to turn it. Once it turns you have broken the "O" rings loose and you should be able to work the old cartridge out of there. Moen makes a cartridge pullesr(see image) that's just made for those stubborn cartridges. Pick one up at a Moen dealer or a plumbing supply house. Good luck, Tom

Right about now you might be thinking, oh my gosh he is telling me to wreck the cartridge. He is and its all good. You aren't going to get that puppy to budge with the O ring in place. Remember on the Moen box it says "buy it for looks, buy it for life." Lifetime warranty on parts , just call Moen and they will send you a new cartridge postage included. All you need is a tube of plumbers faucet grease to gease the inside of the olod valve body. Warranty Information for Moen Faucets

Another method which I found by calling Moen to remove a brass cartridge. Get a tap and die set. One is tap is just the right size to cut shallow threads in the brass cartridge. Place a 2 inch long small diameter wood dowel in the middle of the cartridge. Small enough so it passes through the hole at the far end of the cartridge. Screw in the tap so that it pushes on the dowel. As the tap pushes the dowel and cuts threads, it will pull the brass cartridge out.

I recommend the Danco Two-in-One Core Puller (60885) that can be used to pull out the cartridge and the casing should they become separated. http://www.amazon.com/Danco-Moen-Cartridge-Puller/dp/B000DZKXDQ

Hello John98760 Again I responded your other post the same way please check the date on the right left corner before you respond to a thread this is a three years old post, Thanks.

John