So that nothing on the LEVA feels stiff that should move freely
A needle bearing is an inconspicuous ring with lots of thin rollers inside. It absorbs high forces in a small space and keeps a rotating movement light, even under load. That is exactly why bearings like this are fitted to a lever machine: anything that moves a hundred times a day should still feel the same after the hundredth time as it did in the morning.
You don’t notice wear with your eyes, but with your hand. The movement becomes rough, it catches at one point, there is a faint grinding, or the resistance becomes uneven. Anyone who knows a LEVA feels it straight away – and anyone who uses one every day won’t want to put up with it for weeks.
When it’s due
The movement no longer runs evenly but jerks or catches. A dry grinding comes from the mechanism. On disassembly, the removed bearing shows rust or scoring, or runs noticeably out of true when turned by hand. Or individual rollers are missing – in which case it’s clear anyway.
At a glance
| Type |
Needle bearing |
| Location |
Bearing point on the LEVA; the exact position is not specified in our documentation |
| Fits |
La Marzocco LEVA |
| Scope of delivery |
1 needle bearing, without shaft and without circlip |
| Part number |
F.3.085 |
| Version |
9 × 19 × 12 mm |
| Installation |
Fitting by a qualified technician recommended |
| Brand |
La Marzocco |
Important for installation
The bearing sits inside the machine on a mechanism that works under load. Needle bearings are pressed in straight and never hammered in at an angle – if the outer ring tilts, the new bearing is already damaged on the first pull. We deliberately don’t give step-by-step instructions here, because the group has to be dismantled to do it. Have the replacement carried out by a qualified technician, who will then check that it moves freely.
Who it’s for
For service companies overhauling a LEVA, and for cafés that have their lever machine serviced on schedule rather than waiting for it to fail. A needle bearing isn’t a part you buy on the off chance – but once the mechanism is open, it makes sense to replace it at the same time rather than opening the group a second time.
What goes with it
The other items for the lever machine are listed in the La Marzocco LEVA spare parts section. Working in the same area are the roller bushing for the lever group and the flanged bushing 12 × 16 × 11,5 mm for LEVA. If the mechanism is given a more extensive overhaul, the mechanical fork of the lever group is often part of it too.
From our workshop in Bern and Zurich: We always check the bearings on a LEVA with the machine cold and no water in the system – warm and under pressure, any mechanism feels lighter than it really is. Three slow pulls by hand, eyes closed, focusing only on the feel: rough is rough. This is our own routine, not a manufacturer specification. After reassembly, we run the machine in by pulling shots of Nutty Delight, because it’s forgiving of pressure fluctuations; for fine-tuning we use Very Nutty. Everything else is in Coffee beans.
No returns
Original spare parts are excluded from exchange and return. They are sourced to order and cannot be resold once they have been fitted or test-fitted on the machine. So before ordering, check the model, year of manufacture and serial number of your machine – or drop us a quick line and we’ll clarify the fit together. Your statutory rights regarding defective goods remain unaffected.
Frequently asked questions
Where exactly does the bearing sit?
Our documentation names the LEVA, but not an exact position. We won’t make one up. Send us the serial number and the number from your service documentation, and we’ll identify it together.
Do I need two?
The price is per piece. Whether your machine needs one or more depends on the version. Ask us before ordering so you don’t end up with too few.
Can I use an off-the-shelf industrial bearing?
The dimensions are a standard size, but material, tolerance and lubrication determine the service life here. We supply the original part and recommend it too.
Is a shaft included?
No. Only the bearing with part number F.3.085 is supplied, without shaft and without circlip.
Can I see the part at your place?
Yes. Visit our showroom in Bern at Gerberngasse 44 or in Zurich at Hagenholzstrasse 50b. Bring the old bearing along and we’ll compare the dimensions directly.
Not sure it’s the right position? Email us at [email protected]. We deliver across Switzerland and to Liechtenstein in 2-4 working days.
