So the steam lever runs cleanly again, without play
The GS3 steam lever does not sit directly on the valve shaft. In between there is a small bushing that guides the pin through which the movement of the lever is transferred to the valve. It is one of the smallest parts of the whole assembly and one of the most heavily stressed: every milk froth, every flush, every opening and closing goes through this one point.
When the bushing wears out over the years, you notice it first by feel. The lever wobbles sideways before it engages. It no longer returns cleanly to its end position, or it sits crooked even though the valve is closed. That is no reason to replace the whole tap straight away – often it is exactly this bushing, part number B.1.004/2.
When it is due
The steam lever has noticeable side play before it opens the valve. It no longer drops back into its rest position by itself. It grinds or sticks at one point when you move it. The lever sits visibly crooked although nothing is bent. Or you have the assembly open anyway because you are overhauling the valve – then this part is one of the small parts you renew at the same time rather than installing them a second time.
At a glance
| Type |
Pin bushing, small mechanical part |
| Location |
Steam tap assembly, between operating lever and valve shaft |
| Fits |
La Marzocco GS3 |
| Included |
one pin bushing |
| Part number |
B.1.004/2 |
| Specification |
The manufacturer data does not state material or dimensions |
| Installation |
Installation by a qualified technician recommended |
| Brand |
La Marzocco |
Important for installation
The steam tap sits on a pressurised line and gets very hot during operation. Before any work, the machine is switched off, disconnected from the mains, cooled down and depressurised. We deliberately do not give step-by-step instructions here – if you do not know the assembly, have the part fitted. We do it in a few minutes as part of a service.
Who it is for
For technicians overhauling a GS3, and for businesses that lay out all the small wear parts anyway during a steam valve service. For everyone else, it is the part you order once someone has identified the cause of the lever play – not on suspicion.
What goes with it
In the same number family B.1.004 you will find the complete steam valve GS3, the lever INOX and the counterplate INOX. If you are doing the gaskets at the same time, take the service kit for the steam lever. Everything else for the machine is in the La Marzocco GS3 spare parts section.
From our workshop in Bern and Zurich: When a GS3 is with us for a steam valve overhaul, we lay the small parts out on the table beforehand – bushing, gaskets, cotter pin – and decide at the open valve what really gets replaced. That is our own routine, not a manufacturer requirement. Afterwards, the function test includes a jug of milk and an espresso, and for that we like to use Nutty Delight or Cozy Chocolate. If you like it stronger, go for Very Nutty; the full range is under Coffee beans.
No returns
Spare parts are excluded from exchange and return. They are sourced to order and cannot be resold once they have been installed 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 short message and we will check the fit together. Your rights in the event of defective goods remain unaffected.
Frequently asked questions
Why is there no image for this item?
We do not have an illustration for this part number. We would rather show no image than a wrong one. If you want to be sure it is the right part, send us the serial number of your machine and we will check it against the exploded view.
Do I also get the lever and the shaft with it?
No. Only the pin bushing B.1.004/2 is supplied. Lever, counterplate and the complete valve are separate items and are linked above.
How do I know the play comes from the bushing?
You only know for sure with the valve open. One indication is that the lever wobbles across the direction of movement while the shaft itself is firm. Conversely, play in the direction of movement points more to the valve side.
What are the dimensions and material?
Neither is stated in the documents available to us, so we do not claim either. The part number B.1.004/2 is what counts.
Can I see and pick up the part at your showroom?
Yes. We are in Bern at Gerberngasse 44 and in Zurich at Hagenholzstrasse 50b. Let us know in advance and it will be ready for you.
Questions about fit? Write to us at [email protected]. We deliver across Switzerland and to Liechtenstein in 2-4 working days.
