The ring that keeps the shaft in place
A retaining ring costs less than a coffee and still holds an entire lever mechanism together. It sits in a groove on the shaft and stops the roller, bushing or bearing from sliding sideways. As long as it is there, you never notice it. Once it is gone, suddenly everything starts to wander.
La Marzocco lists it as «Seeger D9 for shafts» in stainless steel under part number I.1.103. It belongs to the lever group of the LEVA. It is removed during servicing, and if you have spread it with the pliers, you are better off fitting a new one than the old one.
When it is due
The ring was bent open during removal and no longer sits cleanly in the groove. It sprang off during disassembly and is lying somewhere under the workbench. The shaft shows axial play that was not there before. Or you are overhauling the lever group anyway and want the small parts on the table right away – that is exactly what this item is for.
At a glance
| Type |
Retaining ring for shafts, size D9 |
| Location |
Shafts of the lever group |
| Fits |
La Marzocco LEVA |
| What's included |
One retaining ring |
| Part number |
I.1.103 |
| Finish |
Stainless steel |
| Installation |
Installation by a qualified technician recommended |
| Brand |
La Marzocco |
Important for installation
The ring sits inside the machine on the lever mechanism. Before any work, the machine is disconnected from the mains, depressurised and allowed to cool down. Installation requires suitable circlip pliers – if you work with a screwdriver, you spread the ring beyond its spring force, and then it no longer holds. You will deliberately not find step-by-step instructions here: the lever group is disassembled according to the service documentation for the model.
Who it is for
For service workshops overhauling a LEVA, and for technically skilled owners who order the small parts along with everything else when disassembling, instead of waiting for the next shipment later because of a two-franc ring.
What goes with it
The same mechanism includes the needle bearing 9 × 19 × 12 mm, the roller for the rotating chamber and the guide ring for the piston rod. If you open the group completely, you will find the complete piston and the matching puller tool. Everything for the machine under La Marzocco LEVA spare parts.
Workshop tip from Bern and Zurich
This is our routine, not a manufacturer requirement: when disassembling a lever group, we put a flat magnetic dish next to the machine and drop every retaining ring into it straight away. These things like to spring off, and on a workshop floor you will never find them again. Meanwhile we have an espresso of Nutty Delight running, because an overhaul like this always takes longer than you think. More under Coffee beans.
No returns
Original spare parts are excluded from exchange and return. They are sourced specifically for each 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 line and we will clarify the fit together. Your rights in the event of defective goods remain unaffected.
Frequently asked questions
Do I get one ring or a set?
You receive one retaining ring. If you need several, simply enter the quantity in the cart.
What does the designation D9 stand for?
That is how La Marzocco lists the size in the parts list. Which shaft in your machine it secures depends on the year of manufacture – we do not claim any dimension here that is not in the documentation. Send us the serial number and we will check the fit.
Can I use a ring from the hardware store?
We advise against it. In the group, the ring sits close to hot water and steam, which is why the original version is made of stainless steel. A galvanised ring from the standard drawer will rust there.
Do I need special tools?
Suitable circlip pliers, yes. Without them, you spread the ring too far, and afterwards it no longer sits firmly in the groove.
Can I pick up the part at your showroom?
Yes. We have two locations: Bern at Gerberngasse 44 and Zurich at Hagenholzstrasse 50b. Drop us a line and we will have it ready for you.
Questions about the fit? Write to us at [email protected]. We deliver across Switzerland and to Liechtenstein in 2-4 working days.
