Pfister’s single handle tub and shower valves (0X8, JX8, VB8, JV8, and the 08, 808, and R89 trim platforms) use one pressure balancing cartridge with the temperature limit stop built in. The current part is the 974-5299, which replaces both the grey 974-042 and the black 974-321 and fits every version of the valve. It ships with an adapter for the older deep casting bodies.
Before you start. Shut off the water at the house main (shower valves rarely have their own shutoff), then open the valve to confirm the water has stopped. You will need a screwdriver, an adjustable wrench or pliers, and for most handles a hex key (an Allen wrench, sold as an inexpensive set at any hardware store). If a shutoff valve will not turn or starts to drip, or anything is corroded and will not loosen with moderate force, stop and see when to call a plumber. New to this? Start here explains the parts and tools in plain language.
Not sure this is your faucet? See how to identify your Pfister cartridge without a model number, or how to find your brand and model.
The 974-042 is still required if your trim uses the acrylic knob handle 940-240. Everything else should get the 974-5299.
Parts and tools
- Pfister 974-5299 cartridge. 974-5299 at Home Depot
- Hex key for the handle set screw
- Flathead screwdriver for integral stops, if the valve has them
- Silicone grease
Shut off the water. Some Pfister bodies have integral stops you can close with a screwdriver; otherwise use the house main. Open the tub spout to drain. Cover the drain.
Steps
- Loosen the handle set screw with the hex key and pull the handle off. If there is a stem extender (970-800) under it, unscrew it.
- Unscrew the retainer sleeve (972-300) by hand and remove the flange.
- Pull off the temperature limit stop and note its position. Pfister marks three settings, A, B, and C, with B as the factory default. Clockwise limits hot travel; counterclockwise allows more.
- Unscrew the bonnet and pull the cartridge straight out.
- On the new 974-5299, confirm the two oval O-rings on the back are seated. Grease them lightly.
- If your valve is an older deep casting body, fit the supplied adapter with its indented side toward the cartridge. Bodies made after 2015 do not need it.
- Insert the cartridge with the notch pointing down. For a back-to-back installation with reversed supplies, rotate it 180 degrees.
- Refit the bonnet, limit stop (at the setting you noted, or hotter if the shower was never hot enough), flange, sleeve, and handle.
- Open the water and flush hot and cold for 15 seconds each before testing.
Shower runs while the tub fills
The valve body is marked SHWR at the top and TUB at the bottom. If the shower head dribbles while the tub spout runs, either the body was installed upside down or the tub outlet is restricted. Check the markings first.
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