Fleck Bearing Connecting Rod

The Fleck Bearing Connecting Rod (FL18746) is a small precision drive component used inside Pentair Fleck control valves. Working alongside the cam, gears, and piston linkage, the connecting rod and its bearing translate the rotation of the drive motor into the controlled in-and-out movement that shifts the valve through its service and regeneration stages. It is one of those unglamorous internal parts that nobody thinks about until the valve starts to bind, yet it is fundamental to smooth cycling.

Because it sees continuous mechanical load every time the valve cycles, the connecting rod bearing is a sensible item to replace during a thorough drive-end rebuild or whenever you notice rough, noisy, or hesitant valve movement. Using the genuine Fleck part ensures the correct tolerances so the piston travels smoothly and seats properly at each position, which in turn keeps the internal seals from being stressed unevenly.

Service highlights

• Genuine Pentair Fleck drive linkage component
• Transfers motor rotation into controlled piston movement
• Helps maintain smooth, accurate cycle indexing
• Good candidate for replacement during a full drive rebuild
• Designed for a precise, factory-spec fit
• Reduces noise and binding caused by a worn bearing surface

A worn or binding connecting rod bearing can cause the valve to stall mid-cycle, make grinding or clicking sounds, or fail to fully reach a regeneration position, which in turn leaves your softener delivering hard water. Sometimes the symptom is subtle: a slight hesitation or extra motor noise that signals the bearing is wearing before it finally seizes. Catching it early during routine maintenance avoids a more disruptive failure down the road.

When servicing, inspect the mating cam and piston for wear at the same time, since these parts work as a system and replacing one worn component against others that are already grooved or scored offers only a partial fix. Apply a light film of silicone lubricant where appropriate during reassembly. Power down the controller and place the valve in bypass before opening the drive housing. Replacing this component restores the crisp, reliable indexing your Fleck valve was built to deliver. Catching a worn connecting rod bearing during routine maintenance, before it seizes, spares you a more disruptive failure and keeps the valve indexing crisply through every position of its cycle.