255 - Autotrol Valve Locking Bar p/n 1031402

The Autotrol 1031402 locking bar is a genuine OEM part for 155 and 255 series control valves, used to hold the piston and drive assembly securely in place while the motor cap or spacer stack is removed for servicing. Anyone searching for an Autotrol valve locking bar, Autotrol 255 service tool or piston retaining bar for a water softener rebuild needs this exact fitting-specific part, supplied in English thread and stocked by WrekinWater for engineers and confident DIY installers alike.

Technical specifications

Symptoms that mean you need this part

• Carrying out a seal, spacer or piston service on an Autotrol 255 valve
• Removing the drive assembly or motor to access the internal stack
• Original locking bar lost, seized or damaged from a previous service
• Servicing a 255 valve without official Autotrol tooling to hand

Why it fails / why it matters

Inside a 255 valve body the piston sits under spring tension against the disc stack, so when the drive assembly or motor is unbolted for servicing there is nothing holding the piston in its correct position unless it is physically restrained. The locking bar slots onto the valve body and locates against the piston rod, keeping the whole assembly aligned and under control while discs, O-rings or the spring are inspected or replaced. Without it, engineers often improvise with tape, wedges or cable ties, which risks the piston shifting out of alignment, springs pinging loose, or the disc stack going back together in the wrong order.

Why buy this from WrekinWater

WrekinWater has supplied genuine Autotrol, Fleck, Clack and Kinetico spares to more than 50,000 customers over the last 15 years, so service tools like this locking bar are kept in stock rather than ordered in specially. Based in Bettisfield, Shropshire, and rated Excellent on Trustpilot, WrekinWater ships small parts like this quickly and can confirm compatibility with your specific 255 valve before you order.

How to fit it

1. Isolate the water softener, put it into bypass and relieve system pressure before starting.
2. Remove the drive assembly/motor retaining screws to expose the top of the valve body.
3. Slide the locking bar into the locating slots on the valve body so it engages the piston rod and holds it in position.
4. Carry out the disc, O-ring or spring service with the piston safely retained by the bar.
5. Withdraw the locking bar once the drive assembly or motor has been refitted and the piston is correctly engaged.
6. Restore power and water supply, then run a manual regeneration to confirm the valve is cycling correctly.