How to Remove Grohe 34436 Shower Faucet Cover?

[LilyT]

Hi there,

I have Grohe 34436 shower faucet installed in my bathroom, picture & exploded diagram attached.

Red Arrow - I noticed small puddle of water streaked out of the corner here. I’d like to remove the shower faucet cover to investigate behind the wall.

Yellow Arrow – I already loosened the center screw but couldn’t pull out the grey-colored thermostat handle. I don’t see any other screws securing this greyish part. How to remove it?

Blue Arrow – I saw two water stops behind the escutcheon plate, in the horizontal “open” position. Which direction to turn them to the vertical “close” position? I tried in either direction but the water stops didn’t budge. I didn’t use great force because I was afraid of damaging them. Which direction should I turn them?

Any tips will be appreciated very much!

 

[JG plumbing]

The center screw holds the temp lever and plastic body. It looks like there is a rubber friction ring in there. That may be why your having trouble.

 

[LilyT]

Oh, I got the grey part off tonight. I had to use a small screwdriver to ply it off.
For the water stops, I finally turned them off counter-clockwise.
The area near the right water service stop appears a little wet, I need to further investigate this area.

I just recall another event which might be relevant to the leak here. 30~60 minutes after shower is turned off, small amount of water (~20ml) would suddenly flow out of the overhead spray head. This happens every time. Is this caused by a faulty cartridge?

 

[JG plumbing]

Sounds like air.

 

[pakle]

I just recall another event which might be relevant to the leak here. 30~60 minutes after shower is turned off, small amount of water (~20ml) would suddenly flow out of the overhead spray head. This happens every time. Is this caused by a faulty cartridge?

I hate it too
https://www.plumbingforums.com/threads/rainfall-showerhead-drips-hours-later.18941/

 

[LilyT]

Thanks for sending me the link to your previous discussion!

Mine is indeed a rainfall spray head. I didn't realize it's like an innate problem with the design :-(