leaky American standard Monterrey faucet

[Inq]

Hi guys
I have an American standard Monterrey 8" widespread faucet that started leaking. Using google I figured out the model and I called AS. They said this is a commercial product and a cartridge would be around $36 including shipping. For that much I would rather replace the faucet altogether.
However I cannot even figure out how to take this thing apart. The rep told me that to replace the cartridge take out the screw then the handle and the bonnet nut just comes off. I have tried all my power and my tools to take it off but I cannot. I don't think anything can be done from the top; I have to take the whole thing apart to even get to the cartridge. Does anyone have any experience dealing with this faucet? I have this in all 3 washrooms!

Thanks for all your help. Here is the link to the faucet page which has diagrams
http://www.americanstandard.ca/products/productDetail.aspx?id=5662

 

[frodo]

I like those H/C wrist blade handles.

The nut screws off. the escutcheon on the deck of the sink,,,,MIGHT be jammed against the Bonnet nut. acting like a lock nut.

 

[Inq]

Hi
That's what I tried to do since it is a nut and therefore must screw off but the AS rep told me it just lifts up. I locked it with an adjustable wrench and gave it a go but it doesn't even budge. I tried the same on the cold side and same result. I even tried going a little left or right to make it move but it doesn't.
I tried to use the other wrench that adjusts but has threads on it and that just scratches and spins.

 

[Inq]

I Talked to my building super and he agreed with frodo. Just needs a lot of muscle. Since I am replacing I might look into Taking it off from under

 

[Matt30]

The chrome ring should thread off, allowing you to remove it from the bottom

 

[Inq]

So far I have tried to unscrew everything on the top and no luck. Didn't try muscling it yet. Additional power will mean it's going to lose decor. Which means i have to look at replacing rather than fixing.

 

[havasu]

Spray some penetrating oil on the escutcheon on top, then unscrewing it.

 

[Inq]

Once you know brute force is needed. It's easier to apply!
I did just use more power and it screwed off.

I emailed AS and complained. They called me yesterday and said yes this is a commercial faucet don't know why it was put in. My building has 400 units so there are at least 400 of these faucets here. I have 3 of them and at $40 a cartridge that's $240 to replace all when they fail. So AS told me they will send me 6 as a courtesy which was nice of them. I almost went and bought another faucet!
Complaining paid off in this case.
Thank you everyone for your help!