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Quick answer from a licensed plumber: Pfister’s support team describes its 0X8 series valve as the one where the handle only rotates (its thermostatic, stacked and diverter valves take different cartridges). For an 0X8, Pfister says the current 974-5319 (plastic stem) or 974-5299 (metal stem) replaces the older gray and two-piece cartridges; the two are interchangeable, and they ship with an adapter for older deep-cast valves. If the handle pulls out to turn on, it is an Avante and takes the 974-292 (now 974-2920).
Rotate-only 0X8 shower valve? Pfister lists the 974-5319 or the interchangeable 974-5299. See the Pfister 974-5319 on Amazon
Pfister Shower Cartridges at a Glance
| What you have | What Pfister says to buy |
|---|---|
| Single handle that only rotates (0X8 series valve), with the one-piece gray cartridge 974-042 / 974-0420 | 974-5319 (plastic stem) or 974-5299 (metal stem) |
| Same valve with the much older two-piece balancing cartridge 974-291 and stem assembly 971-250 | 974-5319 or 974-5299 |
| Cartridge 974-3210 | 974-5299 (Pfister says it replaced the 974-3210) |
| Single handle you pull to turn on and rotate for temperature (Avante) | 974-292, listed today as 974-2920 |
Every row comes from Pfister: its part pages and the answers its support team posts on them, listed under Sources.
Step 1: Rotate-Only or Pull-and-Turn?
Pfister’s support team describes the 0X8 series valve as the one where “the handle only rotates.” Pfister’s thermostatic, stacked and diverter trims use a different valve and cartridge, and so does the Avante: when a homeowner described a pull-on, rotate-for-temperature handle, Pfister answered that it sounded like the Avante cartridge 974-292, “the only one with the push and pull function.” If your Pfister handle pulls out, stop here and buy the Avante cartridge; nothing else on this page fits it.
Step 2: One 0X8 Cartridge Replaces the Old Ones
Pfister’s support team says the one-piece gray cartridge (974-042) and the much older two-piece balancing cartridge (974-291) with its valve stem assembly (971-250) are discontinued, and that the replacement is the one-piece 974-5319 with a plastic stem or the 974-5299 with a metal stem. It also says the 974-3210 was replaced by the 974-5299. In Pfister’s words: “You can use either #974-5319 or #974-5299; they are interchangeable.”
The Adapter for Deep-Cast Valves
Older 0X8 valves were cast deeper than current ones. Pfister says the new cartridges come with a white plastic adapter at the bottom with oval openings, attached or in the package, for use with those older, deeper valves. Pfister’s part page for the old 974-0420 is titled “for 0X8/JX8/VB8/JV8 Deep Casting Valve.” Pfister ties the adapter to the valves that used the older, longer gray one-piece cartridge or the two-piece cartridge, so if that is what you pulled out, use the adapter.
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Old Pfister Part and Model Numbers
Homeowners have asked Pfister about older numbers like 17196-0100G, 44106-0200 and 51123-0100. For the 44106-0200, Pfister confirmed the 974-5299 replaces it; when another number did not come up in its system, the support team said it needed to see which model the owner had. If yours does not match anything on this page, Pfister’s route is the model number: it is usually an 8-digit code such as F-529-7AYY, printed on the package and the instruction manual. Look up that model on Pfister’s site and open Installation & Support for the parts diagram. Pfister’s phone line is 1-800-PFAUCET (1-800-732-8238), and the company says to contact it for parts if the faucet is covered by its lifetime warranty.
What to Buy
Genuine Pfister parts, each sold by Amazon when we checked. Pfister says the two 0X8 cartridges are interchangeable, so pick the stem you prefer.
- 0X8 valve, plastic stem: Pfister 974-5319 0X8 cartridge (standard stem), sold by Amazon. Its listing says it fits VB8 and JV8 bodies, is backwards compatible with legacy 0X8/JX8 cartridges, and is a ceramic disc cartridge with an integrated temperature limit stop.
- 0X8 valve, metal stem: Pfister 974-5299 0X8 cartridge (metal stem), sold by Amazon, same fit per its listing.
- Avante pull-and-turn: Pfister 974-2920 Avante cartridge, sold by Amazon; its listing calls it a genuine Pfister Avante cartridge.
Pfister’s support team also told one owner not to drill the plate or spray WD-40 into an Avante cartridge: “it needs to be replaced.” This page does not cover Pfister two-handle stems.
When to Call a Licensed Plumber
- The shower has no working shut-off and the main valve will not hold.
- The old cartridge breaks apart in the valve and the pieces will not come out.
- The valve body is damaged or leaking inside the wall.
FAQ
What replaced the Pfister 974-042 shower cartridge?
Pfister says the one-piece gray 974-042 (974-0420) is discontinued and replaced by the 974-5319 with a plastic stem or the 974-5299 with a metal stem. Both come with a white plastic adapter for older, deeper-cast valves.
Are Pfister 974-5319 and 974-5299 the same?
Pfister says they are interchangeable. The difference is the stem: the 974-5319 has a plastic stem and the 974-5299 has a metal stem.
Which Pfister cartridge has a pull-out handle?
The Avante. Pfister says the Avante cartridge 974-292 is the only one with the push and pull function, and it is still available as the 974-2920.
Will my old Pfister handle fit the new cartridge?
Not always. Pfister says the 974-5299 fits its newer SecurePfit handles, and if the older handle does not fit, the complete valve trim has to be replaced, because the new handles do not fit the older sleeve and wall flange.
How do I find my Pfister model number?
Pfister says the model number is usually an 8-digit code, for example F-529-7AYY, printed on the product package and on the instruction manual below the product name. Look up the model on Pfister’s site and open the parts diagram under Installation & Support.
Why Trust Plumbing Picks
Plumbing Picks is written by a licensed Georgia journeyman plumber. Every part number, marking and fit on this page comes from the manufacturer pages listed below, which we opened and read; product details come from the Amazon listings, not from hands-on testing. Each linked part was shipped or sold by Amazon and could be added to the cart with no low-stock warning when we checked on September 24, 2026. Nobody pays to be included here. Where a link goes to Amazon we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. More on who writes this and how we pick.
Sources
- Pfister: 974-0420 Cartridge for 0X8/JX8/VB8/JV8 Deep Casting Valve (Pfister Support Team answers)
- Pfister: 974-5299 0X8 Cartridge (Pfister Support Team answers)
- Pfister: 974-5319 0X8 Cartridge
- Pfister: 974-2920 Avante Pull and Turn Tub Shower Cartridge
- Pfister: FAQs — How can I identify the type of cartridge that I have?
Bottom Line
For a rotate-only 0X8 shower valve, buy the 974-5319 or 974-5299; Pfister says they are interchangeable and replace the older 0X8 cartridges, with an adapter for deep-cast valves. For a pull-and-turn handle, buy the Avante 974-2920. Check that your handle fits the new stem before you close up the trim.