Short answer: the COWEET joystick upgrade fits the Rocket R58 V1 (older machines, including 2014), R58 V2, R-Cinquantotto, R60V and Bicocca. It does not fit the R58 TUNE. Installation takes about five minutes, and you do not need to buy anything else.
Which machines does it fit?
| Machine | Fits? |
|---|---|
| Rocket R58 V1 (older machines, including 2014) | Yes |
| Rocket R58 V2 | Yes |
| Rocket R-Cinquantotto | Yes |
| Rocket R60V | Yes |
| Rocket Bicocca | Yes |
| Rocket R58 TUNE | No. Different valve. |
Not sure which one you have? Send us a photo of your original steam and hot-water controls before you order, and we will confirm. You can contact us here or write to service@coweetwares.com.
This guide is only about the R58 family. For other machines (Profitec, ECM, Lelit and others), a different joystick assembly is used. See our Steam and Hot Water Joystick Assembly.
What does the upgrade actually change?
You keep your machine's original valve body and its plumbing. The thin steam and hot-water tubes inside the machine are not touched, and you do not need to open the top cover. Only the parts inside the valve and the knob are replaced: the factory knob and valve core come out, and a piston, washer, spacer, ball stud, valve nut and wooden handle go in.
What's in the box?
Each valve comes with everything below. Steam + Hot Water is two complete sets, one for each side.
- Piston ×1
- Washer ×1: several thicknesses are supplied, you choose the one that feels right
- Spacer ×1
- Ball stud ×1
- Valve nut ×1
- Handle ×1: eight woods or black plastic, chosen on the product page
- Food-grade lubricant, for the piston
Installation, step by step
1. Remove the original knob
With the machine off and cold, unscrew the original knob.
2. Take out the original valve core
Turn the original valve nut counter-clockwise and pull the valve core out. Wipe the inside of the valve body so no metal debris or oil remains.
3. Swap in the new piston
Take out the original piston first. Then put a small amount of the supplied food-grade lubricant on our new piston and in its O-ring grooves, and fit it into the original valve body.
4. Choose and fit the washer
Fit one washer onto the piston in the right groove position. The 0.5 mm washer is standard and right for most machines. More on this below.
5. Ball stud into the valve nut, then thread it on
Put the spacer and the ball stud into the valve nut. Match the ball stud's orientation to the nut's opening. Thread the valve nut onto the original valve body by hand, then tighten a little further with a 27 mm C-wrench or an adjustable wrench if you need to.
6. Screw on the handle
Line the handle up with the threaded end of the ball stud and screw it on until it meets the valve nut.
7. Switch on and test
Turn the machine on and try the lever. It should open and close smoothly, with no leak at the valve. If the lever feels too tight, adjust the washer as below.
Fine-tuning the lever feel
The washer sets how the lever feels and how well it seals.
- 0.5 mm: standard, for general use.
- Thinner washer (0.3 mm) or no washer: if the lever feels too tight.
Still not right? Email service@coweetwares.com with a photo and we will help.
Video
Prefer to watch? Here is the full installation: R58 joystick installation video on YouTube.
Common questions
I have a 2014 R58. Will it fit?
Yes. The older R58 (V1) and the V2 are both supported.
Does it fit the R58 TUNE?
No. The R58 TUNE uses a different valve, so please do not order this kit for it.
Do I need to open the machine?
No. You work from the front, at the knob, and the top cover stays on.
Steam Only or Steam + Hot Water?
Steam Only is one complete set for the steam side. Steam + Hot Water is two sets, one per side.
Which handle materials are available?
Eight woods or black plastic. Choose on the product page. Natural wood grain and shade vary from piece to piece.
Rocket R58, R-Cinquantotto, R60V & Bicocca Joystick Upgrade →