Zodiac Vortex 3 Saphir stainless A4 pin 3x16 mm - W1021A

Zodiac Vortex 3 Saphir stainless A4 pin 3×16 mm

This is the genuine Zodiac 3 mm × 16 mm A4 stainless steel pin (goupille) used in the Vortex 3 Saphir robotic pool cleaner. It acts as a retention or locating pin within the robot’s drive and structural assemblies, securing rotating or sliding components in correct alignment during operation. Precision-dimensioned at 3 × 16 mm, it is manufactured in A4 (316-grade) stainless steel for full corrosion resistance in chlorinated and salt-water pool environments.

Function and role in the robot

Pins of this type lock shafts, axles, and sub-assemblies against axial or rotational displacement inside the robot chassis. Without a serviceable pin, associated components can work loose, causing mechanical noise, erratic drive behaviour, or premature wear of adjacent parts such as gears and bearings. Replacing a worn or deformed pin promptly restores the precise mechanical clearances the Vortex drivetrain relies on.

Model compatibility

This pin is a listed original spare part for the Zodiac Vortex 3 Saphir. It is also compatible with the Zodiac Vortex 4 and the Vortex 3 and Vortex 4 4WD variants, making it a common service item across the Vortex family. Always verify your robot’s parts diagram before ordering to confirm the pin is required at the specific location you are servicing.

Symptoms that indicate replacement is needed

Visible deformation, corrosion pitting, or a pin that has sheared or drifted from its bore are clear signs of failure. You may also notice unusual mechanical rattling from the drive train, a wheel or shaft that moves with excessive play, or a component that has become misaligned during a cleaning cycle. In such cases the pin should be inspected and replaced as part of any strip-down service.

Why genuine Zodiac matters

Genuine Zodiac pins are machined to the exact diameter tolerance required for an interference or close-clearance fit in the robot’s bores. Undersized aftermarket alternatives can migrate under load and cause collateral damage to housings and shafts. A4 stainless steel is specified because it resists chloride-induced crevice corrosion far better than standard A2 or carbon steel, ensuring the pin remains serviceable season after season without seizing in its bore.