Tub diverter assistance

[not__a__plumber]

Hi, all.

Was replacing the hot/cold cartridges and ran into a slight issue with replacing the diverter stem. I couldn't find any DIY info online about this type of a diverter (what style is this, btw?). The old rubber boot was welded inside, and I spent a good minute extracting it out (rubber first, then the bronze washer that sits at the end of the rubber boot). The new boot, from what it looks like, went on a bit crooked and the diverter works about 95% now with slight water leakage out of the faucet when in use. I don't like the way it feels when you operate it and wanted to see if there is a trick to putting these things in?

Should the rubber be greased up with rubber safe grease to make it easier to slide into the hole? How do you slide it in so it's straight? I was thinking about using a deep socket that fits inside the boot. It's a very tight fit (giggity), and i don't see how you can correct anything once the boot is in the hole. If it's crooked, there is no way that thing will come out in one piece.

Any advice is appreciated.

 

[SimonG]

That second picture seems to have some bits left in it or needs a decent clean out with some wer and dry.

 

[not__a__plumber]

yeah, that's how it currently looks with a replacement one in there. i just don't like how that one was installed and seeing if there is a proper way to slide that sucker in there.