Cutaway Rotary Valve
Hornists (and tubists, and rotary trumpetists) have been plagued by clicking valves since Berlioz’ day. Bob Osmun has written a new article explaining the problem and what to do about it. Read more…
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Why Do My Valves Click?
I am interested that you did not include worn barrings as a cause of clicks. When a valve with worn bearings comes to the end of the string and the stop hits the cork, the rotation continues and a worn and dry valve stem will hit on the casing and click. Heavy oil regurlarly applied will often eliminate the click and also of course reduce continued wear. Of course the fix is a serious matter.
Are you talking about side play caused by loose tapered bearings? That’s a different problem that deserves its own article. The clicks are not caused by side play but by end play. Oil will help but a real mechanical fix is indicated.