La Pavoni professional 2a.Group handle,handle replacement.

[mulquemi]

Dear Serious Coffee Machine Users,
Just acquired a La Pavoni professional and the handle of the group handle assembly has split...never seen this before,has anyone tried changing these and if so how is it removed/replaced.
Machine is one great machine,wonderfully engineered,but for this odd behavior.
Any helpful advice is appreciated.
Cheers,
Mick.

[coffee_machinist]

There is an M12 stud joining the portafilter casting to the handle, usually installed with a thread locking compound then over tightened for good measure. I stock the replacement handles.