Bathroom mixer/shower diverter query

[Sputnik]

Hi, I am looking for some advice regarding the diverter on my bathroom taps. Please see attached picture.

The diverter lever is very stiff and difficult to move, so I want to remove it but I have never serviced these types pf taps before so am not certain what is inside.

So, my first question is does anyone know how to take the lever off to access the mechanism? There is a chrome nut on top of the lever, so I assume that needs to come off, however, the taps are quite ornate and I'm not 100% sure that that is a real nut and not just decoration! I don't want to scratch the chrome or damage the taps by trying to unscrew something that doesn't unscrew. Below the nut there does appear to be a shroud and the lever itself might screw in to the body. Again, I don't want to try anything if I can find out what to expect before I start.
Once I get access, what will I find inside? Is there something that might just require cleaning up or is it more likely that I will have to replace it, in which case I'll just get the part in advance to complete the job in one go. If so, what is that part called?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Christopher buzzard]

As long as the taps are switched off you won’t need to turn the hot or cold supplies off. Undo the chrome nut to release the handle. Then you will be able to remove the diverter with a spanner and grease o rings ect. Put back in reverse and you should be good to go.

 

[Sputnik]

As long as the taps are switched off you won’t need to turn the hot or cold supplies off. Undo the chrome nut to release the handle. Then you will be able to remove the diverter with a spanner and grease o rings ect. Put back in reverse and you should be good to go.

Excellent thanks! - I will give it a go later this week, now I know what to expect. And thanks for telling me I don't need to turn off the water. I assumed that was a given, but I can now visualize why this wouldn't be necessary .

 

[WC1]

grease o rings ect.

- with plumbers silicon grease only !