How to Fix a Squeaky Brew Lever

Lifting brew lever on the LUCCA M58 espresso machine with LUCCA Atom 75 espresso grinder

Does your brew lever feel sticky when you lift it? Does it catch, squeak, or just not work as smoothly as it once did? That's very common and it's a relatively easy fix! This happens over time or with excessive backflushing. The detergent can strip the lever of oil and cause this happen. When making espresso at home, you should only backflush with detergent about every six weeks. For instructions on how to clean your espresso machine, read our blog: How to Backflush and Clean Your Espresso Machine.

Tools Needed:

  • Adjustable wrench
  • Flathead screwdriver
  • Food safe lubricant. We recommend Molykote Dow-111

How to Fix a Squeaky/Sticky Brew Lever:

  1. Remove the E61 lever by taking out the flathead nut at the end of the lever.
  2. Use the adjustable wrench to remove the inner portion of the lever and cam shaft.
  3. Lubricate the cam head with food-safe lubricant and reinstall into the group head. If you're having trouble getting the cam to fit back in, see the next step for a tip on easier installation.
  4. If you're having a hard time reinstalling the cam, you can create an easier space by unthreading the bottom part of the e61. This will drop out the lower valve, making it much easier to install the cam first. After the cam is securely in place, you can reinstall the bottom part of the e61 with ease.

For more instructions and pictures, visit our knowledge base.