Lever is very hard to close or open; loud cracking noises when operating lever

Safety first: Unplug the machine and avoid forcing the lever.

Cleaning and lubrication:

• Open the lever and clean all accessible moving parts with a damp cloth.
• Remove coffee residue from the capsule carriage rails.
• Apply a small amount of food-safe silicone grease to sliding surfaces (avoid getting grease on the capsule area).

Component inspection:

• Inspect the brew head gasket; replace if swollen or deformed.
• Check the locking cam and lever linkage for cracks; replace the brew head assembly if damaged.