Manfrotto 490RC4 ball head stuck

[qlite50]

I was casually using my Manfrotto 490RC4 Maxi Ball Head when I noticed it had stopped moving completely. What I thought was a minor glitch now seems to be a complete failure of the head (I hope not!) I've since applied a liberal portion of WD40, and even retorted to using a bit of brute force (little hammer taps) but it simply won't budge at all. It never showed any sign of impending failure at all, like grinding or jerky movements prior to failing completely. Are these things prone to sudden failures like that?! It looked and felt quite impressive while I was using it and I've only had it from Amazon (Used) for less than 2 months. Any advice on fixing it please?

 

[andyred]

Have you double checked the lock / unlock screw is working and releasing ?

What about the tension screw - is that working ?

Just wondering if ones been over tightened and the knob is turning on the screw rather than actually turning the screw to release it (hope that makes sense)...

If you do manage to free it up, as you've sprayed it with WD40, you will need to give it a very good clean and re-grease it - I think it's graphite grease, but not 100%

 

[qlite50]

Have you double checked the lock / unlock screw is working and releasing ?

What about the tension screw - is that working ?

Just wondering if ones been over tightened and the knob is turning on the screw rather than actually turning the screw to release it (hope that makes sense)...

If you do manage to free it up, as you've sprayed it with WD40, you will need to give it a very good clean and re-grease it - I think it's graphite grease, but not 100%

A response at last! Thx
Yes, I checked all the obvious but no joy. It's really baffling. I've Googled the fault and apparently it's not exactly a rare occurrence :-(

 

[andyred]

A response at last! Thx
Yes, I checked all the obvious but no joy. It's really baffling. I've Googled the fault and apparently it's not exactly a rare occurrence :-(

And are there any solutions on the internet

Might be worth a call / e-mail to manfrotto

 

[qlite50]

And are there any solutions on the internet

Might be worth a call / e-mail to manfrotto

I hadn't considered that. I'll give that a go tomorrow. The recommended solutions I found on the net involved deconstructing the whole unit using some uncommon tools and reassembling. It sounded about as complicated as a heart bypass op so unless I've reached the point I'm prepared to lose it altogether I won't attempt it myself.