How to Remove a Stuck Brew Unit 

Live in Germany and we have a second-hand Saeco that we thought had finally given up the ghost, stumbled across this video after a frantic internet search for some kind of relevant information, and you Sir have (seven years after posting) saved the day, thank you very much.

Milan, It's worked. The slot has probably changed in that it is wider, but three pieces of thick card did the trick and the gear shifted back into neutral. THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH. You have saved me a round trip of three hours and probably about $200. I have now settled down to enjoy my coffee. Very impressed...!

I so appreciate this video. Milan is so thorough in his explanation and explains it so well. I am happy to say that I successfully fixed my stuck unit thanks to him. THANK YOU!!

After my family, friends and animals, my car is the most important thing in my life, closely followed by my coffee machine and because I abused her by trying to force the brew unit when I was terribly tired I nearly ruined this treasure. Thanks to you, I can continue to cherish her xxx

This is awesome! You spoke well, the camera work was in focus and not shaky and you explained perfectly. I had to fight with my machine and figure it out but never really understood how to fix it or how things went together. I better understand how my machine works.

Amazing. This fixed my unit. I was so upset it wasn't working and amazed at the simple instructions to get me operational again. So glad i found this saved me £100's not needing a new unit

A fantastic and clear video, saved my machine and really helped me understand the mechanics of it. Thanks you are life savers.

Thank you SO MUCH for the outstanding videos you guys put out - you have helped me so many times with my Gaggia Brera - this time I could not get the brew group back in...was frustrating me for hours. I finally determined that the drive shaft was not in the correct position. this video helped me get it re-set so I could get the brew group back in. you guys are awesome!!!

After almost hurling the machine out of the window in frustration because I could not replace the brew unit, I watched your video and hey presto it worked. Thank you so much. Brilliant work

My hubby thinks I'm a hero for fixing our Saeco machine. But the real hero is you! Thank you so much for this clear, easy to follow video. Off to have another coffee.

Thank you so much! Our machine is under warranty but the business has kept on stalling about HOW to re-set the gear behind the brew unit. They said they might be able to find a video - 2 weeks ago....Thank you for solving what was a very simnple problem in the end

Whole Latte Love = Fantastic! Thank you for being so enormously helpful. Clear, cogent, step-by-step explanations. Wonderful.

Thank you so much :D I have a Saeco Talea Touch, in addition to the steps above, I had to turn the unit into test mode via the touch screen and select "BU WORK" and then "BU HOME" to send the brew unit back to neutral. I also did not have to exert any force to remove the brew unit once I unscrewed the receiver for the water. It pretty much fell out into my hand.

Let me add my thanks for putting this video online. I was about to give up on my years old Gaggia Titanium. I was re-inserting the brew unit after cleaning and must not have secured it properly. When I tried to make a coffee the brew unit kicked out partially and got stuck. I (and my mother who has gotten spoiled by our weekly coffees) were heart broken. Following the tutorial was easy and I had it back up and running in minutes. Thanks again!

Thank you Thank you Thank you !!! I woke up this morning and encountered the problem of not being able to replace the brew unit back and spent almost one hour playing with the machine and going nuts !!! You made my day !!! your presentation is clear, specific and very helpful. You saved my time, money and nerves. It would be even better if you put some light on inside machine where is the brew unit that we can see better but overall EXCELLENT. What a relief for a coffee addict ! :)))

You guys are absolutely my favorite company to buy anything coffee related. Thank you for helping me fix my Synchrony Compact before I missed my afternoon espresso.

This video was INCREDIBLY helpful, thanks for making it. Here are a couple of notes for folks who are making this fix on newer-generation machines. (Mine was a 2012 Exprelia-SS.) * There are *no* Phillips-head screws inside the machine. In the first step (removing the screw), you will need to use a Torx T-10 driver. If you don't have one it is well worth the time to go to your nearest hardware store and get one. Otherwise you won't be able to get the screw out (or back in). * In the final step (tricking the machine into resetting the spindle rotation), *skip* the step where you insert a card to trip the switch. If you do this, the machine gets confused and will report an "E04" error when starting up. To reset the brew group spindle, simply replace the drip tray and grounds cup, close the front door, and turn the machine on. It will whirr for a few seconds and then report "INSERT BREW GROUP". At this point you are all set - open the door, note that the spindle is now oriented correctly, insert the brew group, and you are back in action.

So after spending 3 hours trying to figure out how to get my brewmaster in my seaco. i watched this video and it was fixed in 15 seconds and the unit popped right back in... I can't thank you enough for this video... I"m saving this video.. you are my hero !!

I cannot thank you enough! My husband and I love this coffee maker and I was worried that it was done for, since the brew unit would not go back into the machine. Your instructions on how to reset the gear worked like a charm.

Company tried to stop the machine in mid cycle and pulled out the brew unit! When I found it in the morning I was less than pleased. Thank you so much for your very instructional video! I was able to have my cup of coffee and my guests were relived they would not have to look for a hotel!!

Nolan you are a true wizard! Thank you so much as I shut my unit off in the middle of a cycle because I noticed my water tank was empty (This never happens usually I'm on it!) and the pump was running and I did NOT want to burn the pump out so I shut it Off. I came short of truly forcing it out but stopped to check out "ole" reliable you tube for a fix and found your video which took me step by step in such a clear and informative matter and now my Vienna Saeco automatica espresso machine is working as new once again!....Thank You Nolan

Thanks heaps for this video. I was just about to bring my mother in-law's machine to get repaired as I was worried I would destroy it but then the same thing happened to my machine. I took the risk with my machine using your directions and after that worked I fixed her machine. Thank you again for posting this video, you saved me both money and time without a machine. And the machines are both SAECOs.

Thanks heaps for this video. I was just about to bring my mother in-law's machine to get repaired as I was worried I would destroy it but then the same thing happened to my machine. I took the risk with my machine using your directions and after that worked I fixed her machine. Thank you again for posting this video, you saved me both money and time without a machine.

Thank you! I have only had my platinum for about 6 months and the brew group stuck for the first time. Your video saved me from having to drink drip coffee tomorrow morning!

We're glad to hear the video helped!

THANK YOU!!!!!!!! mine was jammed and I had NO idea what to do!! Thank you for sharing !

Excellent! Explained in such a manner that I was able to follow the instructions to remove the stuck in brew unit on another brand coffee machine and to get it operational again without a costly service. Which as usual, these things only happen on a week-end. This video saved me so much angst. Thank-you. (Someone who will remain nameless, had reassembled our coffee machine after cleaning, without ensuring the arrows on the brew unit were aligned.)

OMG! You saved my Saeco Machine! I was about to give up! Thank you for your tutorial- it was perfect to follow and I am thrilled that my machine is working! I thought the brew house/unit would never dislodge!!!! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

From Spain, Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. I was able to unlock the machine thanks to your explanations. (Whether it was about to throw it away)

OMG this was so helpful thanks so much the paper trick did it!!! I was for hours tying to put the brewer unit back in. Have a Saeco machine for the last 10 years and this time it was impossible to put the brewer back after inserting the paper the machine reset to the right position Great I'm delighted

Thank YOU, great video, we have a Saeco Vienna Plus, this worked, step by step, working again.

This man has been saving people since 2010 until now. My deepest gratitude.

Thanks a LOT ! Had the same issue with my Gaggia, and you saved me, not only $150, but also a week or two without decent coffee. We did have some trouble with paper stuff (last stage), but finally managed to have it all done. Thanks from Israel

I've been trying to get that thing out of my Philip coffee maker for a month. Followed your instructions and now it works perfectly. Thanks!

This video has helped me out and saved my coffee machine twice now! Your instructions are brilliant, specific and very easy to follow! Thank you SO much for making this publicly available.

Great video- Superb teaching- You are an excellent instructor! You did this perfect and in so doing- I did it my self and now my Odea works! Thank you so much!

Great video. I'm going to give it a try and see if it helps move my troubleshooting along. My Saeco Odea Giro Plus is stuck in descale mode (mid-way of the process now) and won't get out. Its like the pump can't get any water even with the reservoir full. Hopefully I can remove the brew unit and try some other stuff. Thanks.

Thank you so much! I almost tossed my unit but thought there must be someone that knows what to do. It worked perfectly! I am going to guess that my Saeco Deluxe is just about 15 years old, that's a lot of coffee. It leaks a bit and gets coffee grounds buildup, but still after all these years, makes the BEST cup of coffee. Thank you for posting the video!

I couldn't find a repair shop near to me, I live in the UK. Followed your video and it worked a treat, our beloved coffee machine is working fine. We have a Gaggia Brera so worked perfectly on that model too! Thanks again

This is a great video. Our Saeco Vienna plus has been sitting because we couldn't get the brew unit to lock back in after cleaning. I used the paper in the slot & it reset so it now works. I've been having to make French press for 2 weeks & I'm so happy to have my espresso machine working again. Thank you for sharing your expertise & saving me the repair costs.

Nearly 8 years after the published date - just to say your video is still being used and has kept my Gaggia Nespresso fully functional, i'm now up to 1920 cups of coffee after it was given to me a year ago. Many Thanks

Thank you. I was tearing my hair out over my brew unit not going back into the machine (different brand). Resetting it the way you said has solved my problem. Thanks.

You are very welcome. We are glad we could help!

What a life saver, my Exprelia had a stuck brew unit and this video helped me put it back in again. I knew it was something with the little gear inside the machine being out of alignment but had no idea how to get it back to neutral again. Thanks!

This is the best video, thx Milan, very well done with zoom images to understand how is work.You save my a lot of money.

Dude! Thank you so much!!!! You definitely fixed my Saeco! I also assumed I would be headed to the fixing shop.

Thanks man, my wife now thinks I'm a hero after fixing our machine with your help!

You are my hero. Thank you for a great, clear explanation. I didn't think I'd be able to fix this myself. I cannot wait to enjoy my coffee in the morning after 3 days without it!!

Thank you for such clear and correct instructions! My machine is back in working order minutes after seeing this and I was sure I'd be off to the repair shop with it.

This worked!!!!!! You are an absolute genius. This man deserves a raise!

Thank you! This is the second time that your videos saved me and my 10 year old machine!!!!

Congrats. So clear in terms of explanations and video captation !

This video saved me a bunch of time & frustration, should have searched before starting out. Instructions were spot on - thanks!

This video saved my sanity and machine before using brute force methods ;-) Give the man a bonus! Thank you!

Thank you my brew unit on my ancient Gaggia Synchrony wouldn't go in and fiddling with the switch as you demonstrated fixed it. My day can now begin!

You sir are my freaking hero.

Thank you so much! I was getting so mad (and getting blisters) trying to get the brew group out of my Saeco Vienna Plus, and this totally worked for that machine as well! I feel like a handy genius! haha! Thank you so much!!!

this explains everything and worked wonderfully for me, thank you so much!

You helped me fix my machine with this video, thank you! Now I can drink delicious coffee again.

greetings from perth western australia, thank you for sharing this info, about, the coffee machine.can you please show how a service done.

Wow! You are a great instructor. So I’ve got the machine apart. The screw was the hardest part. Looking forward to my espresso in the morning!

I agree with Kelly.....well filmed and explained! Amazing that nearly all the brands use the same system.

After messing around for half an hour, I just fixed a stucked unit on my ancient Miele CVA 620-2 within minutes after watching your video. You really saved me some bucks!

this is a great tip, it worked for my saeco stratos. But now part II turns up, it still is rattling, after the pressing perulator - step of the coffee... thx!

You should be teaching classes! Clear, concise excellent! My Saeco Incanto thanks you and I thank you. Mine is slightly differant but much the same. Removed the brew unit and would never have found that pesky screw. Over rode the switch and it went just like the video. Thank you again, you save me from turning my machine into nano-particles.

Bless your heart ! Thank you for saving my machine! I fixed it with your help.

Milan, thanks for posting this. I have now fixed my machine and am sipping an espresso to celebrate.

This is awesome. I just fixed a coffee machine for a whole company using your tutorial. Thank you!

Followed your instructions and got the brew basket out with ease.... thank you!

thank you very much for this very helpful video. some bastards try to make money outside of RU-vid with similar videos. you helped me out! thanks so much.

thanks for putting time making this video! i could remove the brew unit out after watching this video!! thanks so much

Exactly the information I needed and very clearly presented. My machine is in working order again. Thank you, thank you.

Thanks so much for the incredible video. It had the necessary info the service manual didn't. I greatly appreciate your making it available.

Thanks, that worked for our Saeco.I did have a bit of trouble getting the inside gear to reset using the card, I just had to make sure it fit the slot top to bottom, then turned the machine on, hit the small cup button and heard the gear reset. Great job!

Great Video on resting brew unit ...I had been struggling with this issue and unable to figure it out!

Thank you - worked like a charm!!!!!

Noel, you are brilliant your instructions saved the day and a lot of money thank you.

Sunday morning coffee is saved! Thank you.

Thank you good kind sir. I was this close to throwing out the whole coffee machine for a new one. Not to mention the mental stress of fighting with the dam thing for half a day. If you're ever in Dublin Ireland, I owe you a coffee.

Thanks so much! This video is amazing. I have a very old spidem my coffee and was about to throw it away. Now it's working perfectly again ❤️

I have an old, but beloved, Saeco Talea Giro that had the brew unit stuck. I was about to take the entire machine apart when I found this video. It was exactly what I needed to do and the step by step worked perfectly. Only difference was I had to put the piece of cardboard in and let it start up three times before it put itself into the correct position. I'm making great coffee again, thanks!!

Thank you, i just had my brewing unit stuck and had no idea on how to fix it, your video helped me fix it!

Hi this is very helpful. I followed the instructions and was able to reset the brew unit. After I put the piece of paper in the slot in the machine, it made the noise like the machine was turning the gear on the machine to the neutral position, but it didn't actually change the position of the gear and I still cannot install the brew unit. I have tried to restart several times with the paper and it makes the noise, but doesn't change the position. I get an error message (saeco talea touch plus) that says to "restart to solve the problem".

You're welcome! Glad we could help :)

I'll just add to the thanks below. Sorted my mother's coffee machine in 20mins. Excellent. Thanks for sharing..

Thank you so much Milan:) I Just fixed my gagia platinum vogue with your tutorial.

Thanks for the video.....our Saeco Vienna deluxe locked up and we couldn't have fixed it without your comprehensive instructions. Enjoying a fresh cup now!

What an excellent video. I am back in business. I am sure you saved me a hundred bucks at the repair shop.

Thank you! I have a 14 year old Saeco Vienna Superautomatica machine and while it’s not the same model as illustrated, it’s the same concept. After much angst and rewatching the video a few times, I got my machine working again! Hooray! 🎉

What a relief...the thought of not having coffee on a Monday morning was unbearable!!! Thank you for the informative video!

This video is gold, my unit got screwed up and this was the fix that I needed

Thanks! Drinking coffee again! Legend sir!

I have a wholelattelove for you, Milan. Thank you for saving me 2-3 weeks of subpar coffee and a couple of hundred bucks. It worked like a charm on my beloved Gaggia Platinum Vogue!!!

Oh my god! thank you so much for posting this video! it worked for me! Our coffee machine has been sitting doing nothing for months now waiting for us to find a technician but I decided to use RU-vid and it worked! I had to rest it a few times for the cog to turn in the correct position, but it still worked! Thank you SO MUCH!!!! I can have my coffee again!!! :)

Thank you! I was able to fix my Titanium, the only difference with my model was it had torx screws instead of Phillips head screws

Thank you for this tutorial. It worked for me. On my Saeco, though, the screw is not a phillips head, it is a small Torx. Good for me that I have plenty of tools

THANK YOU SOOOOOO MUCH !!!!!!!You save my coffee machine and my morningsThe title should not be only "how to remove" the brew unit but how to put it back- that was my issue and thanks to your great explanations on the "neutral" position I succeed !

Thanks for a great video! This help us resolve our stuck brew unit clogged by a puck that did not fall down properly.

Hello again, Txx for this suggestions! I'll take a look later on today, starting with the brew unit. All O have to do is work out what the upper filter screen and/or check valve are, but I do have the service manual PDF downloaded so I'll consult that. It does seem odd that it always works from cold, but when I make some coffee, then do the shutdown sequence, and restart - ie the machine is then still hot/warm - it doesn't work, it just hums, and as you imply, no water comes out. If I can force water by priming, so the start lights come on, it grinds coffee, but produces no coffee and dumps the newly ground coffee in the waste box. Leave t fro a couple of hours and it all works again! Anyway, I'll try the brew unit clogging issues and report back! Txx for such a fast response, it's very kind of you!

I don't have to go to work without coffee! Great video and thank you!