Zoom gear tight

Ive put a zoom gear on my olympus EZ 14-42 so it works in my housing, however it is so tight i cannot remove it.  It does still work with it attached for topside, but looks and feels a little chunky.  Am i missing something obvious?  I dont want to lever it with a knife if theres an easier way, or it there a lubricant i should apply to help it move - if i ever get it off.  Thanks 

Wow, that's not so good. 

I'd be wary of using a lubricant as it may damage the rubber on your lens.

Maybe a little candle wax? Or soap?

Worse comes to the worst a "strap wrench" as mechanics use to remove oil filters should do the trick. Easy to get from a DIY store. 

You can always tell the UW guys when they shoot topside, focus rings on lenses.

Bill

1 hour ago, bvanant said:

You can always tell the UW guys when they shoot topside, focus rings on lenses.

Bill

 Tokina 10-17, anyone?

How to remove it depends on the design on the gear, different companies have different design methods.  Which gear are you using?

Not just the zoom gear but the housing tray as well.

BVA