So, I did a Cafiza backflush last night, determined to take apart the E61 clean thoroughly and relubricate all parts.
I could not separate the large (36 mm) top nut from the stainless steel bell bellow (marked in red). Not sure if it was too tight or if it unscrews in the opposite direction (clockwise?). Didn’t try to fight it.
I didn’t think it necessary to separate the flange (shown in blue).
Now after I thoroughly cleaned and lubed all the valves, springs, the cam spindle and head, it feels like bringing the lever down require more force than it used to. Go figure. The resistance feels “rubbery”.
I wonder if I should have taken the flange apart and lubed the cam washers. I will attach some pictures I took.