Troubleshooting a four-stage steadicam post that binds when collapsing to compact storage mode

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2011General Discussion forum

15 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.

When a four-stage steadicam post becomes difficult to collapse into its carrying case, the post cable may have become counter-coiled during use, causing binding when the stages compress.
If the junction box or sled has been rotated too many times in a direction opposite to the post cable coil during extension, the cable will not retract properly when compacting the rig.
The solution involves removing the post cable entirely, ensuring it is coiled properly without twists or counter-coiling, and then reinstalling it so the rig collapses smoothly into compact mode.
After correcting the cable routing, the sled should fit back into its case without requiring excessive force.

This advice applies specifically to four-stage post systems.
The solution was tested by one user and reported as working, but broader compatibility is not established.
The exact mechanism of how many rotations cause the problem is not quantified.