OK, I was asking if I need to remove the tape to undo the lever as I just re-taped them recently and did a good job for a change. I already see that the lever needs to come off. I've ordered springs, the carrier and the washer as a set and I'll replace them all as recommended. I guess it'll be obvious how I need to hold it to work on it when the time comes.
My biggest fear with doing this is that it won't go back together without needing a new something, and then not having the bike until it comes. It also sounds like not being able to move the housing that's under the tape will make it difficlut to fit back on. I guess I can always get new tape at the LBS.