Cartoni Alfa won't counterbalance properly.

[Gabel]

So I picked up a Cartoni Alfa the other day, for a steal at under $150. Pretty nice tripod I thought, so might as well try it.
But now there is an issue... The counterbalance doesn't work properly.
Normally one would but the tripod at level and then turn on the counterbalance, thus "locking" the head in place. But the balance won't lock here! Instead it locks at an angle, about 15º pointing downwards or forwards. This is the same without a camera or with a different camera, with the whole counterbalance being "shifted"

Does anybody know what this could be caused by and if there is something I could do to fix it?

 

[Pookie]

Now you know why "it was a steal" don't you.....

 

[Gabel]

Now you know why "it was a steal" don't you.....

Simpler explanation: it was missing it's baseplate and the legs were missing it's spreader (but I had other legs for it), but it wasn't until today I got a baseplate to use it with.

However, I found out the problem! It uses a double spring system... And one of the springs is defective. I'm taking it to a shop tomorrow to see what can be done. Let's hope for the best!