Gear ring 1 refers to the upper of the two metal rings (the one closest to the rear of the lens).

Remove the Phillips #00 screw holding the zoom ribbon cable in place.

Remove the two JIS #000 gear limit screws.

Rotate the gear ring 1 as far counter-clockwise as you are able to.

Be very careful with the zooming brush, as it is very easily damaged. Make sure it does not snag anything and that the pins do not bend!

Pull the gear ring up and off of the lens. You may need to wiggle the ring slightly if it is having troubles coming off.