They appear to stop the mounts rotation when the mount is turned off, because it locks the gears together, hence you cant rotate it because the motors are engaged... They should be nipped tight, not excessively tight, but just nipped up..
They are designed to be released to offer free rotation of the mounts axis for balancing the mount, once balanced, return it to its home position manually, and then lock the levers down...
I think thats your main problem pretty well solved
Cheers mate, And good luck next clear night!