Bob,
Does your rest have the bottom plate #19?
Try this:
- Loosen the tension screws #15 for about 5-6 full rotations, counterclockwise.
(the top will be loose, that is normal).
- Operate the joystick up & down & side to side (or in circular motion) in rapid movement.
(to re-distribute the existing lube inside)
- Re-tighten the tension and check for the smoothness etc.
You cannot lube the roller pins inside without disassemble the center shaft & front bearing. And I won't recommend you to disassemble all of the internals.
If it's still not smooth:
- Remove the bottom plate if your rest has it - then remove/pull out the teflon sheet #32 - and clean it.
(use alcohol/acetone/any solvents...teflon is immune to chemical etc).
- If your rest doesn't have bottom plate #19 (the gen-2), remove the top plate assembly
(first remove the side plates & the bottom bag. Raise the carriage to the highest position)
Then remove the teflon sheet from top end, and clean.
- Put a little light lube on the teflon sheet, where it contacts the "X" sliding plate inside.
- Re-assemble all the things.
- Make sure the teflon sheet sits right in its place.
- Re-tighten the tension screws until they "stop" (can't go deeper).
- Find the best tension setting (= joystick moves smoothly & the top does not rock / has "play")
- Think about one or two second movement in an analog watch when you fine tuning the tension.
(Yes it's sensitive, the tension needs to be correct)
- Always shake (move the joystick in rapid movement) when you fine tune the tension using the other hand.
You may apply some lube on the front bearing, around the 'inner ball' of the bearing.
You can also add, or reduce rotational resistance of the center shaft #13 as per your preference by adjusting the jam/set screw #17 located under the front bearing. (there are two holes on the bottom, it's the one in the front). No need to adjust the jam screw under the rear bearing, it has nothing to do with the rotational resistance or smoothness of the joystick, it's only to hold the rear bearing in place. Just the front.
Hope this help. Let me know your finding.
Feel free to ask if you have any questions.
seb.