I have an X-52 throttle and stick. Got it a little over a year ago. Used it for a couple of months and then put it away for quite awhile (in its original box to keep dust off etc) until just recently, when I put it back in operation to start flying IL2 1946.

Now I'm noticing that the stick has developed quite a NASTY SQEAKING/RUBBING SOUND when I push it to the FAR END of up, down, left or right. Doesn't really squeak/rub much in the normal (middle) range of movement; only at the extremities. When it makes the noise, it's not sliding nearly as smoothly as I remember it used to.

Any X-52 owners out there ever experienced this? Any quick fixes, is there anything to be done about it?

I called Saitek Tech Support yesterday to ask about it and the tech said she'd never heard of that with their sticks (of course she hasn't!) She said if it's still under warranty I could send it to them and they'd probably replace it, but it would take several weeks.

I'm enjoying this fine sim WAY too much to give up my stick for several weeks and not be able to play.

Try cleaning the bottom of the plastic piece that the spring sits on. If that doesn't help try a small amount of silicon lubricant.

When my X 52 pro started that I removed the bottom joystick cover and carefully put some silicon spray on the moving parts and redistributed the silicon grease that was already there. DON'T get any on the electronic circuits.
My stick is smooth and quiet again.

Smear a bit of chapstick or candle wax on the rod under the spring...that will do the trick also.

Wiping the plastic piece that the spring sits on did the trick, grndragon57. It's as good as new...no squeak at all and smooth. Thanks much for the help and quick replies you guys!

riggs

I used a sray can of silicone grease, @ Homedepot, applied with a cotton swab to the bottom of the plastic washer and the rail it rides on. Careful though, once you have it lubricated, you will loose resistance and you'll have a swinging stick on your hands. You might want to wipe off the excess.Alcohol.

I use 50k weight silicone oil. It added a bit of resistance to my x52pro in the center area and does not fade away as it is thick and will not change viscosity with temp differences.

UPDATE:

For those who may come along in the future with the same problem...

Wiping the plastic piece that the spring sits on SEEMED to fix it, but it didn't really. The squeak/rub returned soon after. So I headed out to Home Depot and picked up a spray can of "Gunk Liquid-Wrench (heavy duty) Silicone Spray." Maybe that was the wrong stuff to use, I don't know. Anyway, came home and sprayed just a little on a Q-tip and wiped around the underside of the plastic piece where it "meets" the metal rod and also around the part of the rod where it disappears into the base of the joystick, around the little black plastic ring there. Result? Applying the silicone actually made it WORSE! Squeaking/rubbing like a madman! So I wiped it off...and back to square one. Eventually, I went with badatit's idea and tried the chapstick...a little on my finger and applied it to the same areas as before. Result? Hasn't squeaked/rubbed since and smooth as silk.

Riggs