Stihl telescoping power pole chainsaw hard to retract/extend

[Overtaxed]

I think it's a HT101 or 131, not sure, it's pretty new though. Went out with it today and it worked fine, but then went to collapse it and it was REALLY hard to move. Pole isn't bent, I didn't drop anything on it (this time!) and its straight as an arrow to look at it. When I the locking collar off, you can see 4 washers that get compressed to hold the pole tight when you extend it. If I move those washers by hand, it's easy to move the pole. The washers are just REALLY hard to move up and down the pole.

Should I lubricate the pole? If so, with what (lithium?). Something else to look at?

 

[jeff9366]

I lubricate my telescoping manual pole saw and telescoping extension ladder with Pledge spray furniture polish. Wax does not accumulate dust.

 

[Motorboatin]

This stuff works great. I use it on everything including my pole saw

It dries fast with no film and lasts a long time

 

[nyone]

If lubeing dosnt work i hate to tell you but you prob twisted or kinked the internal drive spline. There just aluminum.