Hey doctor_coley, nice catch on the bonus unit. Glad you were able to find a fix.
Usually, there's no need for lubrication at all. The sticking is probably caused by a previous owner or route operator applying grease too liberally where there was no need. The best solution, if this continues to be a problem, is to partially disassemble the unit, swap in a new nylon coil sleeve for the affected coil, and clean the plunger with some kind of solvent. Coil sleeves are cheap. Some friction in the point of rotation for the stepper unit could also be caused by gunk or congealed grease, and the prescription is the same: take it apart and clean it. Sometimes you can wrap the spring tighter, too, but I'd clean it up first. Let us know how you make out.
And, welcome to Pinside! I don't know anywhere else I could meet a Bronco-owning Copenhagener.
