I just gave this stick a review in Jan 2014, not more than a week ago. My X-52 Pro developed a small problem. I felt that I needed to share this problem with other X-52 Pro owners.
My stick suddenly began to " bind up " a little when doing a right bank in my flight Sim, the motion was not smooth anymore. Needless to say I was a little upset after spending over 150 bucks for it and I have only had it a couple of months and just gave it a good review.
After a little investigating I discovered that the problem was the large washer under the spring rubbing against the shaft of the joystick. Two tiny drops of machine oil took care of that.. Its working very smooth now again. I chose to try to solve the problem my self rather than go through the hassel of sending in back and it paid off. Saitec should be doing this at the factory. Metal to metal is never a good idea without lubracation with moving parts.