I thought I remembered hearing how to clean and lube power antennas somewhere. I'm thinking it'* a super fine steel wool then a light rubbing of silicone lube on the outside.

Anyone verify the best way. Mines starting to sound a little labored and I'd like to take the precaution before it burns out and I gotta change it.

I wouldn't use steel wool. The little fibers could stick between the sections.

The gear housing is packed with grease, and you have to drill out the rivets to expose them, then replace with machine screws and nuts if you decide to go that far....but the shaft itself should only be wiped clean with mineral spirits, then lightly oiled. Silicone lube would be great. That'* what I use on mine.