Usually when the lift rod is in need of lubricating, it's because there's a creaky/squeaky type noise. I've not encountered a stiff lift rod like you're describing. Could it be something else? Maybe a spring under the pedal? Anyway, if you ever need to lube the rod, it can be removed by sliding it out of the rod hook brackets. There are usually four hooks, and you'll need to remove one of the dampers to unscrew one bracket. (Three hooks point one direction, and one points the other. I think that's right - been a while. You'll see it when you pull the action. If I can figure it out, anyone else can.) Then it slides out, but you'll need to guide it gently past the damper levers so the hooks don't grab them. JF <div>On 2/26/07, Jim Keaney <<a href="mailto:pianoTuna@comcast.net">pianoTuna@comcast.net</a>> wrote:<blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 0.8ex; padding-left: 1ex;"> I was tuning a small no-name console piano, and noticed that the sustain pedal was not working properly. Well, the problem is a very stiff damper lift rod. I was unable to lubricate it using some liquid graphite, and I'm wondering if I need to remove all the dampers just to lube to the rod. Does anyone hopefully have a much simpler solution? Thanks! Jim Keaney </blockquote></div>