NO lubrication is needed. They have internal seals that stick sometimes. The Silver piston is IMMERSED in Fluid when retracted, so other than keeping the Silver piston free of dirt and grime, you just wash with soap and water, no lube is needed. Spraying silicone or any other type lube is just a band aid for the real problem. It just helps for a few days/weeks, then the real problem, which is still there, comes back. New Springs will NOT fix a sticking jack. To tell if you need new springs, if you can push the jack up with your hand, then new springs are needed. Doug