It could very well need new struts. I don't know for sure, though.
Yes, Dometic does recommend yearly lubrication of not on the strut shaft but all other moving joints with a dry silicone lubricant spray. I can't find that documentation right now but I do know that's what I did for my awnings. Like I say, I did it annually and just put a very light spray of silicone as they recommend not using a lot. Try to avoid using wet lubricants as they attract grit and dirt.
Here's the strut assemblies that A&E used ...not sure exactly which one it is but there's a video somewhere on the forum that explained how to measure in order to purchase the correct one:
Dometic Struts at Triad RV Parts
As I mentioned previously, I'm not one to recommend what you need to do as I once replaced struts on an awning and it didn't solve the problem I had as mine turned out to be a defective motor. So I wouldn't dare say to replace the struts at this point until you can get more input from the experts here.
I might see if lubricating the strut shafts might help the problem first to save you an expensive trip to a repair facility.
Believe it or not, the new WD40 dry silicone spray is highly rated and tested better than the more well known products a lot of RVers have in their storage bins like 3M silicone spray, DuPont silicone spray, Roadmaster towbar lube spray, Lippert KwikLube spray, etc. and it costs less too, $6.88 at Walmart and probably a dollar or so more at Home Depot and Lowe's, etc.
WD-40 Specialist Water Resistant Silicone Lubricant, 11 Oz
And also remember, as you most likely already know, is to use the two step procedure when employing and deploying the awning: Put it out half way or less and wait 10-15 seconds, and then extend it all the way out. Same in reverse.
Linear Mode
