PoolVac Ultra issues.....

Been having issues for the last 2 seasons with my PoolVac Ultra (same as Hayward Navigator I think).

It will run good for a while, but eventually just comes to a stop. No ryhme or reason, no obvious issues (nothing stuck in it, etc). I can pull it out of the pool and start over, adn it will run for a little bit and then stop again.

Took it apart to look inside, and everything is clean. I did notice 2 things:

1. If I push down on the feet of the pods, the pods move....ONCE. After that, it feels like the whole thing is locked up (they wont move back with opposite pressure). The bearings seem intact, but a little rough (Im thinking thats because they arent lubed being in a pool and all). Any ideas what would cause this? It definitely doesnt seem correct, I just dont know what parts to buy.

2. I removed the steering mechanism, down to the small white gear that is attached to the inlet hose opening. If I hold down that gear and try to turn the inlet opening, in one direction the inlet doesnt move at all. BUT in the opposite direction, it moves a little and then catches. Almost like its slipping for some reason. Is this a problem during actual use? For some reason I think it might be.

Thanks in advance.

-Chris