OK, if the rods came out, and were put back in without paying attention to whether the flat ends were placed against the ball, the rods will bind in the tube. If you look closely at the rod ends, one end has a small flat spot, and the other is rounded. If the rounded end is placed next to the round ball it will cause the ball, or rod, or both to rub off center against the wall of the tube, and not operate smoothly or even bind.