My window decided to stop tilting open yesterday, and after some poking around, I figured out the little metal mechanism inside had slipped out of place. First, I unscrewed the handle and gently pried off the plastic cover. Then, I repositioned the metal arm into its track (it was tricky, had to wiggle it around a bit), and finally screwed everything back together. It sorta works now, but still feels kinda stiff. Anyone got a smoother fix or tips to make it work better?
Had a similar issue with mine last summer. Sounds like you're on the right track, but if it's still stiff, you might wanna try lubricating the metal arm and track. A silicone-based lubricant spray usually does the trick—WD-40 makes one specifically for windows and doors that's pretty good. Just spray a bit along the metal track and mechanism, then open and close it a few times to spread it around evenly.
Also, double-check that the arm is aligned correctly in the track. Even a slight misalignment can cause stiffness or resistance when opening. Sometimes it looks fine at first glance, but if you watch closely while operating the window slowly, you'll see where it's catching or rubbing.
One thing I learned from experience: don't use regular WD-40 or oil-based lubricants—they attract dust and grime over time, making things worse in the long run. Stick with silicone or dry lubricants designed specifically for window mechanisms.
If lubrication doesn't fully solve it, you might wanna inspect the hinges themselves. Sometimes dirt or debris builds up there too, causing friction. A quick clean-up with an old toothbrush and some mild soap can help loosen things up.
Worst-case scenario (which hopefully isn't your case), if the metal arm or track is slightly bent from forcing it when it was stuck initially, you might need to gently straighten it out with pliers. But be super careful if you go that route—it's easy to make things worse if you're not gentle enough.
Good luck with it... these little window issues can be annoyingly tricky sometimes.