On purchasing my N73 (on 3 network) Summer '06 I was overjoyed with the phone itself... until Boxing Day '06 when for some reason the joystick decided it would get stiff, sticky and totally in-accurate in use.
I searched on Google for a solution and was directed to this forum where someone suggested a small drop of WD40. Using the stuff for years and knowing that it won't "attack" metal or most plastics, I thought give it a go.
I turned off the handset, used the little red tube applicator that comes with the can, and after practicing my "small drop" delivery antics, gave a little of the miracle fluid to the base of the joystick (without removing fascia).
Turned phone on after 30 mins ( to let excess product evaporate) and to my delight it works a treat.
Not saying that you should all do this if you have this problem, but as I and other users can vouch (after reading threads and replies) it's certainly worth consideration.
I have now joined the forum (thanks to such detailed and varied replies to people's problems) and look forward to posting and replying in the future.
Thanks to the guys who replied to someone else who had my problem for helping me out as a result!
robthedj