what kind of lubricant should i use for VDI valve? PICS
 

this was kind of stiff before i took it apart. i tried some gear oil but that didn't seem to do much, the first thing handy, i'm assuming this will something specific. Appreciate any suggestions, need to put my car back together!

Engine oil or ATF might work. Make sure everything is as clean as possible, maybe theres some gunk which is gumming up the roation

Take a scotch-bright pad and clean the interior UIM surface well. Then do the same to the black rotating assembly. It can get quite gunked up and it's not immediately obvious to the eye. Make sure the bearing allows the assembly to move freely. Then a light spray of machine or silicone oil and reinstall it.

Mine was so stuck I had to use a hammer and punch just to get the external arm to turn (once I had removed the solenoid). In my case I was just wiring it full open for my track car (which never sees the lower rev band) but I did end up pulling it apart just to make sure it was pointed in the right direction.

-bill

a little off topic but what about auxiliary ports/outside of sleeves, should those be lubricated as well?