[ICOM] Stiff VFO dial when turned on

[John]

I have an Icom 706 original (so it is 16 years old or so) and I have
noticed recently when I first turn on the radio, the VFO dial is
rather stiff (the lever is in the least tension position).  After the
radio has been on for a while it does seem to loosen up some.  Has
anyone else noticed this problem?  Could the encoder be going bad, or
what else could cause this condition?

73 John AF5CC