Hey, I got it!  Thanks for all the help, folks.

Apparently the cable's adjustment locking nut and washer had worked loose,
and that's why it opened hard on Monday.  The entire cable mechanism was off
of the front cable adjustment strut when I took it apart yesterday.  When I
put it back on, I did it incorrectly.  I had the adjustment nut to the right
of the strut, but the little round spacer was to the left of the strut along
with the locking nut and washer.  It almost worked, but when I put it back
together with the spacer to the right of the strut, so that there was no
play left in the cable housing, everything is working great.

Some have suggested generous lubrication.  Any recommendations on
type/brand?  Is wd40 a lubricant, or is it a no-no and I'm showing my
ignorance by even suggesting it?.  No worries.  I love showing my ignorace
as long as somebody has a good idea for me! :-)

Matt

  _____

From: wetwesties@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [WetWesties] Sliding door doesn't

On Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:04:16 -0700, Matthew Snook wrote
> Argh.
>
> My sliding door was balking yesterday.