Nikon D3000 lens problem, lens sticking mid zoom?

Now then,
I've just picked up my camera from not using it in a while and the lens isn't running smooth while zooming, the lens is the 18-55mm, but running through 24-35 its pretty stiff! If i auto focus while in this position, the camera makes a slight squeal noise, but it seems to run through zoom better when in manual zoom, still not perfect. I was thinking a bit of dust of some sort as i haven't dropped the camera at all. What do you guys think. Matt.

It's fairly common for 18-55s to do that… They're not exactly the highest quality lenses.

You'll have to buy a new 18-55 OR you could buy an 18-105VR or an 18-200VR.

A repair shop may be able to repair that for a few dollars.

But since you can buy a new one for under $120, you may want to do that.