Honeywell Elmo 1-4 Super8 exposure needle not moving

Looking for advice. Exposure needle is not moving. Considering taking camera apart to this level to inspect 1 in the figure below which is the exposure needle joint. I do alot of electronics repairs and have tinkered with VU meters in the past but it being called a joint gives me the impression it does not operate like a VU meter. Is this a typical maintenance procedure? In a few sentences how does this needle joint operate? Will a little lubrication help here? Camera is a single owner and is in great condition. The reel motor and electric zoom are working. This is going to be a xmas present for my daughter. thanks for any info. Happy Holidays Bob

a 1.5V coin cell battery was installed