Penn 130VSX - Freespool Issue

[Marlinmate]

With the reel in freespool, the handle spins with the spool and "clicks" like it does when reeling.  If i advance the lever drag up about ¼", perfect freespool and the clicking goes away.   Put it back down to freespool and handle spins again.

I also feel like the reel doesn't Pop hard into freespool when the lever is pushed back. 

I'm thinking worn out spring/s?  Stiffer springs would make the shaft slide harder to engage freespool?

Thoughts?