More than likely his Pot went out on it.
The shoddy Quality Control of Saitek eliminates any common sense approach to their lineup.
How about you do a little research on the subject first... X and Y axis on this use hall effect sensors... NOT pots.
With that being said, I had an X45 for over two years and almost two years on my X52. Not a single problem and I don't remember EVER calibrating it.
The only reason I had to replace the X45 was because I was using WD40 to lubricate it which over time made the plastic base break apart... it technically still works just tends to hang up at the end of its travel.
Now about once every 3 or 4 months I lubricate the base of my X52 with just a little bit of a 'sil-glyde'... A silicone based lubricant that is rubber and plastic safe... we use it at work to lubricate automotive brake caliper slides... it's just a little bit thinner than dielectric grease...