We call it a flexarm, some call it rabbit ears, and others call it that crank-up lifter-thingy. Regardless of what you call it, this little guy is important. It is responsible for raising up your skylight lens for some fresh air, and snugging it down to keep the rain out.
The flexarm does a remarkably good job at these tasks, but it does have a design flaw. You see the little nylon wheels at the tips? Those little guys travel in the aluminum guide and wear out over time. Once they are worn out, they pop out of the guide track and—you guessed it—no more up-down, up-down. And no, the little wheels are not replaceable. They are riveted in place, so the whole enchilada needs to be replaced. Don't shoot the messenger!
[OEM] Made in the USA.