IN AUTO FOCUS FOCUS RING STICKS MAKES NOISE LIKE

The 55-200mm lens does not focus closer than 1.1 meters (3.6 feet). If the subject is too close, then the autofocus tries and fails to focus or keeps trying (and squeaking). Either way, you won't be able to take a picture. In manual focus, you can take a picture but it will be out of focus and blurry.

Every lens has a minimum focus distance, closer than which it will not focus. Some lenses focus closer than others. It's a matter of design; making lenses focus closer makes them larger, heavier, and more expensive.

If you want to take close-ups, you have several options. You can buy close-up adapters that fit onto the front of a lens. You can buy a special close-up lens ("macro" or "micro" lens). You can buy extension tubes to fit between the camera and a lens.

Your lens might have an issue caused by some sort of shock or impact. Before anything just try to gently turn the focus ring on the lens while on auto focus to see if it pops back into place. Sometimes this actually takes care of the issue. Just DON'T FORCE IT. If this doesn't solve your issue then contact a Nikon authorized service center because your lens is going to need repairs. Hope this helps!

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You can zoom completely independent of the focus.

Some lenses immediately override the autofocus when it senses you turning the manual focus ring. Other lenses don't, and you can damage the lens by forcing it. It depends on the lens, so you'll have to consult the documentation for the specific lens.

On the front of the camera body, below the lens release button you should find a two position switch labeled "AF" & "M" This is the "Auto Focus - Manual" selector switch. Make sure the selector is set to "AF" for auto focusing.

Your lens may have a similar focus selector switch on its barrel. There are two types of switches used - depending on the lens. The first is labeled "M/A" and "M" The "M/A" position indicates it is in "Auto Focus" mode with a "Manual" focus over ride capability. You can simply twist the focus ring to change the focus to a point other than that chosen by the camera's auto focus system. The "M" position is Manual Focus mode. No focusing operations will be performed by the D80 auto focus system - focusing must be done by the photographer.

The second type has "A" & "M" positions. These represent Auto and Manual focus. The difference between this type switch and the "A/M & "M" switch is that when in "A", the camera will no allow the focus to be changed manually. There will be opposition to twisting the focus ring in the position. Forcing it will likely result in damage. The selector switch must be changed to "M" to change the focus.

If either switch is set to manual, the auto focus system will be disabled, so it is very important to have them both set to "A" or "A/M".

I hope this helps. Please rate my reply - thanks!

The 18-135 lens focus system is driven by a motor in the lens itself. So there are moving parts inside it, not really gears and pinions and such, but similar. If it works fine and doesn't make the focus jumpy or stick anywhere, it's probably safe to wait a bit and see if it either goes away or gets worse. If it gets worse or the focus jumps, you just need to take the lens in and have it serviced. The mechanism could be out of alignment or need other adjustment.

Mine occasionally does this as well, but only when trying to focus on the left side of my viewfinder. I found there is a piece of dust on the sensor in just the right quadrant that prevents it from focusing. Try setting your focus settings so that you can press the left or right buttons to select the focusing quadrant (left, middle, or right). If that fails, you can always manually focus.

Which camera are you using? If the body has AF/MF switch, put that also to MF.If this fails to help, take out the lens and try to change it to MF.

No extra batteries.

Usually this is a lens fault as the focusing gear is all in the lens. Clicking sounds as if a rear pinion has cracked. It's not uncomon in the 'prosumer' level lenses where plastic gears are used a lot.

It's just possible the fault is which the auto-manual switch. This usually has a mechanical clutch coupled to it which physically disconnects the gearbox from the focusing ring, as well as operating a switch to tell the camera to turn off the AF system.

I doubt if there is anything you can do yourself. The manual focus may have debris under the ring or is in need of parts. I would leave this one to a tech.

Take the lens off and rotate the focus ring, it should turn very easily with little gear noise.Try a different AF Pentax lens that you know is good.
I'm sure the lens is binding, take the lens to a camera repair shop for an estimate cost to repair.