18-200 lens not telescoping out fully

My 18-200 IS Canon lens got some mist on the barrell from the ocean waves, Prior to this the lens had what's known as lens creep, where the camera is pointed down and the lens would not stay in a single position. The lens barrell would rotate around and extend all the way, now it is short and does not extext. I whiped off the barrell but it still won't go back to the way it was. It focuses, but when in manual or AF it the barrell turns but does not extend out untill it reaches a point then it will extend about half the distance it did before. It still seems operational and indicates it's focusing but still seems like somthing is not quite right.

Can anyone help?
The lens came as part of a kit and is under warrenty. I just hate to be without it.

First, check the warranty. I doubt that damage from ocean spray is covered, but it doesn't hurt to check.

If the warranty covers misuse and environmental damage, send the lens in for warranty repairs. Even if the warranty doesn't cover it, send it in for repairs. You got salt in the lens machinery and you can't get it out without doing vastly more damage yourself.

Next time, cover the camera when you're near the surf. A Hefty trash bag costs a few cents. It's certainly cheaper than a lens.