Yes, that's what the drive disks do. There is a replaceable rubber ring that contacts the driven plate, and the movement toward center gives you slower speeds. Go just past center, and the disk runs backwards, giving you reverse.
This rubber drive disk must have firm contact with the drive plate all the way across its face (or, in all"gears ") to work properly. Too tight, though and it will be hard to shift, and wear excessively.
As far as "becoming slick" - do you mean the rubber ring being contamiated with oil? That's entirely possible. Unfortunately, if this is the case, you need to fix the leak, and replace the rubber disk wear surface. It's every bit like a v-belt in that regard. Once it's contaminated with oil, it'll remain slick no matter what you do to clean it. Not that easy, but a lot easier than, say, tearing apart a gear transaxle to replace a shift fork! :wink:
Hope this answers your question! :thumbsup:
Sent from my WX445 using LMF