Facnor SD Roller Furling hard to operate

[hbarth]

I recently found on the deck, part of the split bushing that fits around forestay and into the round "Deflector" . This is no doubt the problem, or part of the problem.
Before heading up the mast, and assuming I can get or make a replacement part, I am interested if anyone else has encountered this problem and what they had to do.
Thanks,
Harvey
Dufour 40, Rush