So to fix the two main problems, I first took out the pin and the pivoting part of the mechanism to gain access to the inner workings. To fill the gap in the lever end/box part, I wrapped the end of the lever with some 3/8" heat shrink tubing and shrunk it in place. This added enough diameter to the end of the lever to fill the box. Plus the heat shrink tubing makes a slight cushion and eliminates metal to metal contact (and wear).   (4/5)