AUX Port Shaft worn

[BLKTOPTRVL]

While working with the LIM I noticed that the firewall side Aux Port Shaft easily slides in and out with no resistance [Edit -- meaning that I can pull it out of the manifold and put it back in without removing the cover plate. The c-clip that is supposed to hold it in place was not locking it as it should have.]

After taking off the retaining plate (having to cut a slot into one of the screws because it stripped), I noticed that the c-clip was not holding the shaft in.

In fact both the shaft and the clip look like they have been worn down.

Questions:

1. is this shaft worn beyond repair?
2. can the shaft be repaired by welding/grinding metal back onto the shaft?
3. does anyone have a good shaft they can sell?

I am soaking the other shaft screws in penetrating oil so I can try to get the other shaft out without striping the screws. Once the other is out, I will compare them to see the differences.