Many thanks to PizzaGuy for the initial diagnosis of this problem and his photos of the offending mechanism. (Us old guys love photos. The "word processor" in our heads is one of the first things to go.)

A big thank you to GregWork's photos of his remedy. Outstanding detail.

I can now go and confidently perform some preventive surgery.

By the way, GregWork. Is that the ultra low-mileage roadster I saw for sale online at Cincinnati Auto Mall a month or so ago when my wife and I were shopping for ours? Beautiful automobile.