Ok thanks. I was looking at the one I have, both sides. It looks like the rubber that the strut goes through was originally soft rubber. The pole doesn't actually slide through the soft rubber whick is good as fat as manufacturing the part. Like I said, I think it is a 3 piece unit. Let me explain!
I don't think that the rubber on top of the steel is soft. If it were, the screws would twist the rubber piece. I think that the top piece directly over the metal is some harder material like phonelic or similar. I hope someone has a pic of a good unit. I think it can be manufactured. I know I can make the metal and have a budy that can make the rubber. Let's work together and see if we can come with ideas. I don't think we will be talking a lot of money here.
Dann