Just a reminder that that pivot screw has a nut attached to it on the back side. Remove that nut before trying to remove the screw. Also. I've found one or two of those where the shank of the screw was staked after the nut was put on, meaning you are likely to twist off the threads of the screw trying to take off the nut. When putting it back together, it is possible to tighten the screw too tight. Keep operating the pivot with your finger while tightening - you will feel the pivot point tighten up as you get the screw tighter and tighter.
PBR has those screws, order both sizes - they are cheap and that way you're going to have the correct one.
You have to get that pivot point clean and moving freely or the stepper will never work properly.
Check your player unit switches for the other issues.