It's been a while since I've pulled one apart, and the mast steps have changed over the years, but I don't know to what extent.
I believe on mine, the striker post is turned down at the top, so that there is a shoulder, and the end is threaded. The inside of the mast step (aluminum piece) has a counter bore so that the post slides in and seats. The turned down portion of the post protrudes through the mast step so that there is a stud which holds the plastic bearing. When you install the plastic bearing with the screw and washer, this prevents the striker post from dropping down. The shoulder prevents the post from moving up. So, the striker post should not move when installed properly.
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