Steering Friction Screw

[sdrew]

I have a 2005 4HP 4 stroke (F4MSHD),... the steering friction screw has been (inadvertently) completely removed, and I can't get it to go back in. With a flashlight, I can see what appears to be a washer that is out of alignment, not allowing the screw to be re-inserted. Any clue how I can get the screw back in easily, without disassembling the lower unit (if thats what it's called).
Thanks, Steve in Maine

[boats.net]

It screws into a band that goes around drive housing, it's probably not lining up with holes in the band.