Ross
That should cure the problem, a slight bend in the bar should not be an issue. plenty of grease when you assemble and take care when winding the keel up. Don't overwind, that's probably how the last block was stripped.
How do the wires look? Could be time to replace if any signs of wear or corrosion. For access, wind the keel up, fit a pin through the box/keel and release the winch and unwind the mechanism.
Philip Linsell
Rascal 26
Tulena 22 a long time ago!