http://www.lewmar.com/product-listing.asp?action=search&type=8
This will show you the types of winches and the parts available. Then you can see the parts lists which will provide....

You can find the current manuals on the Lewmar site too.

You're right to NOT go "wacking" the plastic. Let's figure-out what's going on first.

You can always CALL LEWMAR. They're very good that way.