Why not use small plastic (fg?) rods, set vertically, between the mast
and the housing....that would be a roller bearing. The housing could be
pvc or alum. pipe but would need to be chosen because the rather close
tolerance requirements. The many rollers would spread the load evenly
between the mast and the housing.

If there is a concern that the housing is not strong enough all you would
need to do is wrap it with a little FG particularly at the top and bottom
few inches.

The rollers would be self aligning if there were enough with just a
little clearance between them. I buy 4' sections of solid 3/16" FG rods
for $1.09 at Tractor Supply...(electric fence posts).
JIB

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