Nikkor 70-300 VR Zoom ring

The rubber zoom ring on my 70-300 is coming loose. I checked with Nikon service and they say they can't supply a replacement zoom ring, but they will fix the problem if I send the lens in for service. This seems like an expensive way to replace a $5 part.

Does anyone know of a source for the rubber zoom ring?

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Criticism is easy; achievement is difficult. W.S. Churchill