A fastener assembly includes a retention and alignment element used in combination with a first component (10) having a cylindrical wall (11) defining a bore (13) and a second component (12) having an elongated shaft for insertion into the bore (13) of the first component (10). The retention and alignment element comprises a plurality of elongated polymeric protuberances (14), each having (i) a base (18) fixed to the cylindrical wall of the first component, (ii) a height sufficient so that together the free ends of the protuberances define a passageway that creates an interference fit with the shaft of the second component, and (iii) a length sufficient to maintain the shaft of the second component (12) generally collinear with the axis of the bore of the first component (10).