Abstract: An apparatus, a system and a method are provided for monitoring position of a machine element within a mechanical system and/or cleaning a machine element. A light source and sensor may be positioned within a cylinder. The sensor may detect the intensity of light within the cylinder as a shaft element moves laterally throughout the cylinder. The measurement may indicate the position of the shaft element within the cylinder. In addition, a seal, a wire brush and/or a bronze brush may be placed near an end wall of a cylinder. The seal may surround the shaft element. Furthermore, the shaft element may be coated with a compound, such as a nitrile compound or a ceramic compound or the like. The wire brush and bronze brush may be in contact with the shaft element and may scrape any contaminants, such as weld spatter, which may be deposited on the shaft element.