engine and drivetrain Ball Pin is Cracked- HELP!

[Justinalreid]

Hey Guys,

 

Currently I'm swapping my automatic trans to a manual Getrag 242, in my '76 2002.

 

While I have the transmission out I've noticed that there's a crack/split in the ballpin (reference picture). Is this something I should be concerned about? I've looked for a replacement but they are NLA.

 

Any feedback would be great.

Thanks,

Justin

Edited June 24, 2016 by Justinalreid

[carlkkreienkamp]

YES. BE CONCERNED, VERY CONCERNED.

I replaced the ball pin with a crack in it about four years ago.  I'd suggest

1) start with Blunttech. he may be able to track down one .

2)contacting some of the big name repair/resto bmw   shops to see if they could scrounge one from a scrapped 4-speed in the junk pile

3) have your local  BMW dealer check the corporate data base for one which might be on someone's shelf out in the back-of-beyond  

4) pull the cracked pin cover and find a machine shop to turn a new cap out of Delrin/Nylon? and install it on the metal pin existant.  This may be the easiest fix.  I can measure the buggered up pin for the inside of the plastic cap, dimensions of the pin itself..  you will need to save the cracked cover for the machine shop to duplicate the outside dimensions of the cap.

for what it's worth it's a REAL PITA TO REMOVE THE METAL PIN FROM THE bell housing.Much heat, large vice grip for twisiing, 18" pry bar for pryinbg the vice grip out while tightly holding onto the pin.  There is NO access to the back side of the pin from the outside of the bell housing  

[Justinalreid]

Thanks for the reply!

 

Now I'm a little worried as I have exhausted all search efforts with little luck, and like you had mentioned thought of maybe getting it replicated at a machine shop.  However, this morning I called BimmerDoc.com, who said that the cracked Ballpin shouldn't be a major concern if I choose to put it back in, and that he did have some used ones in stock if needed.

 

....What are the chances of it completely failing if I chose to put it back in as is?

 

Anyhow, I think I might just call him back and have him ship me one in better condition, just to be safe.

 

 

 

[avoirdupois]

I am unable to see the crack in the supplied photo.  Not doubting your word, but are you sure it is a crack rather than some other deformity.  I ask since as unlikely as it may seem, I have seen one or two of those "ball pins" or pivots that were severely worn probably due to complete lack of lubrication.  I have never seen one shear or crack.  I would also expect that a used ball pin in good condition would be just as reliable as a new one.

 

I have not thoroughly researched the subject, but I have a strong suspicion that the same part was found in many other bellhousing/clutch assemblies so that you might consider expanding your search efforts.  Not sure about the differences, but if you haven't already done so, compare both pn: 21511202659  pn: 21511202467.  It is unclear, for the moment, what the differences are, (this may include how far forward each ball protrudes or the diameter of the ball), but I wouldn't be surprised if several different parts would fit.

 

Not to dispute your source's opinion, but if the ball pin were to somehow break off and not provide a pivot for the throwout bearing support, you would lose some clutch function (disengagement).  Not the end of the world, but certainly not the best scenario. 

 

 

 

Edited June 24, 2016 by avoirdupois

[roadhog0]

Clean it up good, pack with JB weld, sand, and call it good! Sorry, letting my redneck side out with that one.

[TobyB]

Yeah, my zoom's not good enough to see that, either.

 

The cracking was a real problem on the plastic ones on later (245 on) trans-

I didn't think the metal ones on the 2002 were particularly prone to that problem.  I HAVE seen the fork wear a hole

into itself from lack of lube... 

 

There are brass pivots made for the later trans, but I don't think they'd solve your problem.  IF you have one...

 

Can you get a better pic? 

 

t

 

[Justinalreid]

Thanks for all the help!

I've ordered a used ballpin that's in better condition from BimmerDoc.com, even though he has personally never have seen one fail- Better safe than sorry right?

 

I had also contacted Blunttech (along with many other BMW part suppliers) asking for both:  pn: 21511202659  pn: 21511202467, knowing that the older steel ballpin's from Getrag 232's would work with my 242. However, that part is equally as hard to find as the plastic ballpin for later model '02's.

 

Unfortunately, the brass ballpin (which is readily available for other older BMW transmissions: E21, E9, E30etc.) from IE and other sources, would not work.

 

I've attached (hopefully) a better picture of the split in my current ballpin.

Thanks again,

 

 

 

[Buckeye]

I was in same situation about about two years ago and member on this board helped out. try sending PM to 2002. 

 

 

Photo of of new one installed. 

[TobyB]

Ah- so there's a plastic cover that's metal- colored that has split.  That makes sense.

And changing it also makes sense!

 

the dim bulb eventually glows...

 

t