Lost Ball Bearing for Paddle Shifter

[minneapolism3]

Well s***, I was installing the Verstraβe paddle shifters in my car and got the down paddle installed fine, but when I did the up paddle the ball bearing fell out and is nowhere to be found. I was being an idiot and attempted to install them in the car without detaching the wires from the steering wheel. Anyone know where I could pick up an extra ball bearing? Would the dealership be able to get it for me? Any help is appreciated.

[surlynkid]

Originally Posted by minneapolism3

Well s***, I was installing the Verstraβe paddle shifters in my car and got the down paddle installed fine, but when I did the up paddle the ball bearing fell out and is nowhere to be found. I was being an idiot and attempted to install them in the car without detaching the wires from the steering wheel. Anyone know where I could pick up an extra ball bearing? Would the dealership be able to get it for me? Any help is appreciated.

take the other one out, mic it to get the OD and then go to a gun shop to get a shotgun shell pellet the same size. from doing mine, i would just guess you are somewhere in the neighborhood of 8 or 9 shot, but measure it to be sure. dealer will probably make you buy entire assembly.

[serranot]

Originally Posted by surlynkid

take the other one out, mic it to get the OD and then go to a gun shop to get a shotgun shell pellet the same size. from doing mine, i would just guess you are somewhere in the neighborhood of 8 or 9 shot, but measure it to be sure. dealer will probably make you buy entire assembly.

Don't get lead shot.

[Parkanzky]

Measure the old part, but then go to McMaster-Carr (www.mcmaster.com) and search for "steel ball." They'll have bearing grade steel balls in whatever size you need.

[minneapolism3]

Originally Posted by Parkanzky

Measure the old part, but then go to McMaster-Carr (www.mcmaster.com) and search for "steel ball." They'll have bearing grade steel balls in whatever size you need.

Nice this is perfect. Thanks for the help. Don't mean to ask too much but if anyone knows what size they are that would be awesome. I have the whole assembly put back together and it's a pain to get it undone again.

[minneapolism3]

So I just measured the ball bearing and got 5/32" diameter. Just for reference if anyone else runs into this problem

[surlynkid]

Originally Posted by serranot

Don't get lead shot.

correct. he would want steel shot.

5/32 is a lot bigger than i remember when i did mine. that is right in between #1 and #2 shot. i would go the mcmaster carr route. you will easily get 5/32 steel balls there. may have to get 50 though.

[S65V8]

this reminds of those problems when you drop some small part into the rails of the seats or under them and they clunk down somewhere hard to reach. Such a pain for short term clumsiness, I feel your pain...

Glad you figured it out!