This is an example. The components without a name are the white plastic endpieces of this VW shift linkage rod. They're like plastic ball-socket joints, these parts being the sockets. They click on over the ball and then the end snaps shut to lock it in place. I need some for a linkage I'm trying to build, and space doesn't allow proper heim joints. I'm guessing if I could figure out WTF they were called, that would make them easier to find. I've gone through the mcmaster "rod end" section and came up with nothing. The two places that I have seen them used are in VW shift linkages and older Volvo throttle linkages, if that helps.

TIA

 

http://www.rodendsupply.com

Look on page 12 of the catalog, it's basically a metal version of what you're looking for. They're commonly used on throttle cables and parachute cables on drag cars. You can get them with 10/32 or 1/4" female threads on the end. Would that work?

 

Thats not them....I've got some of those from McMaster and they're too big. Thanks though

 

Call a VW/Audi dealership........

 

go buy a3 vw shift linkage because the last set my friends bought was metal rod ends and he cut them off to make his own linkage?

 

Nice guys ive been looking for this **** for a while now

 

I'm not using them for shift linkage, and the ones in the (VW A2/A3 shifter linkage) picture are too big. I'm simply trying to determine the proper name for the pieces, because someone, somewhere has to make them. I'm using it for a throttle linkage, and I need pieces similar to the volvo throttle linkage pieces, but for a 10mm ball end, instead of an 8mm ball.

 

They're captured rodends. If you need something rather small, I think you can still get the type I used on a R/C monster truck I made a while back. I can't remember if they are 8mm or 10mm, and they aren't full cups, but they do snap on. I used the Kyosho brand links from towerhobbies.com, but I bet any mfg has some that will work. You can get the rod and the ball [w/threads], assuming you can make the threads fit on there. The larger ones I used accept 8-32 threads in the rod end.

 

I know what you're talking about.....kyosho and Tamiya use 3 mm rod ends.....That was the first thing I thought of. I found some tiny little 6-32 heim joint rod ends that worked with a bit of grinding on the manifold.

 

look in the http://www.swracecars.com catalog and look for MORSE cables or you might find them in a jegs catalog as well.