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Finally the heater box (not valve) universal joint broke. This is the one closest to the box (in fact, with my limited view, it looks to be in-separable from it).

The ETK shows 4 joints (2 valve side, 2 defrost/heat side), but I'll be darned if I can get the joint off. The joint rotates in a cylindrical part of the heater box. That cylinder has a notch at the top; like some tool should fit in there.

But no dice. I just can't feel it well enough to figure out if this is the way or not.

1981 528i

Any ideas?

Peter,

The swivel joints are what usually break. They are held in by a plastic tab that is accessed through the square hole in the connecting rod and the rotating mechanism on the air box. You need to press on the tab as you pull the swivel joint off. Easier said then done as the access is limited. It's been a long time since I was in this area but it wasn't fun.

Bob

I've got a heater box out of the car I can take a pic of this weekend. A close up with light on the subject should help.