HPOP Crack????

[c6crouch]

I have a E99 with a pretty bad oil leak coming from the HPOP, specifically it runs down the IPR and drips onto the intake. I replace the IPR o rings and still leaking!!. So my question is, is it common for these pumps to crack in this area, and what is the little steel ball behind the IPR, it almost looks like it is coming from their possibly. I have had several people look at it and no one can give me a deffinite answer.

Thank you for your help.