Radius Rod Question

[DC 69]

I've recently read that a rubber radius rod ball is not recommended. In checking mine, I found a rubber cup around the entire metal ball. There's a crack in the rubber cup. Is this what members are talking about? Should I replace the rubber cup with metal radius ball washer from Snyder's? Unable to load pictures (security token?). Also, What size are the springs on the radius rod bolts? Do the springs fit over the spacer or against the spacer edge?

Thanks for any comments.