I've done the same thing... i've taken it all apart and the ball that holds the stick from twisting.. snapped in half, the only thing to do other than replace it, is to take the ball totally out, and hope that the magnet is still in tact for the prescision handling of the Hotas.... unfortunately mine broke off.. so i had to glue it back into position...
I've tried to contact TM, i've sent the pics and receipt.. and no luck in any contact... so i will try again soon, and see if i get a reply.. other than that.. i'm going to try and get the ball made out of aluminum and machined so it's not cheap plastic holding it in place.. if you have any info on getting this fixed.. I'm all ears...
Drover