Plastic Cup on V-Push Rod for Top Shattered Twice

I have had the plastic cup piece that screws onto the end of the V-Push Rod for the convertible top shatter twice (once on each side). The top is not binding at all and is easily opened and closed when the V-Rod is not attached. It is difficult to get leverage to snap the plastic piece onto the steel ball and I am unsure how best to line up the V Rod. Any advice on how to line up and attach the plastic cup to the steel ball would be appreicated.

It is time to tackle this project so I can get my Boxter back on the road. All advice welcome

what one side doing that the other isn't, etc. Of course, you'll have to replace the part at least one more time to do this. Operate the top only a little at a time, which might reduce stress in any case, especially when it's cold.