Multiflex K9 Stainless Steel Quick Release Ball Joint

The Multiflex K9 / LM-K-9 Stainless Steel Quick Release Ball Joint connects the moving 10-32 UNF threaded rod of a compatible Multiflex EC-033 or EC-133 engine control cable to a 6mm ball stud on a throttle, gear-shift, gearbox or other suitable push-pull linkage. Its polished 300 Series stainless-steel housing slides back against an external spring to release the stud, allowing the linkage to be detached without unscrewing the fitting from the cable.

The K9 is the closest documented functional Multiflex equivalent to the Ultraflex L7 / 38078U stainless-steel ball joint. Both fittings use a 10-32 UNF cable connection and a published 6mm or M6 stud, but no manufacturer document reviewed provides a formal one-to-one interchangeability statement. Confirm the body dimensions, release mechanism, mounting geometry and operating load before substitution.

Product Identification

• Brand: Multiflex
• Model / item code: K9
• Extended part reference: LM-K-9
• Product category: Engine control cable end fitting
• Product type: Quick-release ball joint
• Alternative descriptions: Quick-disconnect ball joint, detachable ball joint, removable ball joint or control-cable rod end
• Housing material: 300 Series stainless steel
• Ball-stud material: Not separately stated
• External spring material: Not separately stated
• Finish: Polished
• Cable-end thread: 10-32 UNF female
• Published ball-stud size: 6mm
• Cable format: Universal 3300 / 33C-type mechanical control cable
• Officially listed Multiflex cables: EC-033 and EC-133
• Cable capacity: One control cable
• Connection design: Spring-loaded, quick-release spherical joint
• Release method: Slide the housing back against the external spring to release the stud
• Primary function: Connects the moving cable rod to a mechanical operating linkage
• Typical applications: Gear shift, throttle, push-pull control and multi-carburettor linkage
• Closest Ultraflex equivalent: L7 / 38078U / 4-L7
• Equivalent status: Functional cross-brand equivalent; direct fit must be confirmed
• Control cable included: No
• Cable outer clamp included: No
• Maximum working load: Not published

What Is the Multiflex K9 Used For?

The K9 forms the articulated connection between the moving threaded rod of a compatible mechanical control cable and the lever or linkage operated by that cable.

It can form part of a correctly specified:

• Gear-shift control installation
• Throttle-control installation
• Inboard engine control system
• Outboard engine control system
• Sterndrive control installation
• Gearbox selector connection
• Compatible choke or engine-stop control
• Multi-carburettor linkage
• Replacement EC-033 cable installation
• Replacement EC-133 cable installation
• Compatible universal 33C / 3300 cable installation
• Other correctly rated push-pull control linkage

When the remote control is moved, the cable’s inner rod pushes or pulls the K9 housing. The spherical connection transfers this movement to the 6mm ball stud while allowing angular movement between the cable and operating lever.

What Is Included?

• 1 x Multiflex K9 / LM-K-9 quick-release ball-joint assembly

The product description identifies the fitting as having a 6mm stud. However, Multiflex does not provide a complete packaging list showing whether a separate mounting nut, washer or other loose fixing hardware is supplied.

Not included unless expressly stated:

• Multiflex EC-033 control cable
• Multiflex EC-133 control cable
• Multiflex EEC-133 EDGE control cable
• Remote control lever or control box
• Engine throttle lever
• Gearbox selector lever
• Cable outer-casing clamp
• Structural cable-support bracket
• Separate cable locknut
• Installation-specific washers or spacers
• Additional linkage fasteners
• Steering cable
• Steering helm
• Hydraulic steering components
• A second ball joint
• Ultraflex L7 ball joint
• Other engine-specific connection hardware

Which Control Cables Are Compatible?

Multiflex officially lists the K9 for:

• Multiflex EC-033
• Multiflex EC-133

Both are universal 3300-series shift and throttle cables with 10-32 UNF threaded ends. The EC-033 has a 7mm conduit and the EC-133 has an 8.4mm conduit, but both have 90mm travel and the same cable-end thread.

The K9 may also fit another manufacturer’s universal 33C / 3300 control cable where all of the following match:

• 10-32 UNF male cable-end thread
• Required thread engagement
• 6mm ball-stud mounting arrangement
• Available joint articulation
• Operating-lever geometry
• Cable stroke
• Push-pull operating load
• Installation clearance
• Cable outer-casing support

A matching 10-32 UNF thread alone does not guarantee complete compatibility.

Is the Multiflex EC-133R Compatible?

The current K9 product data reviewed specifically list EC-033 and EC-133. They do not separately identify EC-133R.

Confirm the EC-133R cable-end thread, rod geometry, required travel and operating load before installation.

Is the Multiflex EEC-133 EDGE Cable Compatible?

The Multiflex EEC-133 is a universal 3300-series shift and throttle cable with a 10-32 UNF end thread and 90mm travel. However, the current K9 compatibility statement does not specifically name EEC-133.

The shared thread makes compatibility possible, but fitment should be confirmed from:

• Cable-end construction
• Required thread engagement
• Linkage geometry
• Ball-stud position
• Cable stroke
• Operating load
• Available articulation

Is the K9 Suitable for Universal 33C / 3300 Control Cables?

The K9 is intended for universal cable applications and is specifically listed for the Multiflex EC-033 and EC-133 universal 3300 cable families.

Before installing it on another 33C-style cable, confirm:

• 10-32 UNF male threaded rod
• Sufficient usable thread length
• Correct ball-stud position
• Correct linkage movement
• Required cable travel
• Suitable control-cable load rating
• Clearance for the K9 housing
• Clearance for operating the release sleeve
• Correct cable outer-casing restraint

How Does the K9 Quick-Release Mechanism Work?

1. The 10-32 UNF female body is screwed onto the cable’s moving threaded rod.
2. The 6mm ball stud is secured to the engine, gearbox or operating lever.
3. The joint housing is aligned with the ball head.
4. The housing is pushed onto the ball until the internal mechanism retains it.
5. The external sleeve returns to its locked position under spring pressure.
6. To disconnect the linkage, the sleeve is pulled back against the spring.
7. The ball-joint housing can then be lifted from the stud.

After connection, confirm that the sleeve has returned fully and that the ball cannot detach without deliberately retracting the housing.

What Thread and Stud Size Does the K9 Use?

• Cable-side thread: 10-32 UNF female
• Linkage connection: Quick-release ball joint
• Published stud size: 6mm

The 10-32 UNF female thread screws onto the male moving rod of the control cable. Multiflex does not publish an installation torque or minimum thread-engagement figure for the K9.

Is the Ultraflex L7 a Direct Equivalent to the Multiflex K9?

The Ultraflex L7 / 38078U is the closest documented functional equivalent.

The two products share:

• Stainless-steel ball-joint construction
• 10-32 UNF cable-side thread
• 6mm or M6 ball-stud description
• Compatibility with universal engine control cables
• Articulated cable-to-linkage connection
• Detachable ball-joint format

Multiflex K9:

• Item code K9
• Extended reference LM-K-9
• Officially listed for EC-033 and EC-133
• Housing specified as 300 Series stainless steel
• Polished finish specified
• Spring-loaded release method explicitly described
• Overall dimensions not published

Ultraflex L7:

• Model L7
• Manufacturer part number 38078U
• Also catalogued as U38078 and 4-L7
• Listed for C2, C8 and MACHZero cables
• Stainless-steel grade not published
• Quick-release operation mainly described by suppliers
• One supplier publishes a 14mm body diameter and 40mm overall length

No official K9-to-L7 cross-reference was found in the manufacturer information reviewed. Treat the L7 as a functional equivalent, not an automatically guaranteed direct replacement.

Can the Ultraflex L7 Dimensions Be Applied to the K9?

No. Supplier data for the Ultraflex L7 state a 14mm body diameter, 40mm overall length, M6 ball stud and 14mm published threaded length. These are L7 supplier specifications and must not be assigned to the Multiflex K9 without physical measurement.

Does the K9 Secure the Cable Outer Casing?

No. The K9 attaches to the moving inner cable rod.

The stationary outer casing must be secured separately using:

• A compatible cable clamp
• A remote-control-box retaining arrangement
• An engine-side mounting bracket
• A gearbox-side support
• Another approved cable outer-casing restraint

The cable outer must remain stationary so that movement of the inner rod is transferred accurately to the connected linkage.

Is the Entire K9 Made from 300 Series Stainless Steel?

Multiflex specifically identifies the housing material as 300 Series stainless steel.

The available product data do not separately identify the material or grade of the ball stud, external spring, internal retaining components, threaded insert or mounting nut.

What Are the K9 Dimensions?

Multiflex publishes:

• Cable thread: 10-32 UNF female
• Stud size: 6mm

Multiflex does not publish:

• Overall length
• Housing diameter
• Housing width
• Ball-head diameter
• Ball-stud threaded length
• Female-thread depth
• Distance from cable end to stud centre
• Maximum articulation angle
• Release-sleeve travel
• Product weight

Where installation clearance is restricted, measure the physical product before ordering or drilling.

Does the K9 Connect One or Two Control Cables?

The K9 connects one control cable to one operating linkage. A conventional engine installation with separate throttle and gear-shift cables may require one ball joint for each cable, depending on the engine and control arrangement.

Is the Ball Stud or Mounting Hardware Included?

The K9 description specifies a 6mm stud as part of the connection format, but the available product information does not provide a complete loose-parts list.

Do not assume that a mounting nut, washer, spring washer, spacer, split pin, additional retainer or cable locknut is included unless confirmed by the seller.

Can the K9 Be Used with Steering Cables?

No. The K9 is an engine and push-pull control-cable fitting. It is not intended for rotary steering cables, rack-and-pinion steering cables, mechanical steering link arms, hydraulic steering hoses, hydraulic steering cylinders or steering tie bars.

Is a Maximum Working Load Published?

No maximum working load, proof load or fatigue rating is published for the K9. Select the fitting according to the control cable, engine or gearbox linkage, operating force and complete installation geometry.

Construction and Design

• Multiflex quick-release control-cable ball joint
• Model K9
• Extended reference LM-K-9
• Designed for one mechanical engine control cable
• 10-32 UNF female cable-side thread
• 6mm ball-stud connection
• 300 Series stainless-steel housing
• Polished housing finish
• Spring-loaded sliding release sleeve
• Detachable spherical linkage connection
• Officially listed for Multiflex EC-033
• Officially listed for Multiflex EC-133
• Suitable for compatible universal 33C / 3300 cable installations
• Suitable for correctly specified shift and throttle linkages
• Suitable for compatible push-pull and multi-carburettor linkages
• Closest Ultraflex functional equivalent: L7 / 38078U
• Does not secure the stationary cable casing
• Does not replace the cable outer clamp
• Control cable supplied separately
• Remote control supplied separately
• Overall dimensions not published
• Maximum articulation not published
• Maximum working load not published

Installation and Safety

• Confirm that the product is K9 / LM-K-9
• Verify that the cable is EC-033, EC-133 or another compatible 33C-style cable
• Confirm that the cable has a 10-32 UNF male threaded rod
• Inspect the male and female threads for damage
• Start the fitting on the cable thread by hand
• Do not cross-thread the cable rod or ball-joint housing
• Maintain sufficient thread engagement
• Use the cable manufacturer’s specified locking method
• Confirm that the 6mm stud suits the operating lever
• Secure the ball stud using the correct mounting hardware
• Ensure the stud is mounted squarely
• Align the ball-joint housing with the stud
• Pull the release sleeve back only as required
• Push the joint fully onto the ball head
• Confirm that the sleeve returns completely
• Pull-test the connection before operating the control
• Ensure the joint articulates freely throughout its working range
• Avoid side-loading or twisting the cable rod
• Secure the stationary cable outer casing separately
• Maintain the cable manufacturer’s minimum bend radius
• Operate the control through its complete range
• Confirm positive forward, neutral and reverse positions where used for shifting
• Confirm that the throttle returns fully to idle
• Check that the cable does not bottom out or overtravel
• Ensure the release sleeve cannot contact surrounding structure
• Inspect the sleeve, spring, housing, ball and stud regularly
• Replace worn, loose, cracked, distorted or corroded components
• Do not use the fitting where the required working load is unknown
• Do not operate the control system if the ball joint binds or can detach unintentionally

Engine shift and throttle systems are safety-critical. Installation should follow the current Multiflex, engine, gearbox and remote-control instructions and should be completed by a competent marine technician.

Key Features

• Multiflex K9 stainless-steel quick-release ball joint
• Extended reference LM-K-9
• Connects universal control cables to engine linkages
• Officially suitable for EC-033 cables
• Officially suitable for EC-133 cables
• Compatible with correctly matched universal 33C / 3300 cable systems
• 10-32 UNF female cable thread
• Published 6mm ball stud
• 300 Series stainless-steel housing
• Polished finish
• External spring-operated sliding release housing
• Quick connection and disconnection without removing the fitting from the cable
• Articulated spherical connection accommodates angular linkage movement
• Suitable for compatible throttle and gear-shift installations
• Suitable for compatible push-pull and multi-carburettor linkages
• Connects one cable to one operating linkage
• Closest functional equivalent to Ultraflex L7 / 38078U
• Cable outer casing requires a separate clamp or support
• Control cable supplied separately
• Remote control and engine lever supplied separately
• Loose mounting hardware not fully itemised
• Overall dimensions not published
• Maximum articulation angle not published
• Maximum working load not published