Hi Mike,I'm afraid I can't help you with your problem,but just wanted to show you my HW40 with a crack/split when brand new.
http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t.../porkyHW40.jpg
http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t...orkyHW40-1.jpg
No problems with the shop(BAR),they changed it straight away,but I was a bit disappointed with Weihrauch quality.
all the best,Keith