Bent strut rod. Is is BAD???

I am replacing my strut Rod bushings and while I was prepping the rods for paint, I noticed that one is bent. Not huge, but bent none the less. Is this something I should be concerned about. It was alligned a while ago and it was not out. Obviously it will need re-allignment.
Thanks. Here are pics
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee164/IB_Fly/Photo030.jpg
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee164/IB_Fly/Photo031.jpg

 

maybe the bent rod was compensated for when it was alligned?

 

Oh I believe it's been bent for a long time, but is it safe?

 

I agree...probably was compensated for. I would replace it though. I've never had or seen one break but a few guys on here have reported breaking one while driving. It seems as though they have been involved in minor incidents before that may have bent it so it may have been stressed somewhat. Also, some guys have reported that running polyurethane bushings have caused undue stress causing the rod to break but that's another issue. Anyway, my point is...if it's bent, replace it, if nothing else but for peace of mind.

 

yea you already have it out, just get a new one. front suspension really isnt an area you want to go half @$$ed on

 

i'd replace it just for peace of mind.

 

You can also get them straightened at a Spring Shop.

 

anything questionable like that should be replaced. metal fatigues from stress, straightening is stress. you can bend metal once, 1 way only. maybe twice if you really need to. but not often. but the real question is...why was it bent? see any indication of damage? measure both sides of the mounts, if one is shorter, you may have an underlying issue. just lookin out for your well being.

 

bumping into the curb or something like that could cause that kind of damage right?

 

I remember what Ray is talking about. I too would replace it...Parts are cheaper than life.

 

I would definitely replace that. Let me tell you from first hand experience, strut rods are not something to screw around with. If there is any sign of damage, just replace the damn things. Looks like something may have flew up off the road and hit that one or something.

Below is what happened to our daily driven '72 when the strut rod broke. Ruined a brand new lower control arm and inner tie rod end. My brother was driving at the time, and luckily was only going about 15 mph driving through our neighborhood. Not 5 minutes before, he was on the interstate running 75+ mph. Had it failed then, there is no telling what would have happened (I imagine the car would at least be totaled since he lost all control of the car when it broke).

 

Depends where it's bent, too. They are known to break in the area just behind the threads. If it's bent there I would replace it. At one time my left one was bent more in the middle. Was like that for about 25 years. A machine shop put it in a big press and straightened it out. Been ok now for several years.

 

I had one snap going down the interstate, I dont reccommend the experiance. myself I would replace it. why take a chance

 

I have 2 slightly bent strut rods on my Grabber,was going to straighten them.Know I am not sure that is a good idea . Where would you get new ones? Are they the same as a Mustang.

 

On someone's suggestion and against many other's, i just got back from the spring shop. Since it was bent in the middle, not at the threads, he set it on his huge anvil and wacked it with a BFH 3 times. It's straight as a die now.

I said WOW
He laughed and said we do that all the time.