Thread: Driving with bent track rod

Geez, why hasn't anyone asked which rod????

If its the front one it will have NO EFFECT on alignment. All it does is change the steering wheel position. But it should be fixed as it can fold at any time.

If it is the back one then YES fix it quickly.

Regard s Philip A

Hi
Badly bent mine at landcruiser mountain park, to point that the drivers side wheel was at the 2 o'clock position. Had to use a winch to pull it straight and then strap it, as it bent again 100m down the track. have since fitted a maxi drive one now

Originally Posted by PhilipA

Geez, why hasn't anyone asked which rod????
..........
Regard s Philip A

Because only one is a track rod - as you correctly point out, the front one does not affect the track, nor is it called a track rod - it is a drag link in Rover terminology.

John

Because only one is a track rod - as you correctly point out, the front one does not affect the track, nor is it called a track rod - it is a drag link in Rover terminology.

Ah, but does the poster know that??

Seeing a Disco is not like a Defender and has the damper on the rear track rod 90% of damage to the track rod entails destroying the damper first. He doesn't mention damper damage so I think there is a fair possibility that it is the drag link he is referring to. And of course on a Disco there is a containment bracket on the diff to reduce/prevent bending.

Lets ask the poster FRONT OR REAR???

Regards Philip A

Originally Posted by PhilipA

Ah, but does the poster know that??
........
Regards Philip A

Good point! It had not occurred to me that he could be using the wrong terminology.

John

I agree, he could be talking about the rear lower link.

Track rod - joins the 2 front wheels. The bit that always worrys me about track rods when they get bent, is that the rod become weakened even if you restraighten it. While its bent its in an even weaker state and if you need to slam on the brakes to avoid running over grannys pet poodle and that link folds up, then you will probably end up somewhere off the road, probably to the drivers side which is also where oncoming cars come from.

Get yourself an upgraded one when you replace it - helps with reducing the chance of bending another one.

Originally Posted by Slunnie

I agree, he could be talking about the rear lower link.

Track rod - joins the 2 front wheels. The bit that always worrys me about track rods when they get bent, is that the rod become weakened even if you restraighten it. While its bent its in an even weaker state and if you need to slam on the brakes to avoid running over grannys pet poodle and that link folds up, then you will probably end up somewhere off the road, probably to the drivers side which is also where oncoming cars come from.

Each time I have bent one the wheels face toe out, extremely rendering the vehicle useless. When it bends it becomes shorter so Toe in is not an option. If anyone has achieved toe in from a bent rod please show me how. We have straightened them with snatch straps and another vehicle, sleeved them with a highlift handle or piece of Galved pipe I have as part of my recovery equipment. The last time I did it I bit the bullet and got Lokka to build me one up using 32OD 16ID pipe, considering I can jack the car from it if required (but not recommended due to wear on the tie rods). They are considered to be a sacrificial part to protect the rest of the steering components especially the box but I was bending them left, right and centre due to my lack of ground clearance and love of ruts.