Bent stuff questions

[shadango]

I have been doing a lot of searching for info on the forum and the topic of bent strut bars and bent lower control arms came up.

Noticed that one of my strut bars may have some bend to it...not like a pretzel, but just enough to "wobble" at the center if I turn it...

I know I wont like the answer, but can I assume it should be replaced?   Source for that if so?

How is the best way to determine if the lower control arms are ok?

Thanks guys

[Oldschool]

The best and quickest way to check for bent suspension/steering components is to put it on an alignment rack.  Bent parts will show up immediately.  Just as a quick rule of thumb, if the camber is leaning in at the top of the wheel, the bent parts control the top of the suspension/steering assembly. If the wheel camber is leaning out at the bottom, lower control arms and stuff that control the lower side are bent. The bent parts pull in the direction of the bend and can be readily seen by an alignment tech.      

[ShelbyDogg]

I've had strut rods that are a little bent. I didn't have anything big enough to stick the end into to bend it back so I changed the bushings and turned them to a position so that the angle fit the hole in the k-member. No problems.

You are talking about the end where it goes into the lower control arm right? Can't really see it bent, but not exactly straight.

[shadango]

The best and quickest way to check for bent suspension/steering components is to put it on an alignment rack.  Bent parts will show up immediately.  Just as a quick rule of thumb, if the camber is leaning in at the top of the wheel, the bent parts control the top of the suspension/steering assembly. If the wheel camber is leaning out at the bottom, lower control arms and stuff that control the lower side are bent. The bent parts pull in the direction of the bend and can be readily seen by an alignment tech.   

Thanks....but the car is apart and I am looking at ways to look for bent stuff now, before reassembly.  Like I said, it didnt seem to pull or anything when I had it on the road this past summer....tires seem to be wearing ok, though its only a few thousand miles maybe.

ShelbyDogg, my one strut bar seems to be bowed out at the center just a bit if that makes sense....

[ShelbyDogg]

I'd replace it then. Mine weren't bowed but the end wasn't exactly straight. I could see it when the control arm nut was loose and I was turning the big one in front, causing it to turn.  When you get the new bushings, get the newer ones too. with those on, the front washer will look like it is on backwards though. It all depends on if you're trying to make it stock appearing.

[shadango]

You are talking about the "improved design" ones (strut bushings)?

STock appearing isnt a major issue...going for whatever is better, within reason.

[ShelbyDogg]

Yes, get the "improved" type. All molded together without the loose spacer. You'll see when you get them. Don't know if only Moog offers these, so get Moog.

[shadango]

Is the new design any harder to install?

DO I have to use a roll pin at the front end of the strut rod or can I use a cotter pin? I mangled the roll pins trying to remove mine....

[ShelbyDogg]

Is the new design any harder to install?

DO I have to use a roll pin at the front end of the strut rod or can I use a cotter pin? I mangled the roll pins trying to remove mine....

New ones are simple to install. New ones come with a cotter pin. If you want new roll pins, get them from a hardware or auto parts store.

[shadango]

Hey cotter pins work for me.  Simpler and cheaper....LOL

Easier to remove too.