I was wondering if any of you have ever tried to straighten the front wheel shaft if it got bent, I got in a little wreck a couple days ago and bent it. And was just wondering if you could straighten it out and if you did, did you have any problems with it afterward?

Cobra - 2000 Trailblazer, HPD Nickel Plated Pipe, HPD Clutch Kit, K&N Airfilter

 

If you are talking about the shaft from the handlebars to the front wheels, I bent mine the first day I took it out. I ended up getting a new one put in. It was only $58 for the shaft and the new bushings. Another 40 for labor. I thought it was better than me having to do a halfway job on it.

 

If you are talking about the steering post, I wouldn't bother trying to straighten it out, you can get a new one for $49 and install it in about 2 hours, seems like a long time, but you have to remove the handlebars, and the inner tie-rod ends, and the lower steering post bushing.

 

no, its not that, I think it is called the spindle or something, Its what the wheel and brake stuff are on.

 

I would replace it. The spindle is hardened and could have or get a slight crack in it when you try to straigten it. Wouldn't be to neat if it broke going over that next jump would it?

 

As a general rule Cobra, do not try to straighten any steering componets. As ChopperBill pointed out, as metal is bent, it becomes weaker at the point of bend. I would not risk a broken steering component for the cost of replacement. May not be bad if it broke putting around the yard, but it will most likely break when you least want it to.