Hello everyone, my wife hit a tree stump the other day while trail riding. Did not notice anything at first, but at closer inspection I noticed the golden colored tie-rod was bent (bowed) right in the middle pretty good. Tried taking it off, but it must be pressed in because I could not even come close to getting it out. So I took a large screw driver and pried it back so close to straight that it’s hard tell it was ever bent. Question is, is all the strength been taken out of the tie-rod since it’s been bent? And did straighten it out make it weaker? She did not hit it that hard about 8mph, I’m really surprised that such critical steering component bent so easily, and how easy it was to bent back, or is it designed like that?

Thanks all in advance

 

You worry too much. I've bent the shift lever on my XR smany times but I just kept bending it back. The alternative to bending is breakage. Not good. If it appears straight and doesn't pull left or right, then move on!


Mark


2003 450ES
2003 CRF450
2004 XR250

 

It depends on the metal. If it is mild steel, it may be stronger now. If if is aluminum it is definitely weaker now that it has been bent back.

They have been making tie rods weak on many machines. If the KQ tie rods are bent too easily, there will be an aftermarket for stronger ones.

 

Thanks guys for the input, maybe I do worry too much. I just started ATV’ing with my family was really surprised by the bent tie-rod already don’t even have 30 miles on them yet, but we will see how it goes. Again thanks

 

My bro was towing a trailer made to be towed by an atv (loaded with firewood) and he hit a stump with the trailer's tire. He said he didn't hit it hard but the axle was busted. It wasn't one of those cheapy trailers either. Trees are out to get us.