Trailering; learn from my mistake
 

Most of us trailer our A at one point in time or another and this was something dumb I did recently and thought I'd pass along...most people would check this but I was in a hurry...if you are using a winch to pull your A on or slowly let off your trailer make sure the strap you use to hook up with doesn't accidentally get wrapped around both the front axle and the tie rod...it's not pretty. Learn from my mistake, take your time!

Re: Trailering; learn from my mistake
 

The bent tie rod could be placed on an anvil and hammered back straight but is usually best replaced.

Re: Trailering; learn from my mistake
 

Some are hollow - with solid ends welded into them.

Others are solid - these you might have better success in straightening.

I would try putting in a large vise and use a piece of pipe over the end to pull it straight. Then check with dye penetrant if it makes you feel better.

Definitely don't throw it away - somebody can probably use it.

Joe K

Re: Trailering; learn from my mistake
 

I'm definitely keeping it but I did replace it today. Just wanted to share in hopes that it will keep someone from doing the same!

Re: Trailering; learn from my mistake
 

New one from Snyder's A-3281 $14.95 best way to go.

Re: Trailering; learn from my mistake
 

The AA trucks had a heavier tie rod that didn't bend nearly as easily. The AA tie rod also fits the model A, I put one on the coupe, many years ago.

Re: Trailering; learn from my mistake
 

I would have replaced it as well. Even if there is a tiny arc in the rod it's a pain in the ass to align the front end. Keep the old one as an example of what not to do. I just rebuilt a front end on a model a for a lady in our club last month. Her tie rod looked about like yours does, and she had been driving it like that for years. She always complained about how if steered, and we all kinda just wrote it off as driver error. If you knew her, you'd understand. Not trying to be ugly, just saying she's a wild one... Which is what probably cause the tie rod to get as bent as it's gotten. So I agreed to rebuild it for her when I had some free time from other work. (She got the family discount) I never drove the car, I towed it home. But I could only imagine what it was like to try to keep it In one lane. When she got the car back, she couldn't believe how much better it drove. It tracked just like a normal car and It didn't go to the other side of the road when it hit a bump in the road.