how to fix or replace bend rear radius arm.
 

i discovered that i've got a bent rear radius rod. they consist of two 1 1/2" tubes that run from an anchor point on either side of the middle of the torque tube to each rear axle at the brake backing plate. AFAIK it centers the rear axle to the frame and permits vertical and a bit of twisting rear axle movement similar to a torsion bar.

it needs to be fixed as i think it may be the root cause of my vague steering issue. at first it thought it was the steering box, then the king pins, but now that i've found the bent radius rod, i'm suspecting that's the problem.

i've actually had one end of it off when replacing the left rear brake backing plate, which led me to discover that it was bent. just finding out what the darn things are called proved quite time-consuming!

anyway...any information as to how to go about fixing it would be welcome, as usual. thanks.

Re: how to fix or replace bend rear radius arm.
 

Large press with patience. Sadly, just last week I tossed two beautiful rods away.

Re: how to fix or replace bend rear radius arm.
 

Huey, a bent radius rod will affect tracking, the obvious result being faster tire wear, the less obvious being an increased effort to keep driving a straight line forward. This last indication negligible on a crowned road if the left rear is bent (rather than the right rear), meaning a built-in tendency to pull back to the left (crown). This is my logic, not backed with documentation.

Re: how to fix or replace bend rear radius arm.
 

I would also add using heat from an oxygen/acetylene torch will help you get the metal to go the way you want it to as well. Cold bending can lead to over correcting and making the issue worse. Just my two cents.

If you aren't confident using a press or heat, radius rods are still plentiful and you should be able to source a replacement easily.

Re: how to fix or replace bend rear radius arm.
 

don't confirm this BTW, but i'll just comfort myself with the thought that they were both for the right side. how's that? :)

Re: how to fix or replace bend rear radius arm.
 

i probably should have mentioned that the steering is not just vague, it's downright harrowing over 40MPH. the steering doesn't appear to be any major slack and the front wheels don't appear to have excessive play. the car just wants to wander. so much so that i haven't had it over 50MPH yet. :0

anyway, what i'm taking from the responses is that if i can get it removed (and like i said i know how to remove it from the axle end) it can be straigtened. which is good news. and that i might be able to purchase a used one.

anybody know if anyone manufactures a reproduction?

Re: how to fix or replace bend rear radius arm.
 

Pit free, perfectly straight, left and right.
Tried to give them away for the cost of shipping. One guy told me I should ship them to him for free as well.
I don't need to make money, but lose?

Re: how to fix or replace bend rear radius arm.
 

anybody know if anyone manufactures a reproduction?[/QUOTE]

Never...

Re: how to fix or replace bend rear radius arm.
 

These are stamped/wrapped sheet metal and in my opinion a challenge to straighten correctly. It can be done but honestly you would be better to find a replacement.

Re: how to fix or replace bend rear radius arm.
 

Left Side for a 1941? Is that what youre looking for? I probably have one...
Shoot me an approximate measurement and I can check.

Re: how to fix or replace bend rear radius arm.
 

Re: how to fix or replace bend rear radius arm.
 

thanks, i'll keep that i mind.

but there's no doubt that the rod is bent upwards at least half an inch. so it's been shortened a bit, but it, i agree, may or may not be THE problem.

always good to know there are many possible causes and solutions for a problem (sarcasm). so can anticipate a good time sorting out which one it is.

so now i've got a few possibilities: worn kingpins and/or bushings, worn out steering box, various worn out steering linkages, toe-out, castor, or bent radius rod. :)

Re: how to fix or replace bend rear radius arm.
 

It would be nice if you said what kind of car you have. If Tim Brown is correct, any rod from 1937 to 1941 will fit. If you live in California, there are probably a dozen within a dozen miles.

I’ve straightened some on my 20 ton H press, and it surely didn’t take all 20 tons. Sneak up on it. You can probably get it back to straight.

Re: how to fix or replace bend rear radius arm.
 

sorry about that...

it's for a 1941 ford deluxe.

Re: how to fix or replace bend rear radius arm.
 

You should be able to find a very nice used one fairly easily

Re: how to fix or replace bend rear radius arm.
 

private message sent

Re: how to fix or replace bend rear radius arm.
 

many thanks!

...don't know if i'll be doing the installation myself. replacing the rear brake backing plate, which involved removing the back end of the radius rod was a miserable job. don't know if i want to "go in there" again, if you know what i mean. ha