When my ignition switch lock cylinder broke the other day I had it towed home (flatbed, AAA). Once the ignition was fixed, I discovered that the steering wheel was pointing right of center (new) and it is pulling pretty hard to the right. Looks like the tow guy hooked the d/s tie rod along with the a-arm when loading the car. I know the tie rod end has a bend built into it, but the tie rod itself is not supposed to be bent like that, right? I will be calling AAA to see what my recourse is.
Is the tie rod replaceable without changing the rack? If it was my jeep, I'd just bend it straight with a bfh and call it good.
Looks like the AAA owes you a new steering rack. I would not be happy driving any car that the steering rack has had this sort of punishment. It was never designed to have side loads of that magnitude. John (Britprius)
get a check for rack replacement, and replace the inner tie rod yourself. if the rack doesn't develop a leak into the boot, keep the difference.
Service manual volume 2, techinfo.toyota.com. There's a curious sort of tabbed washer involved, and a special tool that is really just a stubby adjustable wrench with a square socket-drive hole in the handle, so you can turn it with a torque wrench. Somebody here did the job recently (using an alternative tool, IIRC); a thread search on inner tie rod ought to find it. -Chap
Called AAA. They said I have to try to work through the tow operator, but if I don't get satisfaction, come back to AAA. I am now waiting for a call back from the tow company manager.
I'd bet money that someone cinched down on it instead of something sturdier. The tow operator is probably at fault. I'd say that picture is your proof. I wouldn't take denial for an answer.
The tow company will be replacing the tie rod tomorrow (assuming I am comfortable with their mechanic and shop when I drop it off tomorrow).