One view looks not bad. Another looks considerably off.
The deflection would be in the direction you would think. Pointing down with reference to how it's installed in the car.
Plenty of mileage on this part. Lots of launches too.

 

I don't see any evidence of bending... looks more to me like it needs to be made that way to meet the bushing at the right angle... but the best thing to do would be to ask UMI directly.

 

I expect to hear from UMI about this.

 

Compare it to photos of the same part when new, if they'll supply em.

OTOH given that the paint isn't even rubbed on the one you have, let alone does it show signs of trauma, or do you mention "kept destroying the rubber/poly bushing" or "broke the bracket off" or some such which would SURELY happen LONG before the metal bent, I'm kinda thinking that it was prolly made that way from the start.

But that's all just conjecture and opinion. I've never seen one OOB so I'm in no position to be an "expert". Wait until you hear from the horse's mouth.

 

Hello,

That is a UMI arm, correct. A very old design... maybe 10 years or so? We did that design so it would work in the factory rubber bushings. The "W" pattern matches factory.

They use to bend occasionally during shipping. When they got dropped on the nose it would bend to the side.

That arm does not look bent, it would have to break before it would bend in that weld. It is welded that angle to meet the right angle.

So in short, I don't see it bent and it is okay to use. If you sell it, ship it or transport it don't let the nose bend. Once it bends, bending it back will weaken it and crack it. It's not the best design, I will admit but they do work and little issues. We have since updated it to a bullet proof round tube.

I hope this helps,

 

Hey UMI! I thought you'd pick up on this post.
Yes. It's an old arm. I can't say for certain how long I've had it but I did buy it new. 10 years? Close to that.
Thanks for the observation. As was pointed out, there would likely be other damage to the supporting parts before this arm would bend.
That said, it's going back into service once I've replaced the rod ends. The years of abuse have taken their toll.
Next time around I'll use a crossmember mounted arm rather than this style. That'll wait though.
Thanks again.