Ok, I would like to know if it is possible to straighten a bent connecting rod. They are a rare set of olds 7 inch forged steel rods. I need to do something quick. If I can save it then that would be awesome. And if i do have it fixed then, would it still be safe for performance use. No breaking or bending again? Thanks

 

long time ago i use to loaf in a machine shop and i believe they had a fixture for straightening bent rods

 

I've never heard of it being done before but that doesnt mean it hasnt. Maybe you could call some machine shops in your area and see what thay say?
Later Barrett

 

I've read articles where they talk about fixing rods, but I've never seen it first hand.

 

I have heard people talk about fixing bent rods, but I wouldn't want to take the chance of having it bend again in my motor. Just a thought.

 

If they only have a little bend they can be straightened, take it to a good shop and have them look at it, and have it checked for cracks before you spend any money on it.

 

It really depends on how bent it is but yes a bent con rod can be straightened. Unless you have some expensive aftermarket rods or have them all polished, shot peened, balanced etc, it would be cheaper to just get another rod.

 

Define bent. The only time I've had a rod straightened was when they did not pass through a bend & twist fixture. My rod had a slight twist which was unobservable. The way it was fixed was by clamping the big end in a vise & putting a very long steel bar through the small end. The rod was then twisted back in the correct direction, going past center & allowing it to spring back. It then passed the twist check. Don't expect exotic methods to correct a bent rod; a hydraulic press will only be used. I would say if you can visually see the bend, scrap the rod.

 

Well I think the whole point is that they are rare as he says.

 

CTA,

Yes. You can even have a crankshaft straightened. I would be cautious about loading it down again, since the metal has already been fatigued somewhat. At the very least, you would want to have the rod stress relieved to minimize the chance of bending again. If they are really special, induction hardening might not be out of the question.

Exactly where is the distortion?