Playing "what's this part?" :)

[paperdesk]

What is the arm/bar shown in the photo?

It's a little bent, should I be worried? Here's the history:

I just bought this 2005 Explorer, and my wife driving behind me said the rear driver side tire was canted in at the top, no wobble, but just canted in. Also there is a terrible shake when braking. I removed all the rotors planning to get them checked. Upon inspection, I found this arm that is slightly bent, but it's on the rear passenger side. So, 3 questions.

1. What is the part listed in the photo.
2. Should I be worried about it being slightly bent
3. What would make the driver side tire seem canted in

Thanks for the help!

Ted

 

[Ronin8002]

It's a toe link bar. It controls one of the adjustments in the rear alignment. I don't know if it's the cause of your problem or just a symptom of some other trauma that the previous owner caused, but it definitely should be replaced.

 

[paperdesk]

Ronin8002, you are the winner of this contest! I couldn't seem to find a parts diagram that showed this thing!

Thanks!

Ted

It's a toe link bar. It controls one of the adjustments in the rear alignment. I don't know if it's the cause of your problem or just a symptom of some other trauma that the previous owner caused, but it definitely should be replaced.