Was in a rollover accident a couple years ago and had the car fixed. All of the body lines are very straight and everything on the car lines up right. It was very very light. I didn't even know it rolled over actually that's how minor it was, someone else just saw it happen. Anyway, landed in a ditch leaning up against a tree. I got underneath the car the other day to check out all the effort I'm gonna have to put in doing a rear end swap. I noticed the torque arm looks like it might be bent. The car doesn't drive wierd or anything, no dog tracking, no noises, good traction,etc. It just doesn't look right to me, unfortunately I have nothing else to give reference to, so I might be nuts. Are there any signs to one being bent? If so, what are they, or what should I look for? Also if it needs to be replaced, should I go aftermarket or just get another stocker? Car is an A4 if that makes a difference. Thanks

 

The only thing it can affect is the pinion angle. Check the difference between the angle of the pinion shaft and the angle of the driveshaft. On a stock setup, its going to be close to "0". Anything more than 2 degrees difference - positive or negative - would indicate the stock TA is bent.

 

Alright I'll check it out thanks. If it IS bent, which is a better route to go with, stock or aftermarket. I know aftermarket is usually better, but I don't want to spend the cash on it right now if I don't have to. I heard M6 tq arms are stronger than A4 ones, is this true?