Clutch master cyl push rod is bent (solved)

Yesterday my clutch pedal suddenly became hard than normal to push in. With a bit of leg effort, I could disengage the clutch and shift gears though. This morning I took a good look at the pedal assembly and found the push rod to be bent just past the lock nut at perhaps a 15 deg angle.

I'm going to try to bend it back straight, but I'm not optimistic about complete success. I reckon I'll probably ending up replacing the master.

My question is: How in the heck can this rod bend? The pedal assembly seems to be in good shape after my quick look. The bigger question is that if I replace the master, should I expect the push rod on the new one to be in jeopardy of bending.

Truck is a 96 4wd with 2.7. 116,000 miles.

Thanks

 

To respond to my own question, perhaps this older post is relevant

 

There is a reason it bent you need to figure out just why!

Clutch bracket cracked or the firewall cracked. I have seen both these things.

Possible the hardware holding the clutch master cylinder came loose allowing things to flex.

Clutch Master cylinder casting broke at the ears allowing it to flex.

Most aftermarket Master Cylinders the hydraulics fail not the hardware .

Good luck!

 

Well, it turned out that the rod was not bent. The bushing at the clevis had failed allowing the rod to 'jackknife'. I have a new Aisin cylinder ordered.