L2650 - Brake rod - is it bent?

[SouthernSky]

I looked under my tractor yesterday for possible damage and noticed the adjustable brake rod/link was perfectly straight except the ends were slightly dog-legged. It sort of looks like: \______|_/ instead of like ________|_ though the up-angle is not as steep as my drawing, maybe 5 degrees. (The vertical line is the adjustment nut).

I cannot see any signs of scraping that would indicate damage. So is this damaged or is this a factory offset?

 

[RickB]

The rod is bent.

 

[rbargeron]

Rod and ends should be straight - see owner's manual page below. That said, a little bend may not hurt anything - may make the brake pedal mushier than normal.