Hey. So I'm new to the site and I have a dumb question. What to the compression rods actually do? I know they go out fairly frequently on these cars, but I can't seem to find a good explanation on their function or why they break. Thanks in advance.

 

It is one of the links on the front suspension, which constrains the longitudinal (fore-and-aft) movement of the wheel/knuckle assembly. It connects between the chassis and the lower end of the steering knuckle. It is different from the lower control arm (LCA), in that the LCA primarily constrains the knuckle's lateral (side-to-side) motion. I'm sure somebody will post a diagram. It's not the rod itself that goes bad, it's the bushing.

 

And that explains that lol i feel like everyone i talk to has no idea what they are.

 

Thanks for the explanation. We were trying to figure it out at McDonalds last night...