Rod End Validation 

Rod ends, also known as heim joints, are designed to transmit loads that are co-linear with the axis of the stud. However, they are often misused in racing and other applications, including solar car building. This misuse occurs when rod ends are subjected to loads that are not co-linear with the axis of the stud, such as shear loads. The load ratings listed in catalogs for rod ends are based on axial loading, and not shear loads. When rod ends are used in this manner, the load ratings published in catalogs are not applicable and the rod end may fail due to excessive bending stresses in the stud. It is likely that most rod end failures are caused by these excessive bending stresses, rather than axial stresses.