How bad is that rod bent? Does it just wobble a little? That should be ok, and yes replacing it requires complete disassembly of the printer top. You might be better off just tweaking it the other way a bit. They are right, it should affect anything unless it is really really bent. It isn't like a bent lead screw that can affect a print.

Quote Originally Posted by jfkansas View Post
It really helps if you have a video of what is happening. Also run a skirt around the object using S3D. It could be trammed too close or could be trammed too far.

Did you level bed with it heated and nozzle cold? If not that is best. Make sure the nozzle tip is clean as it can throw off the gap if it has a little filament sticking out.