Rodney
I actually tried that but that particular configuration makes the rod bend even more acutely.
ORIGINAL: Rodney
It might help to replace that rod and sleeve with nyrod as it navigates curved runs much better than a solid rod. Also, tame down the throw, you only want that nose gear to turn about 5 to 10 degrees at full throw. Do that by connecting the nose gear push rod as close to the servo arm center as you can and as far out on the nose gear arm as possible.