RE: How to remove binding from pushrods..
If your pushrod is small gauge wire the bend won't cause any problems. If it is a little stiff movement in the pushrod go to your local Lowe's/Home Depot and pick up some graphite. Remove the pushrod and squirt a little graphite in both ends of the tube and then replace the pushrod. This will remove a lot of stiffness in a case like this.
Hope this helps
Ken