06 Silverado broken tie-rod end

[Russ Weaver]

Hi guys! Just got back from a 2 week holiday to find my '06 Silverado 2500HD 4x4 broken into, looted and broken! Didn't get much loot...flashlight, cellphone....but before they left they cranked the steering wheel using "The Club" as leverage, about 30 degrees clockwise down to the console, and, I think, broke the driver's side tie-rod end in the process (the right wheel was tight to the curb).
I submitted a claim to ICBC (our provincial gov't auto insurance co) and they have decided to deny the claim (surprise, surprise), saying that it's impossible to break a tie-rod end that way without damaging the steering wheel. Anyone have a similar experience? Are Chevy tie-rod ends weak enough to be broken that way?It really p----es me off to get victimized twice and if I can build a case for credibility, I may be able to successully appeal this BS decision. Any opinions, similar stories would be much appreciated. Especially from a professional mechanic with experience/knowledge of steering parts failures..
Thanks in advance
Russ

[stumpuller454]

it surprises me, got pictures?,.... i`m pretty sure in an insurance companies handbook it says deny, deny, deny, then if customer comes in screaming mad contact management, haha

[Russ Weaver]

Originally Posted by stumpuller454

it surprises me, got pictures?,.... i`m pretty sure in an insurance companies handbook it says deny, deny, deny, then if customer comes in screaming mad contact management, haha

Yeah, I think they hire brain dead people and train them to "just say no". The frustrating part is, "how do you prove your case" if they deny the claim? I was away for 2 weeks and when we got into the truck next day, everything was out of the glovebox and console. We looked though the mess and didn't see anything missing, so I took the club off (it had tool marks on it)and fired up. It wasn't until I pulled away from the curb that I realised there was a big problem with the steering. It was only then that I went in and called the police to report it and to ICBC to make a claim. Oh yeah and when I called ICBC, the receptioninst told me to clean out the truck and leave the key under the mat. Guess what? The guy came back that night and rifled through the console again! He must be right nearby and he's watching what's going on all the time! Glad he didn't find the key and try to take off with it...