The stabilizer bar next to my worm gear on my diawa steez is bent. It’s not extreme and not enough to actually come into contact with anything. Is it necessary to replace it? I’m not exactly sure of its function but it has no bearing on actual reel functionality and I guess im wondering if it will affect longevity?

 

Replace it or it will haunt your dreams

I don't know what these bars do.  I assume reduse line slap on the reel frame when casting and line lay with the T wing.  The only time you see bars like these on older non T wing reels were the PE variants.