Something to consider / check as to why your rod is breaking so often...
A few yrs ago I bought an 09 Wheeler Dealer Boxster S that had a broken cap and bent rod on the passenger side. I replaced it but the clamshell didn't want to close properly. I compared the driver side to the new passenger rod and the driver's side was bent.
Replaced the driver's side and the clamshell fit perfect. So you might want to check the other rod to see if it's bent or not.