Hmm bit late now...
There's no mention of removing them in the instructions. I was careful when I put the top back on to make sure they didn't foul on anything and the top went on with no resistance so might be ok? Do you think I should remove the top again and check if they are bent?
I wouldn't remove the top though. I would just remove the metering rods and make sure they aren't bent. You may have gotten luck. I have a time or two, but I always take them off now.