Just received my Redhead power steering gearbox for my 1994 F-250 5.8L. Steering coupling spline has 4 or 5 damaged teeth, pic attached. Called Redhead - they told me it was common (literally) and to straighten 'em out with a small file. Has anyone else ever had to do this? Should I do it, or send it back for a replacement?

 

Yea, just file it. That's nothing to worry about.

 

Jeweler's files or a small triangle file should fix that right up.

However... At the price Redhead gets for these things, they should protect that surface better, assuming it was damaged in shipping. Honestly, at that price I would've expected them to offer to send another box.

 

I would just put the steering shaft on. Itis no big deal

 

Okay, I'll file it guys, thx much!

 

X2

 

Yepper, I was thinking the same thing about protecting those splines better. I can't be sure about the cause of the damage. I should have inspected it immediately after receiving the shipment, but I didn't do it until a few days later, after I had cut up the box into small pieces (the box's flap sizes basically), and at that time, I hadn't remove the plastic the unit was wrapped in, so I couldn't see the splines.

The unit did have a good amount of newspaper wads surrounding the unit, but still should have had something better (hard shell) protecting the splines. I still have the cut-up pieces of the box, and there are a couple of smaller punctures in the box that I didn't notice at first. Haven't attempted to piece it back together yet (see if it looks like shipping damage).

The Redhead rep I talked to only mentioned sending out another unit after I asked what happens if the steering shaft coupling doesn't go together OK. From our phone conversation, I don't have any reason to think they wouldn't send another out immediately (before attempting installation) if I asked, but he also told me it wasn't really a big deal if the damage was smaller (like I had described to him), and that I could just file the damaged teeth, and if anything, the result would probably be to make the coupling fit a bit more snug if they didn't get filed perfectly. He told me to send him a pic of the damage, but I haven't done that yet. Wanted to check with you guys first to see if I should just go along with his advice and file those teeth.

I'm not in any hurry to install it, cause I don't have a new power steering pump yet. I've decided to get a new one from the dealer cause I haven't found New yet (not Reman) anywhere else, so it's going to be a few days at least until I can afford the $250 (core charge incl.) for the new pump.

My gearbox hasn't been removed yet - still driving this truck and watching video to learn about tools and whatever else might be needed for this job, as I may not have another vehicle to run for parts or tools with.

 

I'd put that up to "poor quality control" on Redheads part. Musta been put together on Friday afternoon? Yes, it is not a deal breaker and easily fixed with a file. It looks to be a used part from the wear on the splines. Someone just missed it when they assembled the box.

 

Thx Freightrain and thx to all you other gents for your input - probably gonna file those teeth and install it soon as I can get a new power steering pump. I'll let y'all know how it turns out.

 

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Dude..is there a reason why you are replying to relatively old threads?

 

He's gotta get his post count up somehow!!!!








Nothing personal, just joking....

 

Been wondering myself...

 

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