Steering Coupler

How can you tell a steering coupler needs rebuilt..? Car is not on the road, so can't drive to feel or hear anything, if those are even symptoms. When I took mine apart and compared to the new rebuild kit, I can't really tell a difference in the components...except, the new dowel pin that the shoes fit on goes into the shaft without resistance. If I remember correctly, I had to press the original one out and it feels like it would need to be pressed back in. Any advice on what to look for would be appreciated. Thanks..!