How to install woodruff key in a power steering pump shaft?

[dibbons]

I have a remanufactured Saginaw p/s pump that came with the woodruff key in a small plastic bag. I got it to sit in the slot by hand and then I gingerly began to hammer on it but it does not go down any further. Don't want to peen it over or anything, so I stopped there to look for help here. What is the best method? (it looks like it has a long way to go) Thank you.

 

[Dicer]

Hammer and a brass drift AND a wood block under the pump shaft for support. I try to hammer the ends of the woodruff to "rock it' in place.....

 

[dano]

It shouldn't need excessive force, keys are not a press fit. Pull it out and check both the key and slot for burrs or folded metal.

 

[Stephen Mulkey]

I have a remanufactured Saginaw p/s pump that came with the woodruff key in a small plastic bag. I got it to sit in the slot by hand and then I gingerly began to hammer on it but it does not go down any further. Don't want to peen it over or anything, so I stopped there to look for help here. What is the best method? (it looks like it has a long way to go) Thank you.

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I have had experience that the key being tight, i would lay the key on a flat fine file and try to remove a little metal each side plus checking the key slot for burr's.

 

[dano]

I have had experience that the key being tight, i would lay the key on a flat fine file and try to remove a little metal each side plus checking the key slot for burr's.

Yeah sometime you need to lap them somehow to knock down some thickness. You just need to be aware the key also engages an pulley, gear or something and not make that too sloppy.

 

[dibbons]

It finally went in, used an aluminum bottle opener as a drift since I lost my brass tools ages ago. It was slightly cocked when done, but the pulley slid on easily anyway.