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..!
For what it costs and, the fact that you have a rebuild kit in hand, replace it. Way easier to do it now !