F.A.Q. - RedHead Steering Gears | Rebuild & Remanufacturer

Returns, Core Charges,
& Warranty Information

  1. There will be a $50.00 charge on all new returns, plus any applicable shipping charges.
  2. Any parts that have been installed will not be accepted as new returns – under any circumstances.
  3. All cores returned after 60 days will be credited at 50% of the original core charge. No refund will be issued for any returns made after one year from purchase on cores or new units.
  4. Any check returned unpaid by your bank, for any reason, will be subject to a $30.00 fee.
  5. Our warranty is 12 months (unlimited miles) and ** does not include any labor reimbursements. *** Change of vehicle ownership discontinues warranty.
  6. Damage done to our steering gear by use of a non-oem component will not be covered under warranty.

**LABOR POLICY – Red-Head Steering Gears covers parts and freight only on warranty claims. Labor is generally not covered in most warranty claim situations, however in special circumstances we take labor compensation into consideration. When this is the case, a labor claim form must be accurately and completely filled out and a copy of the labor invoice with proof of payment must be provided. The maximum amount of labor coverage is up to and may never exceed $175. Please remember, it is solely up to Red-Head Steering Gears discretion as to whether labor compensation will be provided. Red-Head will not issue any labor compensation until faulty unit is in house and has been tested by our team.

***Warranty applies only to steering gear boxes remanufactured by Red-Head Steering Gears, Inc. Any other steering components purchased by Red-Head Steering Gears, Inc. from another supplier are covered only under the supplier’s warranty.

Please see below “What would cause my core credit to be reduced?” for more clarification on reduction of core credits.

CORE RETURN INSTRUCTIONS:


Please return core to:
4302 B ST NW
AUBURN, WA 98001
 

  • Please drain core of fluid and replace port plugs
  • Use plastic bag that we sent your new gearbox in (if it’s still intact) or whatever is needed to keep box from leaking
  • Re-use packing materials to ensure the box is returned to us without hassle from the courier
  • Also, if possible, tape or re-tape the outside of the box to help strengthen it

***PLEASE NOTE: If these steps aren’t properly performed, the gearbox may end up in hazmat and/or be returned to sender by courier.


BLEEDING INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. After installing the gearbox, fill the system with fluid.
  2. Raise the front wheels off the ground, DO NOT start the vehicle.
  3. Work the steering wheel back and forth, lock to lock, 15-20 times.
  4. Leave the vehicle sit (overnight is best) AT LEAST 2 hours
  5. Top the pump reservoir off again.
  6. Work the steering wheel back and forth again 7-10 times
  7. Have a person in the vehicle and another at the pump reservoir with a container of fluid & funnel ready to pour if necessary.
  8. Instruct the person in the vehicle to start the engine. As soon as this happens, if the fluid level drops, be ready to pour in more fluid. The level must be kept at an almost full level or it will suck in air again.
  9. If this procedure is followed properly, the air problem will be solved.

DSCN0454

tdr
Doug Leno at Turbo Diesel Register has written an interesting and informative article about our gears entitled “CHOOSING A REMANUFACTURED STEERING GEAR.” Check it out here.


When Will My Core Credit Be Refunded?

We try to process the refund within 4-5 business days after receiving the core. Once we process the refund it takes some time before the credit shows up in your account. Please allow for three weeks (fifteen business days). If you don’t see it after that time feel free to contact your bank.

What Would Cause My Core Credit To Be Reduced?


In most instances a full credit is refunded once we receive a customer’s core. On occasion we will have to reduce the amount that is refunded. This may occur with one of the following:
-If a valuable and integral part of the steering gear is compromised to the point that it has to be replaced.
-If the core that is sent back to us is a steering gear of lesser value we will reduce the refund accordingly.
-If the core that is sent back to us is not original equipment we will likely need to reduce the refund. The reason for this is because some of the aftermarket steering gear companies may offer steering gears that are modified in a way that renders them unbuildable.


What Fluid Should I Use?

We highly recommend using the same fluid that the manufacturer of your vehicle recommends. It is always best to use a name brand fluid. Our power steering gears are tested under pressure with Dexton 3 ATF before they leave our shop. If you decide to change from what the manufacturer recommends then Dextron 3, or comparable fluid, would be a safe bet.

You Offer Multiple Ratios For My Vehicle. Which Ratio Should I Choose?
We prefer our customers to order a steering gear with the same ratio that they have currently in their vehicle. You can check by turning your steering wheel all the way one direction. Count the number of full turns you have of the steering wheel until you can’t turn any farther.
-If the wheel turns 3-3.5 turns then the ratio is likely 15:1.
-If it turns 4-4.5 turns the ratio is likely 18:1.
-Some passenger vehicles and light duty trucks may have as low as 2-2.5 turns of the steering wheel from lock-to-lock. If this is the case then the necessary ratio would be 12.7-1.

How Do I Check for Play?

Play can come from several places in the front end. Here is how to isolate and test the steering gear:
• Have the engine running
• Wheels on the ground and gear box on center – to make sure it is on center, go all the way to a lock position and then go half way back.
• With a channel lock pliers reach in above the pitman arm and clamp onto the splines of the sector, if there is not enough room for the large pliers between the housing and the pitman arm, clamp onto the sector shaft nut.
• Holding the pliers tight, wiggle the input shaft right at the box, not at the steering wheel. If you feel any movement in the pliers your play is not coming from within the box. Remember to check at the input shaft and not by moving the intermediate shaft. If the intermediate shaft is loose it will directly replicate play in the box.
• Keep in mind that travel through the gear is greatly reduced, the input shaft will go around completely 3 to 4 times and the output (sector) shaft will move way less than a half of turn. On an eighteen to one ratio box, the input shaft goes around 18 times to 1 time of the sector (output) shaft.
• If you do find that there is play between the input shaft and the output shaft, then watch the input shaft carefully as you turn it back and forth to see if it moves in and out of the box.
• Remember to check the sector shaft for movement and not the pitman arm. If the pitman arm is worn or loose it may not respond quickly when the sector shaft turns.


close
Facebook IconGoogle Plus ReviewsGoogle Plus Reviews