Massey 231 Power Steering

Travis_R · Oct 16, 2015

I have a 1998 MF 231 tractor. Will be repacking 1 of the power steering cylinders this weekend because it started pouring fluid out a few days ago. While I'm into it I'd like to go ahead and change the filter in the power steering pump. I know it's never been done and the tractor's almost 18 years old. How do I get the filter out? Does the pump have to come off or do I just remove the center bolt from the rear of the pump cover then pop the cover off? Also what is the best way to flush out the old fluid from the system? I'd like to go back with synthetic if possible. It takes Dexron III fluid and the engine is a 3 cylinder Perkins diesel model AD3.152. Anybody have a good parts diagram breakdown of the pump?
Thank You

TractorTech · Oct 18, 2015

Attached is a picture of the pump from the parts book online. It appears the center bolt is removed and can is popped off.

As far as flushing, remove the steering lines from the cylinders and let the oil drain out of the steering motor while turning the steering wheel back and forth. With the front wheels jacked up, move the wheels stop to stop to expell the oil in the cylinders. Of course, rebuilding the one cylinder and replacing the filter will drain the oil out of the cylinder and pump reservoir.
The online book is found at agco parts books dot com

TomSeller · Oct 18, 2015

Both my Massey 245s have 1 cylinder and a tie rod between front wheels. The 231s have 2 cylinders?

TractorTech · Oct 18, 2015

TomSeller said:
Both my Massey 245s have 1 cylinder and a tie rod between front wheels. The 231s have 2 cylinders?

Oops, Tom, it's been awhile since I have been around the MF 231 or 245s and was thinking in general that they had two cylinders. Thanks for clarifying.

TomSeller · Oct 18, 2015

TractorTech said:
Oops, Tom, it's been awhile since I have been around the MF 231 or 245s and was thinking in general that they had two cylinders. Thanks for clarifying.

Well they might, I don't know. Seems odd that they would, seems they could oppose each other that way if a cylinder hangs up. I just know my 245s have one and a tie rod.

Travis_R · Oct 19, 2015

Yeah the 231 has 2 power steering cylinders, 1 on each side...2 power steering lines on each side of the tractor.

I got the filter out of the pump this evening. The only way I found to completely remove the pump cover is to take the starter off! I left it on and was barely able to get the old filter out. Got to order the new filter now. The old one really wasn't in that bad of shape being almost 18 years old.
I got the cylinder apart also. The seal kit has a lot of parts that won't be used. I hope it's the correct kit.