Massey Ferguson steering issues

MRCONCDID · Jul 24, 2017

Hi guys im working on a family members MF 1988 240 2wd diesel. It has hydro assist steering. This machine has been rode hard and put up very wet. I have replace a few lines and a steering cylinder. I have the assist working good but there is a full turn of the steering wheel before you get any resistance from the mechanical steering. The steering wheel raises and lowers almost an inch and a half during turning. A side from the ful rotation of free play the steering does work. Full left and full right. I am thinking there should be an adjustment is the steering box like a ring and pinion. Where you can adjust the slack between the gears in the steering box.. but I honestly have no idea.
Any thoughts would be much appreciated.
Thanks
MrC.

Phillip w · Jul 24, 2017

It almost sounds like you have way too much play in the steering box. I am not sure you can adjust it out. If you order a new one from agco they will charge you an arm and leg. You might type in tractor or ag salvage on the internet. I know there is mid states in Bridgeport Nebraska, there is a ag salvage yard in Clinton Missouri and Abiline machine in Abilene is. Abilene machine is a little pricey. Other than that I'm strapped for ideas. PS these tractor salvage yards can ship parts to via the lititle brown ups trucks.

Phillip w · Jul 24, 2017

Hey one more thought, I have an allis Chalmers 185. On some things it kind of beats on its own drum. If I am low on or having hydraulic issues, I can turn the steering wheel around and around and you will not turn the front tires. Don't quite know why that is, but like I said my allis kind of beats on its own drum.

aczlan · Jul 24, 2017

Phillip w said:
It almost sounds like you have way too much play in the steering box. I am not sure you can adjust it out. If you order a new one from agco they will charge you an arm and leg. You might type in tractor or ag salvage on the internet. I know there is mid states in Bridgeport Nebraska, there is a ag salvage yard in Clinton Missouri and Abiline machine in Abilene is. Abilene machine is a little pricey. Other than that I'm strapped for ideas. PS these tractor salvage yards can ship parts to via the lititle brown ups trucks.

That's what I would guess based on the Massey that we used to have. You would need to take the gear box apart and see if you can replace the bearings or bushings. If not you need to replace the whole gearbox. Someplace like Wengers of Myerstown might have one.

Aaron Z

deanocraft · Jul 25, 2017

I would look to be sure the slack is in the steering gear box before moving forward. It may very well be the steering box, but just to be sure have someone else watch the steering linkage and look for any slop as you turn it from side to side. I am wondering if you could possibly have wear or something loose in the linkage...

MRCONCDID · Jul 25, 2017

It is diffidently in the box, you can turn the wheel one full revolution BEFORE either arm moves on the steering box. I have fixed the hydro assist. It works fine.
So as far as adjusting the steering box externally that's not an option? Ok I will call around and look for a box.

Thank you all very much
MrC.

JWR · Jul 25, 2017

I am not familiar with the 240 but I suspect that, like smaller tractors, the "steering box" is really a hydraulic valve directing fluid pressure first one direction and then the other. First guess is that the steering valve is shot/worn out. A tractor salvage yard (as someone suggested, like Wengers in PA or Mid South in Tenn) can no doubt find you a replacement. On that age/type tractor I would for sure look at used parts. A new one will be prohibitively costly. And the used one not cheap either.

It would be helpful to find a parts diagram on-line to study before ordering parts. Even better, if you can find one, is an older mechanic who has worked on Masseys for many years. Suggest a polite phone call to Mr. Rexroad at 304-379-2338. May be willing to help verbally. Another is ask for Jeff at 301-475-9512. Ask if there is any likely culprit other than the steering valve.

Phillip w · Jul 25, 2017

I have to agree with jwr on a parts diagram and how helpful it might be. For about 30-40 dollars you can order a Service manual through an agco dealer and they will drop ship it righat to your doorstep. Make sure you order the servi've manual and not the owners manual. The service manual explains how to male repairs on the tractor and has lots of pictures and diagrams. The owners manual will only give you the specifications of the tractor tell you how to operate it. I have order service manuals for some of my equipment and it is real handy when something breaks down or goes haywire.

MRCONCDID · Jul 26, 2017

Thanks for all the input,

The 240 w/ power assist seems to be an odd ball tractor. It has a manual steering box and linkage which can be driven without any hydro, the steering wheel raises and lowers about an inch which operates a valve on the column which interns directs low pressure fluid to rams that are attached to the front axle. It is not full power steering, only assist. But the issue I have is in the manual box (i have a service manual) seems to have a tremendous amount of play in it, I was hoping there was an adjustment but I am finding out that it sounds like the ball bearings in the worm gear are missing.

MrC.

redman135 · Jul 29, 2017

Mrconcdid, you have an early model 240. They came out with a full manual steering setup like the 135 they superceded. The power steering was added(factory) to the manual steering set up.
Steering box. How much oil is in it?
Has it been changed?
The seals are known to fail and the oil escapes, then wear sets in. Check the arms coming out of the steering box for loosness (internal). The steering wheel does not go up and down 1" normally, 1/8 - 1/4" is more normal.
Good luck