MF 231 Power Steering Fluid

bigoredneck · Aug 31, 2012

I need some help figuring out what kind of fluid is safe in the power steering pump on a 1998 Massey Ferguson 231. One of the hoses to a front steering cylinder got loose, while brush hogging, and leaked red fluid. I tightened the loose fitting, but now I need to add or drain and fill the power steering fluid. (Tips on the drain and fill would be greatly appreciated.) Because the fluid was red in color I'm guessing it is ATF or possibly automotive power steering fluid. If it is ATF which type is safe? I've searched the forums here and the internet and found out that if Dextron ATF is used in older Massey Fergusons, it will destroy the pump seals, and I really want to avoid that. According to the owner's manual ATF fluid can be used as well as Massey's Permatran Oil and Universal Hydraulic fluid that meets the Massey Ferguson M1139 specification. I have fresh hydraulic fluid, but I do not know if it meets the M1139 specification.

I appreciate the help,

Cobble · Aug 31, 2012

I have a MF 231 with similiar problem, unfortunately i do not know the answer either

bigoredneck · Sep 4, 2012

Well this weekend I spoke with a Agco parts dealer, and he told me that automotive power steering fluid would work and will not damage the power steering pump. So I followed the shop manual directions and, with the tractor off, I added the power steering fluid until it reached the bottom of the fill plug. Then started the tractor and cranked the steering wheel to the right and left until I hit the stop 5 times. After that I shut the tractor down and removed the fill plug (I did replace it before starting the tractor) to let the air that had been captured in the lines escape. I had to repeat these steps several times, but now the steering is smooth as silk.