Steering Cylinder-MF230

[jasperab]

Got a big shock yesterday. I have been mowing and have gone through 25 gal. fuel and 5 quarts of PS fluid this week. Stopped by a local dealer to price a new cylinder, $1295. I was floored. He said prices on the 230 are about double what the 231 is! Why?
I went on line and found one for $595. - for a 231, $395!
Fortunately, another dealer suggested I try a local shop that rebuilds hydraulics and they estimated $100.-200. to rebuild or $200-300 if it needs a new rod which they can fabricate.
Pays to check around.

 

[kennyd]

What exactly is the problem? New seals for the cylinder should be under $50.00. Is the rod bent or scared?

 

[jasperab]

What exactly is the problem? New seals for the cylinder should be under $50.00. Is the rod bent or scared?

We're pulling it apart tonight when my B-I-L gets home from work. Hard to tell without two people looking, only leaks when under pressure and my arm isn't that long to turn the wheel and look too. May be coming from the pump or one of the lines.

 

[jasperab]

Definitely the front seal on the cylinder, just have to finish mowing one more field before I tear it down and take it in. Don't know how long they will take and The Gov. says I need to finish the CRP mowing on time.

 

[jasperab]

Got the cylinder back today. Seals replaced.

Big difference in costs;
New $1295.
Rebuilt (ordered on line) 595.
Replaced seals 157.

Couldn't believe the seals on a 1978 tractor were metric.
Glad I shopped around.

 

[sandman2234]

I took half the axle off my JD because I couldn't get the pin out, and took it to the hydraulic shop after pricing a new cylinder, buying a rebuild kit (came in being the wrong kit). New cylinder was almost $500. Rebuild kit was $130,(*just kit, not labor). The hydraulic shop charged me $40 on a Saturday and did it while I waited. The guy told me if the other one went out, call him and he would come out to the house to fix it. Two weeks later, he came out, same bill $40. I threw in a 12 pack of his favorite drinks to go with the payment.
Reminds me, I need to call him about hoses for the backhoe I just got...
David from jax