Help with MF 255 steering

[reloader-51]

I have a 1981 MF 255 diesel with 2 power steering cylinders that are
leaking. They do not look repairable. From what I?ve searched,
they?re around $450 each (matching serial numbers). Seems a little
high priced. I?ve seen other cylinders that look just like mine are
around $200. Can anyone shed some light on what will and won?t
work and why the big price difference? Thanks in advance.

 

[Jim.ME]

The AGCO parts book shows parts breakdowns of the cylinders so they should be rebuildable. A good hydraulic shop that rebuilds cylinders should be able to match the parts and rebuild them for you.

They may look the same, but if every dimension of both are compared they are likely not identical. Bore, stroke, overall length, port locations, something is likely different. One reason the price may be lower on the other cylinders you see can be is if more were built, they may be more common.

 

[MF#1]

I can't remember seeing a 255 with TWO steering cylinders, our 255, a 1976 has ONE cylinder in front of the radiator. The 245 has ONE cylinder that IS rebuildable and some, like the 235 have TWO cylinders. Maybe MF changed for the last year of production, 1981? Good Luck with your search!

 

[ptfarmer]

 

[reloader-51]

Thanks everyone for your comments. I have a MF 255 service
manual and a 255 parts book. Neither show the steering cylinders I
have, and these are the factory cylinders. The cylinders have a weld
around them about an inch from the end that makes me believe they
are not rebuildable. The number on the left cylinder is
1749246M91

 

[Jim.ME]

The info ptfarmer posted for you is the info for the cylinder number you posted. The right cylinder part number is the line below the highlighted line showing the kit number. The right and left cylinders use the same kit according to the parts book.

How about posting photos of both ends of your cylinder so we can see how it is welded together?

 

[reloader-51]

Here?s some pics. Right cylinder has 2 hoses in and 2 out. Left
cylinder has 2 in.

 

[Jim.ME]

(quoted from post at 17:03:09 03/11/20) Here?s some pics. Right cylinder has 2 hoses in and 2 out. Left
cylinder has 2 in.
<img src="https://www.yesterdaystractors.com/cvphotos/cvphoto8095.jpg">

<img src="https://www.yesterdaystractors.com/cvphotos/cvphoto8096.jpg">

<img src="https://www.yesterdaystractors.com/cvphotos/cvphoto8097.jpg">

<img src="https://www.yesterdaystractors.com/cvphotos/cvphoto8098.jpg">

<img src="https://www.yesterdaystractors.com/cvphotos/cvphoto8099.jpg">

Show us the end of the cylinder barrel where the rod runs in and out of the cylinder, not the end of the rod. Based on the pictures you did post, I have to believe there is a gland screwed into the cylinder barrel on the end of the cylinder that rod moves through, just like the parts breakdown shows.

 

[reloader-51]

Here they are.

 

[Jim.ME]

(quoted from post at 13:30:45 03/12/20) Here they are.
<img src="https://www.yesterdaystractors.com/cvphotos/cvphoto8193.jpg">

<img src="https://www.yesterdaystractors.com/cvphotos/cvphoto8194.jpg">

As the parts book shows, your cylinders are serviceable, they are not welded shut. Only the base mount end is welded on to the barrel as shown in the first and third pictures in your first post of pictures.

In today's pictures, those two small holes in the end (the gland head), near the center hole which the rod comes out the cylinder through, are for the pins of a spanner wrench to go into then you use the spanner wrench to turn that gland out of the barrel. The gland and cylinder rod are pulled out as an assembly. The piston end of the rod has a nut on it. Removing the rod allows the piston to come off the rod, then the gland can be slid off the rod from that same end. Once apart the sealing components can be replaced. If you have never done a cylinder you might want to get someone who has, to help you the first time (Or take them to a shop). If you damage a sealing part assembling the cylinder you will have to do it over.

Cylinder with thread gland

Gland (some have 2 holes, some 4, some notches instead of holes)

One style of gland wrench

 

[reloader-51]

Thank you very much for your time and all the information. Really
appreciate it!