mf 150 powersterring

[rustytenn]

hello, I"ve just recently gotten a mf 150.the power steering doesnt seem to be working.how easy should it steer?I guess im use to my jd 4430 and you can turn it with one finger. this tractoriskinda hard to steer.could the pump be out?thanks rusty

 

[Mike tn]

Recently got a 150 as well. mine can be steered with one finger. i know very liitte about the steering - there is a filter inside the pump. Plan to change mine soon. Good luck........

 

[rustytenn]

well after got tractor home i seen it did not have any fluid in [at least not enough to see]pump.guess that would be good reason for no powersteering.lol will auto ps fluid be ok?

 

[Anonymous-0]

I've owned a '71 MF150 since it was new. Power steering works VERY easy. As mentioned, one finger control....

 

[DavidP, South Wales]

Hi,
Yes, automatic transmission fluid ATF is OK or a non-foaming hydraulic fluid. If the system was empty of oil then that's a start. To check the mechanical side; remove the front grille and have an assistant work the steering back and forth with the engine stopped. You should see a valve body with a spool which moves in and out in response to the steering wheel. Movement should be 2 to 3 mm each way. If you don't have this or more one way, look very closely at the whole steering linkage particularly the lower bushing on the main vertical shaft through the front axle casting. Any play in the linkage will reduce or kill the efficiency of the power steering by reducing the valve actuation.

DavidP, South Wales

 

[Tom from Buckeye Lake]

FYI: If you find that the PS hose fittings are leaking (like mine were)DO NOT over tighten them. They are NOT a flair fitting, There are small o-rings on the tube that compress within the control valve and pump.

The previous owner of mine rounded the hex fittings to the point that I had to use a small pipe wrench, with a cheater pipe, to loosen them.