MF 65 Steering

[Tom 8N396936]

A little help guys. I had a freeind replace the clutch system in my 65. When it came back home the steering is wrong - doesn't want to turn - very stiff. My friend said he thinks there may be water /ice in the steering box - the steering worked fine in his heated shop and only gave fits when it was moved outside - very cold last few days. Does that sound feasible? I know some of the models had the oil in the box repleced with grease - could that be freezing?
I don't want to run it until I know what is going on for rear of doing additional damage.
Any thoughts or suggestions will be more than welcome. If you have any ideas on how to diagnose the problem let me know. I am going to try to get some heat on the box and see if that helps.
Thank you gentlemen
tom

 

[Eric in IL]

You do not mention the tractor having power steering, which could be the problem if the tractor was so equipped. If it does not have power steering you may well be on the right track. The heat should help with your answer if ice is the culprit.

 

[Tom 8N396936]

Eric -- sorry -- I should have mentioned that it has no power steering.
Thanks for the insight I will let you know what the heat does.
tom

 

[RichardR]

My 65 got water in the steering box so it certainly seems possible that ice is the problem.

 

[Frema]

Hello
I read a couple of months ago that frozen water is known to be a problem. Put in a thin tubular and add suction - a large syringe will be fine - suck until you have oil only to suck, and see if this will remedy. Be sure to suck from the lowest point - water will always be at the bottom.
Cheers
Frema.Dk.

 

[Not Me]

Tom, it is very possible that the lube was never changed. It is likely water contaminated and 44+ years old. Mine had to come out with a scraper. It was totally hardened. I had to pull the side cover and clean it out. This picture was took after all the big stuff was gone. I still had the gooey stuff to deal with. Several cans of brake cleaner were used to finish the job.

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Thats my guess anyhow.

HTH

Aaron

 

[Tom 8N396936]

OK I promised I would let you know what I found. I am assuming we are correct regarding the water in the steering box - it warmed up here over the weekend and I ran her around with no problems. I guess I will have to take her apart and clean it out.
Still wish I had a power steering unit for it!!
Thanks for all your input
tom