Problem with steering

[Denna]

Regarding a 1976 Massey Ferguson 245 Diesel.

When attempting to drive in a straight line, the steering pulls slightly to the left.

To keep in a straight line while driving:

... 1) The steering wheel is turned right about 1 inch. The response is no change in direction.

... 2) The steering wheel is turned right again about 1 inch. The response is no change in direction.

... 3) The steering wheel is turned right again about 1 inch. The response is an over correction to the right. The driver is now driving in a serpentine fashion to regain control of direction.

When the tractor is off, the steering wheel has about 2 inches of play. While the tractor is moving, the steering wheel has about 4-5 inches of play.

To keep the tractor moving in a straight line requires constantly moving the steering wheel back and forth within that 5 inch of play.

The steering pump appears to be working as the steering wheel is easy to move while driving. The steering fluid is topped off and does not appear to be leaking.

When pointing the wheels straight ahead, they don't appear to be pointing at different angles.

Could the front end be out of alignment ?

Any ideas ?

 

[Harry in Ky]

Typically that's caused by leaking steering cylinder piston seals.

 

[Denna]

Is this the correct part ?

https://www.yesterdaystractors.com/Massey-Ferguson-245_Power-Steering-Cylinder_1749201M91.html

Does that require pulling the fuel tank to access it ?

 

[Denna]

The steering cylinder is on the driver left side.

When the wheels are pointed straight and the steering wheel is turned to the left about 3 inches, the steering cylinder pushes out a bit and stops.

When the steering wheel is turned to the left again about 2 inches, the steering cylinder doesn't move.

When the steering wheel is turned to the left again about 1 inch, the steering cylinder pushes out much faster.

 

[Harry in Ky]

Your link didn't work for me.

Your description doesn't rule out piston seals in my book. Another possibility is the steering control valve, but believe me, resealing the cylinder would be
the first thing I would do before messing with the valve.

 

[Denna]

(quoted from post at 01:31:21 04/16/23) Your link didn't work for me.

Your description doesn't rule out piston seals in my book. Another possibility is the steering control valve, but believe me, resealing the cylinder would be
the first thing I would do before messing with the valve.

Are the seals and the valve in the steering cylinder ?

Would it be better to have a shop refurbish the existing steering cylinder instead of replacing it ?

 

[MF#1]

Mine started leaking bad on the cylinder several years ago. I took it to a dealer because I didn't have the tools to take it apart. They re-built the cylinder with the existing parts and new seals and it helped a lot. I think MF sold a kit just for that purpose but I don't know if it's available now. If I had to do it over again I would replace the shaft too. In my opinion that steering system is the weakest link in an otherwise tough tractor. The valve Harry is referring to is the steering control that the steering wheel moves, NOT in the cylinder itself. As he mentioned I would eliminate the cylinder issue before I tore into the control valve, it seems to be fairly complicated to repair. Good Luck with it!

 

[LJS30]

This pretty much describes the issue I have with my 165. Note my steering cylinder is leaking badly.