MF 202 Power Steering System

ken spenceley · Jun 12, 2021

I have recently purchased the above tractor and experiencing a problem with the power steering. ( it quit working and very hard to steer ) Checked the pump reservoir and there was very little oil in it.
There was some whitish foam on the inside of the reservoir cover. I suspect that the wrong oil has been used and so I would like to refill it with the proper oil. I would like to know how to drain the
system of the old oil before I put in the new. I did notice a small leak in one of the hoses going to the right hand hydraulic cylinder and will deal with this when I get the oil changed. Is this the proper way to proceed. I would also like to know how to test the whole system to make sure it is operating properly. I believe the pump is a Barnes. I thank you for reading this and would appreciate any
help that you can provide.

caterpillar guy · Jun 13, 2021

With the oil low like that the pump churns the oil whipping it like whip cream causing the foam from the pump starving. It is probably low because of the hose you say has an issue. put some oil in it check hose anf fix leak then fill it on up. Most of those have a bolt on top of the canister that has a filter under it. On my semi I just take the return hose off the canister drain and replace filter then fill with new oil. Pretty tough to get the oil out of the gearbox. The amount in it is minimal anyway.

Steve@Advance · Jun 13, 2021

The white is likely just foam.

There is no provision for draining it, no practical way to get everything out without major disassembly. There should be a filter inside the pump canister, wouldn't hurt to replace that.

Fix the leak and fill it with oil. You can get some of the air out by manually turning the steering lock to lock with the reservoir full and the engine off. The level will drop as the air dissipates, so check the oil again the next day. It will howl for a while until the air works out. The air will eventually come out, usually when it sits overnight.

It is not real picky about the oil, most use ATF, but light hydraulic oil will also work.

ken spenceley · Jun 17, 2021

I am proceeding to replace the hydraulic line between the right hand hydraulic cylinder and steering column area . The cylinder connection is straight forward but the steering column area connection
seems almost impossible to access. Is there a way to access these connections without a lot of dismantling? I have considered cutting out part of battery compartment floor to gain access from the top.
Do you think this would work. thanks

MF 202 Power Steering System

ken spenceley

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caterpillar guy

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Steve@Advance

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ken spenceley

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