MF231 power steering pump

[Chuck52]

Posted for a friend:

The power steering pump on my 231 bit the dust. Where is the best place to get a replacement, possibly an after market replacement? Is it possible/reasonable to rebuild this pump?

Chuck

 

[CMunger]

Is this a polish built tractor? Is the pump mounted on the side of the engine? Round pancake looking? If it is what I think it is, internal parts are not available. Maybe just seals and filters. These pumps are available "after market" from several sources.
Chuck M
A part number would help. If you can not come up with a number, let me know and I can get one for you.

 

[Chuck52]

Chuck,

Thanks. My friend will be joining the TBN club when he gets home, and will have the part number then. In the meantime, he says, yes, it is a Polish built tractor, and yes it is round pancake-shaped and on the right side front of the engine. If you can give some third party sources that would be great. Otherwise, he'll signing up himself soon.

Chuck

 

[Massey231]

cmunger,
Thanks for the post.
I've finally gotten around to joining TBN.
As my friend Chuck has mentioned, the 231 is polish built, a 1998 model. The power steering pump is as you described.
About 1 1/2 yrs. ago it started leaking. I just kept it full (mostly /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif ) and ran it. When the leak got so bad, I couldn't keep fluid in it and run the engine, I got a seal kit from my local dealer (couple of gaskets and o-rings for $58.00!). Got the leak stopped, but the pump functions minimumly now, it's hard to steer! Especially at low speeds.
Time for a replacement. I understand this pump is a weak link in an otherwise substantial machine. I was hoping for info on a better quality, longer life pump, maybe aftermarket. Or, if only the original replacement is available, maybe info on a cheaper place to buy it, as it looks as if it'll need replacement regularly. My 231 has ~150hrs. on it. the leak started at ~100hrs.
Thanks for any info,
Ray

 

[Woodbeef]

The tractor was made by Ursus. Might be able to find a pump off of a 539 from them,that is basically the same tractor.

 

[Woodbeef]

Hmmmmm.....interesting the board will not allow me to add to my previous message. Ok try Vapormatic for Ursus parts.

I also found this site from somewhere in the US. The 2812 looks like it might be the same as the MF 231. http://www.buyequipment.net/ursus.htm

 

[CMunger]

Sorry, I was gone last week, and did not have computer available.
I will look up the part for you tomorrow and give some suggestions. Also, jack the front end up, disconect the tie rods and try to move the front wheel back and forth, if you cannot do it by hand the spindle could be frose in the knee. Make sure it is greased good and can be moved easily. These pumps are not a weak link.
Chuck M.

 

[CMunger]

Maybe you have done something, but anyway, the part number for the pump is 773126M92, It is a very popular pump for MF and has been used sense the 60's, the mediun price seems to be about 275.00 for new.
Chuck M.

 

[CMunger]

Woodbeef- You do know that Vapormatic is owned by John Deere now. Vapormatic Canada is now A&I. I am sure you knew all this.
Chuck M.

 

[ChristopherTN]

This may be the obvious answer for veterans but I just had an issue with mine and I didn't know how to do it. It could save buying a power steering pump. Did you bleed the air out of the system after you replaced the seals??? If not, this is done by fill fluid reservoir with tractor running turn wheels a few times, rinse, repeat until the unit is full.

 

[Woodbeef]

hey Chuck,

Yup,that I did. Does Deere not call their aftermarket other brands parts program "Parts Country"? I know the Vapormatic guys don't like talking about their new bosses very much.......

 

[CMunger]

Woodbeef-Ironic, but the A&I reps do not like to agknowlege, or should I say it irritates them to talk about Deere owning the major portion of them. There competitve parts used to be called Match Plus. When they buy A&I, it's what ever package it's sent in.
Chuck M

 

[Massey231]

Chuck,
I apologize for the delay in answering.
My job has me travelling quite a bit.
Sometimes a couple of weeks go by before I can get to a computer.
Thanks for the info on the pump.
Searching around on the web, I have found it on several sites.
A place called ssbtractor.com list the 773126M92 pump for $231.51 + $26.00 S&H (ground service).
That's the most reasonable price I found.
MOst places were around $280 - 290 +$40 S&H.
A place called jackssmallengines.com had a mighty fine pump number 773126M92 for $360.83 + about $40 S&H! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
In the hunt, I got information from davistractor.com, that pump part number 773126M92, replaces part numbers; 193208M91, 518369M92, & 527904M91.
I still haven't found the part number on the pump on my tractor.
I guess I may have to pull the pump to see the number.
I've just learned from another post that I didn't 'bleed' or 'purge' the air form the pump properly after replacing the seals.
That should be done with the engine running and of course the fill cap on the pump, out. Then turn the steering wheel from side to side several times, top off the pump and repeat as necessary, until it remains full.
That's going to happen this week-end! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
Again, thanks.
See you around the tractor shop here,
Ray

 

[Massey231]

Thanks for the info on the 'bleeding'.
No, I didn't fill and 'bleed' in this way.
I just filled the pump with fluid, with the engine off and cranked it and ran it.
I have always checked the fluid level with the engine off, just I would do on a car.
Well, now I'm learning, that a tractor ain't a car!! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif
I've found a website setup by a retired MF mechanic that may be of some help to us in the MF club;
http://hometown.aol.com/bigdean62/
Big Dean Website
Ray

 

[Massey231]

Chuch,
Thanks for the suggestion to check the knees.
It sits out, in the weather. I lube it fairly regularly, but thinking about, it has probably been too long since I've greased it.
I'll jack up the front end just to check it before just shooting grease in it.
Ray

 

[CMunger]

There will not be a MF part number on the pump, that pump may have a plate with a Barnes number maybe.
Chuck M.