PS cylinders on 1984 MF240

Van W.

Member
Over two years ago, I bought the S.43773 power steering cylinders listed on this site to replace the leaking ones on my old tractor. When I received them, I soon realized they required new hoses with hard-to-find banjo fittings. Worse, the steering arms had to be removed and re-machined to accept the larger tie rod ends. So, the project got put off for two years. Finally got around to installing them, and they worked great.

Unfortunately, the first time they got wet, both piston rods rusted badly. Obviously, both cylinders had plain steel piston rods. I"ve never in my life seen an outdoor hydraulic cylinder whose rod was not hardened and hard-chrome plated. Otherwise, rust and dirt will destroy the seals in just a few weeks. Did I just get a bad pair of cylinders, or has anyone else had the same problem? How can a PS cylinder possibly work if not plated? The 27 year old ones I removed were totally free of rust. Their piston rods were plated. The two cylinders were nearly $500 and it looks like a total waste of money.
 
Are they MF replacements or aftermarket? Maybe they are Chinese junk. If they are from MF I would look into seeing if they will replace them.
 
"The 27 year old ones I removed were totally free of rust. Their piston rods were plated"
Could you have just replaced the seals on the old cylinders?
 
Hi, as soon as I read the part number I thought that they would be of Sparex origin. Do you have the purchase receipt? If they had been genuine MF parts you almost certainly would not have had the problems in fitting them.

Sparex Inc can be contacted at 190 Lena Drive, Aurora, Ohio,44202.

If by telephone ask to speak to a Customer Services Manager of Quality Control Manager and very firmly, but politely explain the situation.

I have never ever seen rods made from un-coated steel. Irrespective of the rust situation the surface finish may be insufficient for the seals to have a reasonable life.

Let us know how you get on.
DavidP, South Wales
 
Thanks, all, for your replies. When I ordered the replacement cylinders I was not just a MF newbie, but a tractor newbie. This is my first tractor. But I was no newbie at locating mechanical parts on the net. It could be that I missed something, but after MUCH searching, I concluded MF no longer supplied the original cylinders, nor a rebuild kit for them. Several other owners of the semi-orphan 240 reported having the same problem, and having to make the necessary modifications to use the only commercially available cylinders. David, you are correct--they are Sparex. And for whatever reason, I am now sure that they completely escaped the plating process. They will rust from high humidity--they don't have to actually get wet.

But this story looks as if it will have the most unlikely of all good endings. Not thinking that there was a snowballs' chance in Hades (nor did I think I should deserve one, after two-plus years) I contacted YT from whom I bought them and asked if they knew of any defective batch of cylinders from two years ago. I just received a reply from YT's "Jeff", who told me the cylinders were not presently in stock, but that YT and his supplier (Sparex, I assume) had offered to warranty them.

Most of us are quick to publish our anger at something, someone, or some business that annoys us. In the spirit of fairness, we should be as vocal when someone goes "above and beyond" to furnish us good customer service. I was certainly not entitled to a replacement after all this time, regardless that the parts had not been used. Jeff, and YT, I am very much impressed, and very grateful! Thanks!

AND, while I'm gushing, there are a number of folks on this forum who bestow their invaluable experience to those of us who desperately need it. I wish I could recall all your names, but David (from Wales) I have watched as you spent untold time tutoring even the rankest newbies among us, with the patience of Job. You have done that for me in the past. Thank you, David, and all the rest of you who unselfishly give your time to help your fellow man. David, should the time ever arise that I choose to row across the pond (or fly), it would be great to meet you.

Thanks again for all the replies. Perhaps someday I can repay you in kind.

Van W
Eastern NC, USA
 
Hi, that's great news and you didn't have to bend their ears. Yes, it is great to have firms that will honour their goods even if outside the reasonable warranty period.
Yes, it's good PR for them and of course it will encourage you to go back to them.
An early Merry Christmas to you and yours from Wales....Nadolig Llawen.
DavidP
 

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Back
Top