Steering ram link to steering arm MF 261

Grace Wright · Mar 14, 2014

The steering arm broke on our MF 261. We got the new part but we are unable to remove the steering cylinder. This must be done to reinstall the new arm. Where the ram arm attaches there is a place for a connector pin that looks something like a bolt (but isn’t). This is held in place by one way drift pins. The drift pins and are broken off. There is no way to get to the top of it and nothing to get a hold of. The pins do not go all the way through so there is only one way access. Further the ends MUST come out or the new ones will not insert.

Any help gratefully appreciated.
I can send photos but do not have them right now.

Grace Wright · Mar 14, 2014

To clarify. it is the linkage pin that connects the ram to the steering arm that is broken off in the frame housing. That is the piece we are trying to get out. It is broke off in a blind hole (no thru access). No way to get to the top of the opening because it is still connected.

Tom from Buckeye Lake · Mar 14, 2014

These "drift pins" Are they like a split pin, tapered pin or a solid straight pin ? Pictures would help.

Thinking you'll have to drill them out and ream to larger diameter.

Phil Tibbetts · Mar 14, 2014

If they are in a blind hole then are most likely tapered pins. Probably had a threaded external end to put a nut on to pull them that got broken off. they are usually not hardened and can be drilled out if you are careful. You will likely need to ream out the hole to the next size bigger taper. If you are lucky you may be able to drill from the opposite side and hit the hole and drive it out. I worked as a machinist in a paper mill for 40 years and we had lots of them.

Grace Wright · Mar 14, 2014

We are going to investigate that in the AM. The link is this one http://www.yesterdaystractors.com/Massey-Ferguson-261_Linkage-Pin_1471634M2.html (copy paste the box below will not let me use the URL to show the part. Yes it did have some threads to pull it with and we have that part

we are missing the 1" or so on the other end. As you may see if it tapers, it does not taper much. We thought of drilling a small hole below where we think the pin ends and blowing it out with air. Hope hope. And we thought of placing a Zerk fitting in the hole and filling the void with grease to lift the end piece out. We were going to try a small strong magnet first. Then progress to the more invasive methods. The drift pin part is the easy part, aw heck, probably should not have even thought that thought.
I can relate to the paper mill experience, worked for St Regis / Champion for more than a few years. In the morning I should have sufficient light to get a decent photo or two.
Tks for the suggestion at least we are not totally off base.

Phil Tibbetts · Mar 14, 2014

That picture shows a straight pin but the thread makes me think it may be a taper pin. I like your idea of a grease fitting and a good grease gun if you can get a hole to it. Don't think air will blow it out. make sure no one is standing in front of it when you apply pressure as you may be launching a projectile. God luck and let us know how you make out.

Grace Wright · Mar 15, 2014

Phil and Tom, SUCCESS! We jacked the tractor up, got a strong magnet and wiggled the tire just a bit to line it up and the pin pulled right out. Sure enough the leading half inch or so is tapered just a tiny bit.

A big THANK YOU for the replies. I printed these out and we brainstormed over them and over coffee last night and early this AM.

Now we are just waiting on the replacement!

Spring has sprung and the invasive Russian Rye is knee deep already. We need to mow before it heads out. I will start the chemical program while we wait.

Awesome Thanks again!

Steering ram link to steering arm MF 261

Grace Wright

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Grace Wright

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Tom from Buckeye Lake

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Phil Tibbetts

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Grace Wright

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Phil Tibbetts

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Grace Wright

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