MF 165 Power Steering issue

I have a 165 and when I turn to the left from center, straight forward, the steering will raise a half of a inch. When it's turned back to the center it relaxes to normal. Does the steering column have a worm gear in it that's worn out? There is play in the steering also, I can turn the steering a third of a turn before anything happens. Any ideas?

Hello there are numerous posts on here (many of them mine)about this type of steering which differs slightly from ours in the UK but the principle is the same. The system works by only having a small controlled amount of play in which is used to actuate the the power assistance. Minimal initial movement of the steering wheel will actuate the hydraulic valve and turn the steering. When this play is partly or wholly lost in 'play' then the steering will become less efficient and stop. Have an assistant turn the steering wheel back and forth and observe what is happening. The only movement that you should see is that of the spool valve on top of the cylinder being pushed or pulled approximately 1/16-1/8" each way. Look in particular for wear in the main vertical shaft and bushes which pass through the axle casting. Look for up and down movement at the rod end of the cylinder in the casting. Check the steering box centre-point play, ball joints etc and the steering link arms above the casting. It will soon be clear where the play is. The object should then be to remove as much play as possible either by replacing the relevant parts or carrying out any machining and shimming as required.

DavidP, South Wales

Your steering wheel box needs repair, sounds like worn shaft bearings. US 150, 165, and 175 models should not have the wheel move up/down. US 135 with power steering the wheel will move up/down during use as David mentioned, to activate the spool valve. 150,165, and 175 have the spool valve on the cylinder..