Massey Ferguson 65 steering box issues

The steering box has started to tighten up and make noise when turning the wheel. On removing the side panel I have discovered there was no oil and the lower bearing cage is damaged. What is the best approach to replace the bearings and how difficult is this. I will likely have issues removing the steering wheel and see there are steering box repair kits which include all parts including a replacement steering and rocker shafts. Any advice and guidance would be much appreciated, thanks

It's not that difficult to repair.

The repair kit, at least seals and bushings, is the way to go. The seals and bushing are special, hard to substitute.

The one thing you want to be extremely careful of is to not let the ball nut spin off the end of the shaft! Doing so will release the balls, they are very difficult to get back in. With the bearing off the end of the shaft, nothing will stop it from happening except being aware it can happen and handling it carefully.

It has probably been run dry for a while for the bearing to fail, so carefully inspect everything. The pittman arm bushings and seals are probably worn, that is where the grease got out.

When going back together, filing it with simi-fluid (corn head) grease will stay in better than oil.

As for getting the rusted steering wheel off, maybe, maybe not... Start soaking it with penetrant, back the nut off to flush with the end of the shaft, put your knees under the wheel and push up while hitting it with an aluminum or brass drift. Keep watch on the threads, best to give up and split the wheel hub than ruin the threads.

A shop manual would be a good investment before getting too deep. It covers tear down, reassembly, adjustment procedures.

Thanks for this Steve much appreciated. I will follow your advice and purchase a workshop manual before I start.

Forgot to mention, some steering wheels have puller holes.

If it has them, try the puller along with lifting and beating.