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Massey Ferguson 300 series tractor factory workshop and repair manual download

1) Theory — what a strut does and how it fails
- Function: the strut (shock/strut assembly) controls vertical wheel movement by converting kinetic energy into heat (via hydraulic damping) and locates the axle/wheel relative to the chassis (through its mounts and bushings). It reduces bounce, controls weight transfer during braking/traction, and limits axle kick/oscillation.
- Principal parts: piston rod, piston/valve, oil chamber, seals, body, mounting bushings/top mount and lower eye/bolt.
- Common failure modes and effects:
- Seal wear / internal valve wear → hydraulic fluid leaks or bypass → reduced damping → excessive bounce, poor wheel contact, instability, tyre wear.
- Collapsed or bent rod → permanent loss of damping/incorrect ride height.
- Worn bushings or loose mounts → play in axle location → steering wander, clunks.
- How replacement fixes it: a new strut restores valve/seal integrity and internal geometry so damping forces return to specification; new bushings/mounts remove unwanted play and restore proper axle location and load paths.

2) Preparations (theory + why)
- Get correct replacement (part number or OEM spec). A gas-filled or hydraulic strut is not serviceable; replace whole unit.
- Tools: jack and stands, axle support blocks, appropriate sockets/wrenches, penetrating oil, torque wrench, pry bar, new mounting hardware/bushings, grease, cleaning rags, container for any leaked oil.
- Safety: the strut is load-bearing — always block and support axle/chassis so the strut is unpressurized during removal. Why: avoiding sudden drop that can damage components or cause injury.

3) Step-by-step ordered procedure with theory at each step
1. Park on level ground, set brakes, remove ignition key. Chock rear wheels. (Prevents movement.)
2. Loosen wheel nuts slightly if wheel removal is needed. Jack the front and support securely on stands under the axle or frame close to jacking points. Support the chassis as well if the strut supports chassis load. Block the tractor so that the strut carries no load before unbolting. (Why: you must remove preload so mounts/bolts can be removed safely and bushings are not under tension.)
3. Remove wheel to gain access. Clean around top and bottom mounts; apply penetrating oil to bolts. (Why: prevents bolt breakage and allows inspection of surrounding parts.)
4. Support the axle control arm or axle housing immediately under the strut lower mount using a jack or blocks—take the weight off the lower mount bolt. (Why: prevents sudden drop and keeps suspension geometry stable.)
5. Remove lower mounting bolt/nut. Then remove top mount nut(s) or stud nuts. Retain/compare washers, spacers and any shims in the original orientation. If top mount uses a rubber mount assembly, note its orientation. (Theory: order matters — sometimes lower bolt first lets you swing the strut out; sometimes top first is easier depending on space — but always keep axle supported.)
6. Withdraw the old strut. Inspect the old unit: look for oil leakage, damaged rod, collapsed body, worn bushings, or play in mounts. (Why: confirms failure mode and checks for related damage.)
7. Prepare the new strut: fit any new bushings or sleeves included, ensure orientation matches original (rod up/down as required), apply a thin film of grease to rubber bushings if manufacturer recommends, do not pre-compress gas struts. (Theory: correct orientation and bushing prep affect noise and load distribution.)
8. Install new strut into top mount first (or lower first if space dictates), align and insert bolts loosely. Reattach lower mounting bolt and leave hardware finger-tight. Ensure any spacers/washers are in original places. (Why: loose fit allows alignment without straining bolts.)
9. With axle supported in correct ride height (lower jack slightly so bushings are not twisted, but do not carry full vehicle weight on the strut), torque lower and top fasteners to the manufacturer’s specified values. If you do not have specs, tighten to a firm torque appropriate for bolt size and grade, then check the service manual as soon as possible. (Theory: torquing in the correct position avoids preloading or binding of the new bushing and ensures clamp load for safety.)
10. Refit the wheel, lower tractor to the ground, torque wheel nuts to spec. (Why: final assembly.)
11. If the strut is part of a hydraulic/linked system that shares fluid with the tractor hydraulics, check fluid level and bleed according to manual (operate lifting/steering cycles to purge air). If it’s an isolated shock absorber, simply cycle suspension several times to seat bushings. (Theory: air in hydraulic lines reduces damping and can cause spongy response.)
12. Road/field test at low speed first: observe ride, listen for clunks, re-check for leaks and for loose bolts. After 50–100 km/hours of work, re-torque mounting bolts. (Why: bushings settle; re-torque avoids gradual loosening.)

4) How this specific repair fixes the fault — direct mapping
- Leaking seals/valve wear: replacement provides intact seals and correct valve geometry so fluid is forced through the metered passages, restoring expected damping force and stopping excess oscillation.
- Collapsed/bent rod: new unit restores travel and damping range so ride height and axle control return to normal.
- Worn mounts/bushings: replacing them removes play and restores correct alignment of the strut to the axle and chassis; this removes clunks, steering wander and uneven loading that cause tyre wear.
- Incorrect torque/installation: proper installation and torque ensures the strut behaves as designed; incorrect mounting can preload the bushing and mimic a failed unit even if new.
- Air in hydraulic circuit (if applicable): bleeding removes compressible air so damping is consistent.

5) Final checks and safety notes (concise)
- Inspect for leaks, damaged hoses (if hydraulic), and correct mounting orientation.
- Re-torque after initial hours of service.
- Dispose of old strut/oil per local regulations.
- If symptoms persist (continued bounce, clunks), inspect related items: springs/leaf springs, axle bushings, steering linkages, wheel bearings and tyres.

End.
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