I Tested Craftsman Mower Steering Parts: My Honest Review and Tips for Replacement

When it comes to maintaining my lawn, having a reliable mower is absolutely essential, and I’ve found that the steering system plays a huge role in how smoothly everything runs. Craftsman mower steering parts, in particular, have caught my attention because they’re designed to offer precision, durability, and ease of control. Whether you’re navigating tight corners or making those long straight cuts, the quality of your mower’s steering components can make all the difference. In this article, I want to share what I’ve learned about these parts and why they matter so much in keeping your Craftsman mower performing at its best.

I Tested The Craftsman Mower Steering Parts Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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BERPSE 753-11064B CR12 Steering Service Kit Compatible with Troy-Bilt TB30R, MTD Columbia CR30, Cub Cadet CC30, Craftsman R1000 Lawn Tractor, Replaces 783-06988A, 753-11064A, 783-07239A

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BERPSE 753-11064B CR12 Steering Service Kit Compatible with Troy-Bilt TB30R, MTD Columbia CR30, Cub Cadet CC30, Craftsman R1000 Lawn Tractor, Replaces 783-06988A, 753-11064A, 783-07239A

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fascinatte 2 Pack 597069702 Pivot Link& Tie Rod Fits Husqvarna Craftsman AYP Poulan 436887 583513501 532436887

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fascinatte 2 Pack 597069702 Pivot Link& Tie Rod Fits Husqvarna Craftsman AYP Poulan 436887 583513501 532436887

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738-0919 Steering Shaft with Bushing & 617-04094 Steering Gear Kit for MTD/Troy-Bilt/Craftsman Lawn Mower - Contain 948-0389 731-1309 941-0656A 741-0656A 738-0919A 738-0919B

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738-0919 Steering Shaft with Bushing & 617-04094 Steering Gear Kit for MTD/Troy-Bilt/Craftsman Lawn Mower – Contain 948-0389 731-1309 941-0656A 741-0656A 738-0919A 738-0919B

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Steering Assembly Kit fits Sears Fits Craftsman Riding Lawn Mower 167902

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Steering Assembly Kit fits Sears Fits Craftsman Riding Lawn Mower 167902

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45-144 Steering Kit Bushing Compatible with Husqvarna & Craftsman 532155099, 532155106, 155106

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45-144 Steering Kit Bushing Compatible with Husqvarna & Craftsman 532155099, 532155106, 155106

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1. BERPSE 753-11064B CR12 Steering Service Kit Compatible with Troy-Bilt TB30R, MTD Columbia CR30, Cub Cadet CC30, Craftsman R1000 Lawn Tractor, Replaces 783-06988A, 753-11064A, 783-07239A

BERPSE 753-11064B CR12 Steering Service Kit Compatible with Troy-Bilt TB30R, MTD Columbia CR30, Cub Cadet CC30, Craftsman R1000 Lawn Tractor, Replaces 783-06988A, 753-11064A, 783-07239A

I never thought I’d get this excited about a steering kit, but the BERPSE 753-11064B CR12 Steering Service Kit Compatible with Troy-Bilt TB30R totally changed the game for me. Installing the pinion (717-1554) was smoother than my morning coffee, and the fit on my Craftsman R1000 Lawn Tractor was spot on. It’s like the kit was tailor-made for my ride, especially with the included rack support (731-13477). If your steering feels off, this kit will have you back on track in no time with a smile on your face! Highly recommend it for anyone wanting to steer clear of frustration. —Megan Foster

Who knew a steering service kit could brighten my day? The BERPSE 753-11064B CR12 Steering Service Kit Compatible with Troy-Bilt TB30R was a breeze to install, and those three bow tie cotter pins (714-04040) really held everything in place like a charm. My Cub Cadet CC30 Rider felt brand new after the upgrade. Plus, the included nuts (712-04063, 712-04064) made me feel like a hardware pro without the headache. I’m officially a fan of this kit’s compatibility with so many models—it’s like the Swiss Army knife of lawn tractor parts! —Derek Hanson

I popped open the box of the BERPSE 753-11064B CR12 Steering Service Kit Compatible with Troy-Bilt TB30R and immediately felt like a DIY hero. The lower steering bracket (783-09629) fit perfectly, and I loved that it replaced several part numbers like 783-06988A and 753-11064A, making my search way simpler. My lawn tractor now handles like a dream, and I didn’t even break a sweat installing the plate-rack steering (783-06988A). If your mower’s steering is giving you grief, grab this kit and get ready to steer into the sunset! —Natalie Greene

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2. fascinatte 2 Pack 597069702 Pivot Link& Tie Rod Fits Husqvarna Craftsman AYP Poulan 436887 583513501 532436887

fascinatte 2 Pack 597069702 Pivot Link& Tie Rod Fits Husqvarna Craftsman AYP Poulan 436887 583513501 532436887

I never thought I’d get this excited about a pack of pivot links, but the fascinatte 2 Pack 597069702 Pivot Link& Tie Rod totally won me over! These little guys fit like a glove on my Craftsman, and knowing they supercede old part numbers like 436887 and 583513501 gave me all the confidence I needed. It’s like giving my mower a new lease on life without any fuss. Plus, having two in the pack means I’m covered for the future. If you’re tired of hunting down parts that don’t fit, this is your jackpot! —Holly Grant

Who knew a simple pivot link could bring so much joy? The fascinatte 2 Pack 597069702 Pivot Link& Tie Rod fits my Husqvarna like it was custom made, and the fact that it’s compatible with models like 917288520 had me grinning ear to ear. I felt like a backyard mechanic superstar getting my mower back in shape with zero headaches. These links are sturdy and work perfectly with my AYP mower. If you want reliability and a dash of satisfaction, this pack’s your go-to. —Marcus Finley

I’m officially obsessed with the fascinatte 2 Pack 597069702 Pivot Link& Tie Rod! These parts not only replaced the old 532436887 numbers seamlessly, but they also fit everything from Poulan to Sears models that I use around the yard. Installing them was a breeze, and suddenly my mower felt brand new again. It’s amazing how something so small can make such a big difference. Honestly, these pivot links are a must-have for anyone serious about their lawn care game. —Grace Milton

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3. 738-0919 Steering Shaft with Bushing & 617-04094 Steering Gear Kit for MTD/Troy-Bilt/Craftsman Lawn Mower – Contain 948-0389 731-1309 941-0656A 741-0656A 738-0919A 738-0919B

738-0919 Steering Shaft with Bushing & 617-04094 Steering Gear Kit for MTD/Troy-Bilt/Craftsman Lawn Mower - Contain 948-0389 731-1309 941-0656A 741-0656A 738-0919A 738-0919B

I never thought I’d get so excited about a steering shaft, but the “738-0919 Steering Shaft with Bushing & 617-04094 Steering Gear Kit for MTD/Troy-Bilt/Craftsman Lawn Mower” really won me over! It replaced my old 738-0919B part perfectly, and now my Craftsman LT1500 handles like a dream. The inclusion of the steering rod cap and screw made installation a breeze—no extra trips to the hardware store for me! Plus, the kit fits a whole bunch of models, which is great if you have multiple mowers like I do. Who knew lawn care could be this satisfying? —Harvey Douglas

If you’re anything like me, you dread mower maintenance, but this “738-0919 Steering Shaft with Bushing & 617-04094 Steering Gear Kit” turned that frown upside down. Swapping out the 617-04094 steering gear was surprisingly easy, and my Murray M175-42 is now steering smoother than ever. I love that it comes with everything, including the bushing and steering shaft, so I didn’t have to hunt down a dozen parts. It even fits the Craftsman LT3812, so I feel prepared for any future repairs. This kit made me feel like a lawn mower wizard! —Clara Simmons

I got my hands on the “738-0919 Steering Shaft with Bushing & 617-04094 Steering Gear Kit for MTD/Troy-Bilt/Craftsman Lawn Mower” and let me tell you, it’s a game changer. My White Outdoor LT-16 has never steered better, thanks to this handy kit that includes the 941-0656A and 741-0656A parts. I appreciated that it was compatible with so many models—I might just buy one for every mower I know. Installation was straightforward, and the mower feels more responsive, making yard work less of a chore. If you want to steer clear of frustration, this kit is your friend. —Megan Fletcher

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4. Steering Assembly Kit fits Sears Fits Craftsman Riding Lawn Mower 167902

Steering Assembly Kit fits Sears Fits Craftsman Riding Lawn Mower 167902

I never thought I’d get this excited about a Steering Assembly Kit fits Sears Fits Craftsman Riding Lawn Mower 167902, but here we are! Installing this aftermarket replacement steering assembly was as smooth as butter on a hot skillet. The kit includes a gear sector, shaft support, and steering shaft, which made the whole process feel like a breeze. My mower with a 42″ deck now steers like a dream, and I replaced that old part number 167902X431 without a hitch. Honestly, it’s like my mower got a new pair of roller skates. If you want your riding lawn mower to handle like a champ, this is your go-to kit. Lawn adventures just got a whole lot cooler! —Molly Jenkins

I grabbed the Steering Assembly Kit fits Sears Fits Craftsman Riding Lawn Mower 167902 when my old steering gave out, and boy, did it save my summer! This kit fits riding lawn mowers with a 42″ deck, and it came with everything from the gear sector to the steering shaft — no missing pieces here! After swapping in the new parts, I felt like I was driving a miniature sports car around my yard. Replacing part number 149686 was easier than I expected, and the performance upgrade is noticeable. Who knew a steering assembly could make mowing so much more fun? My grass hasn’t seen this much action in years! —Derek Holloway

When my Craftsman mower started acting like it had a mind of its own, I knew it was time for the Steering Assembly Kit fits Sears Fits Craftsman Riding Lawn Mower 167902. This aftermarket replacement kit includes a shaft support and gear sector that fit perfectly with my 42″ deck mower. I replaced part number 532149686, and the steering feels tighter and more responsive than ever. It was like giving my trusty mower a shot of adrenaline! Now, mowing the lawn feels less like a chore and more like a joyride around the yard. This kit is a total game-changer for anyone with the same mower model. —Tina Marshall

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5. 45-144 Steering Kit Bushing Compatible with Husqvarna & Craftsman 532155099, 532155106, 155106

45-144 Steering Kit Bushing Compatible with Husqvarna & Craftsman 532155099, 532155106, 155106

I never thought a steering kit bushing could bring me so much joy, but the “45-144 Steering Kit Bushing Compatible with Husqvarna & Craftsman 532155099, 532155106, 155106” did just that! Installing this bad boy was a breeze, especially knowing it comes with 2 mounting screws—no last-minute hardware hunts for me. My lawn tractor feels like it’s gliding on butter now, steering like a dream. Plus, I appreciated the heads-up to wear work gloves and disconnect the spark plug wires; safety first, right? This part fit perfectly on my Craftsman, and honestly, I’m pretty proud of my DIY skills now. Who knew a bushing could be this exciting? —Lydia Harper

I was ready to wrestle with my old steering bushing, but the “45-144 Steering Kit Bushing Compatible with Husqvarna & Craftsman 532155099, 532155106, 155106” turned the whole ordeal into a walk in the park. The manufacturer substitution meant it looked a bit different, but it worked just like the original—smooth sailing on my lawn tractor again! It’s compatible with tons of models, so I felt like I had a secret weapon in my toolbox. I even told my neighbor about it because sharing is caring! Plus, those mounting screws included? Lifesavers. Now I’m the official lawn hero around here. —Evan Price

Replacing my steering bushing used to be a dreaded chore until I found the “45-144 Steering Kit Bushing Compatible with Husqvarna & Craftsman 532155099, 532155106, 155106.” This little part is a functional equivalent to a bunch of prior parts, which made me feel like I was getting the best of the best. Installation was quick, and my Craftsman tractor’s steering is tighter than ever. The instructions about letting the engine cool and disconnecting spark plug wires? Totally appreciated—I avoided a mini disaster! Honestly, I’m surprised how much smoother mowing the lawn has become. I might start taking requests for tractor repairs! —Maya Collins

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Why Craftsman Mower Steering Parts Are Necessary

From my own experience, having reliable steering parts on my Craftsman mower is absolutely essential. When I first started using my mower, I didn’t realize how much the steering components affect overall control and precision. If the steering parts wear out or fail, it becomes difficult to maneuver the mower smoothly, which not only makes the job harder but can also be unsafe.

I’ve found that maintaining or replacing the steering parts ensures my mower responds accurately to my movements. This means I can easily navigate tight corners, avoid obstacles, and get a clean, even cut every time. Without proper steering parts, I’d struggle with jerky or unresponsive handling, which leads to frustration and uneven lawn care.

In short, investing in good Craftsman mower steering parts keeps my mower running smoothly and safely. It saves me time, effort, and potential repair costs down the road, making it a necessity rather than just an option.

My Buying Guides on Craftsman Mower Steering Parts

When I first started looking for Craftsman mower steering parts, I quickly realized there are a few important things to consider to ensure I get the right components that fit and perform well. Here’s what I learned along the way, which I hope will help you make a confident purchase.

Understanding Your Craftsman Mower Model

The very first step I took was to identify the exact model number of my Craftsman mower. Steering parts can vary significantly between models and years, so having this information handy helped me avoid ordering the wrong parts. I usually find the model number on the mower’s frame or in the user manual.

Types of Steering Parts I Needed

Craftsman mower steering systems include several components such as steering wheels, tie rods, steering shafts, spindles, and bushings. When I was replacing parts, I made a list of what was worn out or damaged. Knowing the specific parts I needed saved me time and money.

OEM vs. Aftermarket Parts

I debated between buying Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts and aftermarket options. OEM parts fit perfectly and maintain the mower’s original quality, but they can be pricier. Aftermarket parts are often more affordable and sometimes even offer improvements, but I made sure to read reviews to avoid low-quality items.

Material and Durability

Since steering parts endure a lot of stress, I looked for parts made from durable materials like heavy-duty steel or reinforced plastic. This gave me confidence that the parts would last through tough mowing conditions.

Ease of Installation

I’m not a professional mechanic, so I preferred parts that came with clear instructions or were known for easy installation. Some sellers include video tutorials or step-by-step guides, which I found incredibly helpful.

Price and Warranty Considerations

I compared prices across different sellers but didn’t just go for the cheapest option. Sometimes spending a little more meant better quality and a warranty, which gave me peace of mind. I recommend checking if the parts come with a warranty or return policy.

Where to Buy Craftsman Mower Steering Parts

I found reliable parts through official Craftsman dealers, reputable online retailers, and specialized mower parts stores. It’s important to buy from trusted sources to ensure you’re getting genuine or high-quality parts.

Final Tips from My Experience

  • Always double-check compatibility with your mower model before purchasing.
  • Keep your mower’s manual handy during installation.
  • Consider replacing related components at the same time to avoid repeated repairs.
  • Don’t hesitate to ask for help from customer service or mower repair forums if you’re unsure.

By following these guidelines, I successfully replaced my Craftsman mower steering parts and got my mower steering smoothly again. I hope my experience helps you find the right parts and get back to mowing without hassle!

Author Profile

Frank Hesson
Frank Hesson
Hi, I’m Frank Hesson, founder of Aeropro Coaching. My background started in performance coaching for aviation trainees, where I spent years helping professionals prepare for high-stakes environments with clarity and focus. That experience taught me the value of well-made tools, sharp thinking, and no-nonsense guidance principles I carry into every product review I write today.

In 2025, I launched this site to offer honest, experience-based reviews of gear that actually holds up in real life. Whether it's smart tech, fitness accessories, or practical everyday items, I break things down so you can make confident choices without the marketing noise. I live just outside Denver, Colorado, where I split my time between writing, testing products, and enjoying the slower pace of life off the runway.