938-05078 Steering Shaft 5/8 And 617-04094 Sector Gear Kit for MTD Troy Bilt With 948-0389 710-1309 Steering Rod Cap, Screw & 941-0656A 741-0656A Pinion Gear & Bushing,941-04124 Hex Flange Bearing

What It Is

This is a complete steering shaft and sector gear kit for MTD and Troy-Bilt lawn tractors. It includes the steering shaft (5/8-inch diameter), sector gear, pinion gear with bushing, steering rod cap and screw, and hex flange bearing—everything needed to rebuild a worn or broken steering assembly.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, verify your tractor’s model number (usually under the seat or on the frame). This kit fits most MTD, Troy-Bilt, Cub Cadet, and Yard Machines tractors with a 5/8-inch steering shaft and a 14-tooth pinion gear. It replaces OEM parts 938-05078, 617-04094, 948-0389, 710-1309, 941-0656A, 741-0656A, and 941-04124. For a precise fit, measure your existing shaft diameter (must be 5/8-inch) and count the sector gear teeth (typically 14). This is an aftermarket kit, so it may not match OEM tolerances exactly on older or non-standard decks.

Key Things to Know

• Quality varies: Some users report the sector gear and pinion are softer than OEM, which can lead to faster wear under heavy use. Consider buying OEM if you mow frequently on rough terrain.
• Installation difficulty: Moderate. You’ll need to remove the steering wheel, dash, and front axle. Expect 1–2 hours. A puller may be needed for stuck gears.
• Common gotcha: The included bushing may require light sanding or reaming to fit the shaft properly. Test fit before final assembly.
• Lubrication: Apply grease to the sector gear teeth and bushing during install to reduce wear and noise.

Should You Buy It

This kit is a good budget fix for a loose or non-responsive steering wheel on a mid-duty lawn tractor. It’s best for DIYers who want to replace multiple worn steering components at once without buying parts separately. If you have a heavy-use commercial mower or need exact OEM fit, spend more on genuine MTD parts.