Front Wheel Bushing to Bearing Conversion Kit 596873701 596873601 RH/LH Front Axle Steering Spindles for Husqvarna Craftsman Poulan fits 532403087 532403088 & 532194743 532194744

What It Is

This conversion kit replaces the stock plastic bushings on your lawn mower’s front axle steering spindles with sealed ball bearings, reducing wobble and improving steering precision on larger riding mowers (42”+ decks) from Husqvarna, Craftsman, and Poulan.

Fitment & Compatibility

Check these before buying:

• OEM part numbers: Fits 532403087, 532403088 (LH/RH spindles) and 532194743, 532194744. Cross-references with Husqvarna 596873701/596873601 and Craftsman 403087/403088.
• Machine brands: Works on most Husqvarna, Craftsman, and Poulan riding mowers with a 1” front axle spindle tube (measure outer diameter of the spindle tube – must be 1”).
• Deck size: Typically for 42”, 46”, 50”, and 54” decks. Not for zero-turn or small push mowers.
• Aftermarket vs OEM: Aftermarket kit; quality is comparable to OEM but costs less. Verify your spindle tube length (approx. 4.5”) to ensure the bearing sits flush.
• Includes: Two bearing assemblies, snap rings, and grease seals – no extra hardware needed.

Key Things to Know

• Installation difficulty: Moderate – requires removing the front wheels, axle caps, and old bushings. A puller or punch helps for stuck bushings.
• Durability: Sealed ball bearings last far longer than plastic bushings, especially on rough terrain. Grease-packed and weather-resistant.
• Gotcha: The snap rings can be tricky to seat. Use snap-ring pliers (not regular pliers) to avoid bending them.
• Steering improvement: Noticeable reduction in front-end slop and wheel wobble. Tightens up the turning radius on older mowers.

Should You Buy It

If your riding mower’s front wheels wobble or the steering feels loose, this kit is a solid upgrade. Best for owners of Husqvarna, Craftsman, or Poulan mowers with worn plastic bushings who want a longer-lasting fix without replacing the entire spindle assembly. Skip if you only need a temporary patch or your spindle tube is damaged.