kipa Steering Shaft Pinion Gear & Bushing for MTD 741-0656 941-0656A 717-1554 Toro 112-0863, Used on Riders Since 1999. 11 Tooth. Splined Bore

What It Is

This is a replacement steering shaft pinion gear and bushing set for MTD, Toro, Cub Cadet, and other riders built since 1999. It transfers steering input from the steering shaft to the front axle, enabling left/right turning. The 11-tooth splined bore design fits most standard MTD-based steering columns.

Fitment & Compatibility

• Check your OEM part number: Cross-reference with MTD 741-0656, 941-0656A, 717-1554, or Toro 112-0863. This part is a direct replacement for those.
• Spline count: It has an 11-tooth splined bore. Count the splines on your old gear—if it’s 11, this fits. If different (e.g., 12 or 13), it won’t work.
• Machine age: Designed for riders manufactured from 1999 onward. Older models (pre-1999) may use a different spline pattern or shaft diameter.
• Brands: Fits MTD, Toro, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, Yard-Man, and other MTD-built riders. Does not fit John Deere, Husqvarna, or Ariens non-MTD units.
• Deck size irrelevant: This part is for the steering column, not the deck. No need to measure deck width.
• Aftermarket vs. OEM: This is an aftermarket replacement (kipa brand). It matches OEM specs but may have slightly tighter bushing fit. If you need exact OEM tolerances, buy the original MTD/Toro part.

Key Things to Know

• Quality: Solid aftermarket piece at a low price. The bushing is often the wear item—if your old bushing is sloppy, replace both gear and bushing together as a set.
• Installation difficulty: Moderate. You’ll need to remove the steering wheel, dash panel, and steering shaft. A puller may be required to separate the old gear from the shaft. Expect 30–60 minutes.
• Common gotcha: The bushing can be tight. If it doesn’t slide onto the steering shaft easily, lightly sand the shaft or bushing ID. Do not force it—binding will cause hard steering.
• No grease needed: The bushing is self-lubricating nylon. Adding grease attracts dirt and accelerates wear. Install dry.

Should You Buy It

Buy this if you have a sloppy or non-responsive steering on your MTD/Toro rider from 1999 or newer, and you’ve confirmed the 11-tooth splined bore matches. It’s a cheap, effective fix for worn steering—just be prepared for a moderate DIY job. If you prefer zero fitment hassle or have a pre-1999 machine, stick with the OEM part.