Stens 290-923 Brake Cable

What It Is

The Stens 290-923 Brake Cable is an aftermarket replacement cable designed to engage and disengage the blade brake system on walk-behind lawn mowers. It’s commonly used on models from MTD, Troy-Bilt, Cub Cadet, and Yard Machines with a 3.75-inch (95 mm) housing length and 38-inch (965 mm) overall cable length.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, verify your mower’s brake cable housing length (center-to-center of end fittings) is 3.75 inches and total cable length is 38 inches. This cable fits many MTD-built mowers from the 1990s to mid-2000s, including Troy-Bilt TB series, Cub Cadet RZT and LT series, and Yard Machines with 20–22-inch decks. It replaces OEM part numbers 490-923, 490-923-0038, and 490-923-0039. Check your mower’s model and serial number against Stens cross-reference charts online, as some newer models use different mounting brackets or cable routing. Measure your old cable end-to-end including fittings—if it’s longer or shorter than 38 inches, this cable won’t fit.

Key Things to Know

• Quality: Stens is a reputable aftermarket brand; cables are pre-lubed and have zinc-plated fittings for corrosion resistance. Expect OEM-level durability for the price.
• Installation: Moderate difficulty—requires removing the blade brake assembly and routing the cable through the handlebar and deck. Have a cable cutter or pliers on hand to trim any excess housing if needed.
• Common Gotcha: The cable end that connects to the brake lever may be a slightly different shape than OEM. You might need to bend or file the end fitting slightly for a secure hookup.
• Routing: Take a photo of the original cable path before removal. Incorrect routing can cause premature wear or brake drag.

Should You Buy It

If your mower’s brake cable is stretched, frayed, or snapped and you’ve confirmed the 3.75-inch housing and 38-inch overall length match your model, this Stens cable is a solid, cost-effective fix. It’s not for mowers with unusual cable lengths or non-MTD chassis, but for common MTD-based machines, it’s a reliable drop-in replacement that’s cheaper than most OEM options.