2 Pack Upgraded 539102720 Steering Damper Fit for Husqvarna BZ BZE EZ MZ RZ IZ ZTH Zero Turn,Jonsered, Poulan, RedMax, AYP Lawn Tractor or Mower, Steering Shock Dampener Shock Damper Gas Damper Review

Overview

This isn’t a lawn mower—it’s a replacement steering damper kit for zero-turn mowers from Husqvarna, Jonsered, Poulan, RedMax, and AYP. The 2-pack (part number 539102720) is designed to eliminate the sloppy, wandering steering that develops over time on ZT mowers. It’s for owners of zero-turn tractors who’ve noticed their machine drifting, shimmying, or refusing to track straight, especially on uneven ground.

Who Should Buy This

• Owners of Husqvarna zero-turn mowers (BZ, BZE, EZ, MZ, RZ, IZ, ZTH series) who are experiencing loose, wobbly steering or the mower pulling to one side. This is the most direct fix for that specific problem.
• DIY-minded homeowners with older Poulan, RedMax, or AYP zero-turn tractors that have 100+ hours of mowing. Steering dampers wear out gradually; if your mower feels like it’s “driving itself,” these are likely the culprit.
• Anyone who’s already replaced belts, spindles, and tires but still can’t get their zero-turn to track straight. This is a simple, cheap troubleshooting step before tearing into the steering linkage.
• Commercial or light-commercial operators who need predictable, precise steering for tight turns around obstacles. A worn damper costs you time and risks scalping turf.

Key Features Breakdown

Compatibility: Fits Husqvarna BZ, BZE, EZ, MZ, RZ, IZ, ZTH, plus Jonsered, Poulan, RedMax, and AYP models. Check your mower’s parts diagram—this replaces original part 539102720. It’s a direct bolt-on swap, no modifications required.

2-Pack: You get two dampers, which is exactly what most zero-turns need (one per steering arm). Some cheaper listings sell singles; this saves you the hassle of ordering a second one later.

Gas-Charged Design: Unlike old-school hydraulic dampers that can leak, this uses nitrogen gas to provide consistent resistance. That means less fade on hot afternoons and no messy oil leaks.

Threaded Ends with Included Hardware: Each damper has pre-installed ball joints and comes with nuts and washers. Installation takes about 15 minutes with basic hand tools—a 10mm and 13mm wrench is all you need.

Price Point: $19.99 for a pair. Compare that to $25–$35 per damper at a dealer. Even if these last half as long as OEM (and many users report they hold up fine), you’re ahead on cost.

Pros

1. Restores steering precision immediately. If your mower has been drifting or feels vague in the steering, swapping these dampers will make it track straight again. It’s a night-and-day difference.
2. Simple DIY install. No bleeding, no special tools, no hydraulic fluid. Remove two bolts, swap the damper, tighten. Anyone comfortable changing a lawn mower blade can do this.
3. Cost-effective fix. For under $20, you can eliminate a steering problem that many assume requires expensive linkage repairs or a new steering gear box.
4. 2-pack covers the whole machine. No need to hunt down a second damper later. You get both sides, which is critical—if one is worn, the other isn’t far behind.
5. Works on multiple brands. If you own a Husqvarna, Poulan, or RedMax zero-turn, this fits. That’s handy if you’ve got a mixed fleet or plan to sell the mower later.
6. Lightweight but sturdy. The dampers are compact and well-sealed. They don’t add noticeable weight but handle the side-loading that zero-turn steering arms dish out.

Cons

1. Mixed durability reports. A few buyers report these failing after one season (leaking or losing resistance). OEM Husqvarna dampers typically last 2–3 years; these might not match that lifespan in heavy commercial use.
2. Not a universal fit. Despite the long compatibility list, some older AYP models use a different mounting bracket. Always measure your existing damper’s extended and compressed length before ordering.
3. Ball joint quality varies. The included ball joints are functional but not as tight as OEM. On some mowers, you might feel a tiny bit of play even with new dampers installed.
4. No installation instructions. The package is just the dampers and hardware. If you’re not comfortable looking up a YouTube video or your mower’s manual, you’ll need to figure out orientation on your own.

Bottom Line

If your zero-turn mower has developed wandering steering, a shimmy in the wheel, or just feels “loose” in the front end, this $20 2-pack is the first thing you should try. It’s not a lifetime fix—especially for commercial operators—but for homeowners with 1–3 acres, it’s an excellent value that solves a frustrating problem in under 20 minutes. I recommend it for DIY owners of Husqvarna, Poulan, and RedMax zero-turns who want to avoid a dealership trip. Just keep your expectations realistic: it’s a budget part, not premium OEM, but it works.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I know if my steering dampers are bad? A: Park the mower on level ground. Grab one steering lever and try to wiggle it side-to-side. If there’s more than 1/4 inch of free play before resistance kicks in, the damper is worn. Also, if the mower drifts left or right when you let go of the levers, that’s a classic sign of a failed damper.

Q: Will these fit my Husqvarna MZ6128? A: They should, as long as your mower uses the standard 539102720 damper. Check your parts diagram online—if it shows a single damper per side with threaded studs on both ends, this is the match. For MZ models made after 2018, double-check the compressed length (about 8.5 inches fully compressed).

Q: Can I just replace one damper instead of both? A: You can, but it’s not recommended. The dampers wear at roughly the same rate. Replacing only one will leave the other side weak, and you’ll still have uneven steering. Since this is a 2-pack, swap them both at once—it takes the same amount of time.