21.8 inch Steering Shaft with Bushing 738-0919A Replacement for MTD Troy-Bilt Murray Craftsman T1000 LT1500 LT2000 LT2500 Lawn Tractor Parts Replaces 753-04517 738-0919 738-0919B 76-044 Review

Overview

This isn’t a mower—it’s a critical replacement part for your lawn tractor. The 21.8-inch Steering Shaft with Bushing (model 738-0919A) is a direct-fit upgrade or repair component for MTD, Troy-Bilt, Murray, and Craftsman lawn tractors in the T1000, LT1500, LT2000, and LT2500 series. Designed for homeowners who need to restore sloppy, loose, or unresponsive steering, this shaft replaces multiple OEM numbers (753-04517, 738-0919, 738-0919B, 76-044) and comes with the bushing pre-installed. It’s for anyone whose tractor’s steering has gone from “point and go” to “wander and pray.”

Who Should Buy This

1. Owners of aging MTD/Troy-Bilt/Craftsman tractors (5+ years old)
If your tractor’s steering wheel has more play than a kid’s toy, this shaft is likely your fix. It’s a common wear point on these models, especially after years of mowing rough ground.

2. DIY mechanics who want to avoid a $200+ shop bill
A steering shaft replacement is one of the easier tractor repairs—no engine work, no transmission removal. This part at $23.99 is a fraction of what a dealer would charge for labor and markup.

3. Homeowners with 1–3 acre lawns who mow weekly
If you’re covering serious ground, precise steering matters. A worn shaft makes straight lines impossible and turns frustrating. This restores factory-like control.

4. Anyone who’s already replaced other steering components
If you’ve swapped tie rods, spindles, or a steering gear and still have slop, the shaft itself is the culprit. This part completes the job.

Key Features Breakdown

21.8-inch Length
This is the exact measurement from the steering wheel mount to the gearbox input. It’s not adjustable, so measure your old shaft first. For the listed tractor models, it’s correct.

Pre-Installed Bushing
The bushing is what takes the wear inside the steering tube. Having it already pressed on saves you the hassle of buying a separate bushing and fighting to install it. It’s a time-saver.

Replaces Multiple OEM Numbers
Covers 753-04517, 738-0919, 738-0919B, and 76-044. This means it’s not a one-off oddball—it’s a widely used part across dozens of tractor variants. Cross-reference your model before buying.

Steel Construction
It’s not pot metal or plastic. This shaft is steel, which is essential because it takes both torsion (turning the wheels) and side-loading (when you hit a bump while turning). Cheap substitutes flex and wear out fast.

Direct Fit for T1000, LT1500, LT2000, LT2500
No drilling, no cutting, no adapters. If your tractor is one of these series, this shaft slides in and bolts up. The splines match the steering wheel and gearbox.

Pros

1. Restores precise steering
   The most common complaint on these tractors is “wandering” or “dead zone” in the steering wheel. This shaft eliminates that play if the bushing or shaft is worn.

2. Easy install for a DIYer
   You’ll need basic hand tools (socket set, maybe a puller for the steering wheel). No welding, no press. Most owners can do it in under an hour.

3. Bushing included saves money
   Buying the bushing separately can cost $8–12. Having it pre-installed means one part, one purchase, no second trip to the hardware store.

4. Price is hard to beat
   At $23.99, this is cheaper than most OEM dealer prices by $10–15. For a part that fixes a major annoyance, that’s a bargain.

5. Broad compatibility
   Works across MTD, Troy-Bilt, Murray, and Craftsman. If you’ve got a lawn tractor from the early 2000s to late 2010s, there’s a good chance this fits.

6. Steel, not cheap alloy
   Some aftermarket shafts use softer metals that bend under heavy use. This one holds up to the torque of turning wide turf tires on uneven ground.

Cons

1. Not universal
   If your tractor isn’t in the T1000–LT2500 family, you need to measure. The 21.8-inch length is specific. A half-inch difference means it won’t fit.

2. Bushing can be tight
   While it’s pre-installed, some users report the bushing is stiff and needs a little grease or gentle tapping to slide into the steering tube. It’s not a dealbreaker, but be patient.

3. No grease fitting
   The bushing is dry. You’ll want to apply grease during installation to extend its life. If you skip this, you might be replacing it again in 3–4 years.

4. Not a fix for gearbox issues
   If your steering is stiff or grinding, the problem might be the gearbox, not the shaft. This part only addresses slop in the shaft/bushing interface.

Bottom Line

If your MTD, Troy-Bilt, Murray, or Craftsman lawn tractor has developed that annoying steering slop—where the wheel turns an inch before the tires respond—this 21.8-inch steering shaft is the most cost-effective fix you’ll find. At $23.99, it’s cheaper than a single trip to the dealer for diagnosis, and the install is straightforward for anyone comfortable with a wrench. It won’t fix a broken gearbox or bent spindle, but for the specific problem of a worn shaft and bushing, it’s exactly what you need. Measure your old shaft first, grease the bushing during install, and you’ll have tight, responsive steering again for years. Highly recommended for any owner of the listed tractor series.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I know if my steering shaft is worn?
A: Grab the steering wheel and try to move it up and down or side to side. If there’s noticeable play at the wheel (more than 1/4 inch) before the tires move, the shaft bushing is likely worn. Also, look for rust or pitting on the shaft itself—that accelerates bushing wear.

Q: Will this fit my Craftsman LT1000?
A: Yes, the Craftsman LT1000 is in the T1000 family and uses this shaft. But double-check your model number—some LT1000 variants use a slightly different length. Measure your old shaft from the flat spot under the steering wheel to the bottom end. If it’s 21.8 inches,