783-06988A Steering Rack Plate - by Ohoho - Compatible with MTD, Craftsman, Troy-Bilt Lawn Mower, with Steering Shaft Pinion Gear & Bushing, Replaces 753-11064A 783-07239A 75311064B 753-11064B Review

Overview

This isn’t a lawn mower itself—it’s the 783-06988A Steering Rack Plate by Ohoho, a replacement part designed for MTD, Craftsman, and Troy-Bilt lawn tractors and zero-turn mowers. If your mower’s steering has gone sloppy, hard to turn, or completely unresponsive, this $15.99 kit is the fix. It’s built for DIY homeowners who want to restore tight, precise steering without paying a dealer $100+ for labor.

Who Should Buy This

Homeowners with a worn-out MTD/Craftsman/Troy-Bilt tractor (2000s–present)
If your steering wheel has 2+ inches of play before the wheels move, or the mower pulls to one side, this plate is likely your culprit. It’s a direct replacement for the plastic rack that cracks or strips over time.

Budget-conscious DIYers who don’t want to replace the whole steering assembly
At $15.99, this is a fraction of the cost of a new steering column or gearbox. If you’re handy with a socket set and a pry bar, you can fix the slop in under an hour.

Owners of older Craftsman LT1000, LT2000, or Troy-Bilt Bronco models
These tractors are known for steering rack failures after 5–8 years. This part fits dozens of models (check compatibility) and revives a tired machine without junking it.

People who’d rather fix than replace
If you’re not ready to drop $1,500 on a new rider, this $16 part buys you another season or three of reliable steering.

Key Features Breakdown

Material: Reinforced plastic composite
The original rack often warps or cracks under heat and stress. This Ohoho version uses a denser nylon-like plastic that resists flex better than OEM. It won’t solve a bent drag link, but it handles normal residential use.

Includes steering shaft pinion gear and bushing
The kit comes with the rack plate and the pinion gear that meshes with it, plus a bronze bushing. That’s the three parts that wear out together. Buying them as a set means you don’t have to hunt down separate pieces.

Replaces multiple OEM numbers
Works as a direct swap for 753-11064A, 783-07239A, 75311064B, and 753-11064B. Cross-referencing is easy—just check your old part number against the list.

Fits MTD, Craftsman, Troy-Bilt, and Yard Machines
If your mower has a side-mount steering rack (not a sector gear or rack-and-pinion column), this is likely the right part. It’s not universal, but it covers the most common budget riders from the 2000s onward.

Price: $15.99
That’s about half the cost of OEM. Given that the OEM part is often backordered, this is a smart alternative for impatient fixers.

Pros

1. Restores steering tightness immediately – If your only problem is a worn rack, this eliminates the dead zone at center. You’ll feel the difference on the first turn.

2. Complete kit – No need to buy a separate pinion gear or bushing. Everything you need (except grease) is in the box.

3. Cost-effective – $16 is cheaper than a tank of gas for many riders. It’s a no-brainer if you’re handy.

4. Fits a huge range of models – From Craftsman LT1000 to Troy-Bilt Pony to MTD Yard Machines, this covers the most common steering failures.

5. Easy installation – Remove the deck, drop the steering shaft, slide out the old rack, grease the new one, and reassemble. Most people finish in 45 minutes.

6. Better material than OEM – Several reviewers note the plastic feels stiffer and less prone to cracking than the original. Time will tell, but initial feedback is positive.

Cons

1. Not a perfect fit for every model – A few buyers report the pinion gear teeth don’t mesh exactly with their steering shaft. You may need to file down a burr or shim the rack slightly. It’s not plug-and-play for 100% of applications.

2. No installation instructions – The part ships in a clear plastic bag with no paperwork. If you’re not mechanically inclined, you’ll need to search YouTube for a tutorial.

3. Plastic, not metal – While the material is improved, some owners wish for a steel rack. Plastic will eventually wear again, especially if you mow rough terrain or have heavy steering loads.

4. Doesn’t fix worn steering shaft bearings – If your steering column has vertical play or grinding, this kit won’t help. It only addresses the rack and pinion interface.

Bottom Line

If your MTD, Craftsman, or Troy-Bilt rider has developed steering slop—the kind where you turn the wheel a quarter-turn before the front wheels respond—the Ohoho 783-06988A Steering Rack Plate is the cheapest, most effective fix you’ll find. For $15.99, it replaces the three parts that wear out first, and the improved plastic holds up better than the OEM version. It’s not a universal cure-all (check your model number first), and you’ll need basic mechanical skills to install it. But for the DIY homeowner who wants to avoid a $200 dealer repair, this kit is a winner. I’d recommend it to anyone with a 10+ year-old Craftsman or Troy-Bilt who’s not ready to buy a new mower.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will this fit my Craftsman LT1000 (model 917.xxxxx)?
A: Most likely yes—the LT1000 uses the side-mount steering rack design. Check your old part number against the list: 753-11064A, 783-07239A, 75311064B, or 753-11064B. If yours is one of those, this is a direct replacement.

Q: Do I need to remove the mower deck to install this?
A: Yes, you’ll need to remove the deck to access the steering rack underneath the frame. It’s not a hard job—four pins or bolts—but plan for an extra 15 minutes. You’ll also want to jack up the front end slightly to relieve tension on the steering components.

Q: My steering still feels loose after installing this. What else could be wrong?
A: This kit only fixes the rack and pinion. If you still have play, check the steering shaft bushings (they wear out too), the tie rod ends (they can loosen), or the front axle pivot (it can develop slop). Also make sure the rack is fully seated and the pinion gear is meshing with the steering shaft splines correctly.