DEEG Replacement Craftsman Riding Mower Front Wheel bushingst to Bearings for Husqvarna,Sears, AYP, Poulan Murray 532009040 9040h 532124959 583670401 M123811 5920H 9040HR 9040N 5321249 Review

Overview

Let’s be clear right off the bat: this isn’t a lawn mower. This is a replacement front wheel bushing-to-bearing kit for Craftsman, Husqvarna, Sears, AYP, Poulan, and Murray riding mowers. If you’ve got a mower that’s been wobbling, squeaking, or chewing up its front wheels, this $16.99 kit is the fix. It’s designed for DIY homeowners who want to stop their riding mower from steering like a shopping cart with a bad wheel—without paying a dealer $80+ for labor.

Who Should Buy This

• Owners of older Craftsman/Husqvarna/Poulan riders (2005–2015) – If your front wheels wobble side to side or the mower wanders when you try to drive straight, your plastic bushings are likely worn. This kit replaces them with sealed ball bearings.
• Homeowners with bumpy or uneven lawns – Rough terrain accelerates bushing wear. If your property has dips, roots, or ruts, switching to bearings instead of bushings will extend wheel life significantly.
• DIYers who want a 30-minute fix – This is a simple swap. No pressing, no special tools. If you can turn a wrench and jack up the front of a mower, you can do this job.
• Anyone tired of replacing front wheels – Worn bushings damage the wheel hub over time. Installing bearings prevents that, saving you from buying new wheels every season.

Key Features Breakdown

• Bearing vs. Bushing Design – Most stock riding mowers use plastic bushings that wear out in 2–3 years. This kit uses sealed ball bearings (similar to what’s in skateboard wheels). They roll smoother and last 5x longer in my experience.
• Fits 30+ Models – Compatible with Craftsman, Husqvarna, Sears, AYP, Poulan, and Murray tractors using part numbers 532009040, 9040H, 532124959, 583670401, M123811, 5920H, 9040HR, and 9040N. Check your mower’s deck or frame for a stamped part number.
• Includes Two Bearings + Hardware – You get both front wheel bearings and the necessary spacers/washers. No chasing down missing parts at the hardware store.
• Steel Housing with Rubber Seals – The bearings are shielded to keep out grass clippings and moisture. That matters because a bearing that gets packed with wet grass will seize within a month.
• Direct Replacement – These drop into the existing wheel hub and axle. You don’t need to modify anything or drill new holes.

Pros

1. Stops the wobble – The most immediate improvement is steering stability. After installation, your mower will track straight instead of wandering.
2. Dramatically reduces steering effort – Bearings roll freely; bushings drag. You’ll notice the difference on your first turn, especially on grass.
3. Incredible value – $16.99 is cheaper than a single OEM wheel bushing from a dealer, and you get two bearings. This is one of the cheapest fixes that actually improves mower performance.
4. Simple installation – Jack up the front, remove the wheel, pull out the old bushing, press in the new bearing, and reassemble. Most people can do both wheels in under 30 minutes.
5. Longer wheel life – Bearings don’t wear the wheel hub like bushings do. Your wheels will last 2–3x longer with bearings installed.
6. Works on many brands – If you have multiple riding mowers (or a friend with a different brand), this kit likely fits them all. I’ve used it on Craftsman and Husqvarna with identical results.

Cons

1. Not a perfect fit for every model – A few users report that the outer diameter of the bearing housing is slightly smaller than the wheel hub, requiring a thin shim. This is rare but worth noting. If you have excessive play after installation, wrap the bearing housing with one layer of electrical tape.
2. No installation instructions included – The kit comes bare: two bearings and hardware, no paper. If you’re not mechanically inclined, you’ll need to watch a YouTube video or consult your mower’s manual.
3. Seals aren’t fully waterproof – While rubber-shielded, these bearings aren’t marine-grade. If you store your mower outside or frequently mow wet grass, they’ll last 2–3 years instead of 5+. For most homeowners, that’s fine.
4. Not for zero-turn mowers – This kit is specifically for front wheels on traditional riding tractors. Don’t order it for a zero-turn; the axle design is completely different.

Bottom Line

If your riding mower’s front wheels wobble, squeak, or steer hard, this $16.99 bearing kit is the best money you’ll spend all season. It’s a direct, drop-in upgrade that transforms a sloppy, wandering tractor into one that tracks straight and turns with one finger. The installation is straightforward, the improvement is immediate, and the value is absurd compared to buying new wheels or paying for dealer service. I recommend it to anyone with a Craftsman, Husqvarna, or similar mower from the 2000–2015 era. Just double-check your part number before ordering, and be prepared to watch a 5-minute video if you’ve never swapped bearings before.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will these fit my Craftsman LT1000 / LT2000?
A: Yes, if your mower uses the 532009040 or 9040H part number. The LT1000 and LT2000 series from the mid-2000s are the most common applications. Check the stamped number on the old bushing or look up your model’s parts diagram online.

Q: Do I need to grease these bearings?
A: No. They are sealed and pre-lubricated. Do not attempt to add grease; you’ll just push the seals out and let dirt in. If they start to get noisy in 3–4 years, replace them—they’re cheap.

Q: My wheel still wobbles after installation. What went wrong?
A: Two possibilities: 1) The bearing isn’t fully seated in the hub. Tap it in with a hammer and a block of wood until it’s flush. 2) Your axle or wheel hub is worn. If the bearing spins freely but the wheel rocks on the axle, you need a new wheel or axle spacer.