Craftsman Mower/ Brake/Clutch Spring
#1
10-02-13, 01:55 PM
Craftsman Mower/ Brake/Clutch Spring
Model # 917-288031
Having trouble getting my clutch/brake spring back on. It broke on the end that attaches to the lever and I put a bend back in it and now trying to reinstall. Not much of it broke off which is why trying to reuse the old one.
I searched here before posting and found where Cheeseman had recommended putting a rope on the end and pulling it through the slot on the front. I can get it up to the slot but the spring hook is always turned sideways and will not come thru and there is so much tension on it that you can't reach in there from inside the frame and twist it upright so it can be pulled thru.
Any other suggestions as how might be an easier way to reinstall this spring?
Thanks much!!
Having trouble getting my clutch/brake spring back on. It broke on the end that attaches to the lever and I put a bend back in it and now trying to reinstall. Not much of it broke off which is why trying to reuse the old one.
I searched here before posting and found where Cheeseman had recommended putting a rope on the end and pulling it through the slot on the front. I can get it up to the slot but the spring hook is always turned sideways and will not come thru and there is so much tension on it that you can't reach in there from inside the frame and twist it upright so it can be pulled thru.
Any other suggestions as how might be an easier way to reinstall this spring?
Thanks much!!
#2
10-02-13, 09:25 PM
Forum Topic Moderator
Twist the rope until it turns the spring hook enough to come through... that's what I do anyway. Sometimes it's tough.
#3
10-03-13, 09:04 AM
Thanks Cheese, I tried that and it is tough trying to keep the tension on by pulling and twisting at the same time. Also it is difficult with a rope strong and small enough to get it thru that slot, lots of tension as you well know.
I know they have a method when they make these things and just seems there has to be a better way. Thanks for any replies!!
I know they have a method when they make these things and just seems there has to be a better way. Thanks for any replies!!
#4
10-09-13, 11:30 AM
For anyone else who may run across this problem, I took a piece of chainlink fence wire that was straight and put a bend in each end, one to hook on the spring and one to pull from the other end. I entered it in the bigger slot that is in front (front of mower) of the smaller slot the spring hooks in. I fed the wire down thru here to the hook on the spring and then pulled it until the hook on the spring popped thru the correct slot.
By using this type of wire, you have a better ability of twisting the spring hook in the correct position so it will pop in the slot. In getting my wire off the spring hook, twisted the crook until it was off the spring hook and then forced the crooked end back in toward the body of the spring and once it was free, was able to pull it out thru the front entry slot.
This is really a bear as Cheese said but this stiff wire and a bit of luck in finding it made this much easier.
By using this type of wire, you have a better ability of twisting the spring hook in the correct position so it will pop in the slot. In getting my wire off the spring hook, twisted the crook until it was off the spring hook and then forced the crooked end back in toward the body of the spring and once it was free, was able to pull it out thru the front entry slot.
This is really a bear as Cheese said but this stiff wire and a bit of luck in finding it made this much easier.
