Craftsman Mower Clutch Return Spring Installation

Installing a clutch return spring on a Craftsman mower (especially a riding mower or garden tractor) is a fairly common task, as these springs can break or stretch over time. The exact procedure can vary slightly depending on your specific Craftsman model, but the general principles remain the same.

Before you begin, always prioritize safety:

  1. Turn off the engine: Ensure the mower is completely off.
  2. Remove the ignition key: This prevents accidental starting.
  3. Disconnect the spark plug wire: Pull the boot off the spark plug to ensure the engine cannot start.
  4. Engage the parking brake: If applicable, set the parking brake to prevent the mower from rolling.
  5. Block the wheels: Place blocks or chocks around the wheels to further prevent movement.
  6. Wear appropriate safety gear: Gloves and eye protection are recommended.

Tools You Might Need:

  • Pliers: Needle-nose pliers or regular pliers.
  • Spring Hook Tool: Highly recommended for this task. It makes stretching and hooking springs much safer and easier. You can often find these at auto parts stores or online.
  • Flashlight or Work Light: To illuminate the work area.
  • Rags/Shop Towels: For cleaning.
  • Jack Stands or Ramps (Optional but helpful): If you need to lift the front of the mower to gain better access underneath. Never rely solely on a jack.

General Procedure (for a riding mower clutch pedal/PTO engagement):

The clutch return spring is usually connected to the clutch pedal mechanism or the PTO (Power Take-Off) engagement arm that connects to the transmission or cutting deck.

Step 1: Locate the Broken Spring/Mounting Points

  • Identify the area: The clutch return spring is typically found near the clutch/brake pedal assembly, underneath the mower deck or chassis. It helps pull the pedal back to its resting (disengaged) position.
  • Look for remnants: If the old spring broke, you might see parts of it still attached to one of the mounting points, or dangling underneath.
  • Find the attachment points: There will be two points where the spring connects – usually a hole in a lever, a pin, or a small hook welded onto the frame. Note the orientation of how the old spring was (or should be) installed. If you can, take a photo before removing the old spring.

Step 2: Access the Area

  • Raise the mower (if necessary): For better access, you might need to drive the front wheels onto ramps or safely lift the front of the mower with a jack and then support it with jack stands. Do NOT work under a mower supported only by a jack.
  • Clear obstructions: Sometimes a mower deck or other components might be in the way. You may need to lower the deck to its lowest setting or even remove it if access is extremely limited (though this is often not required just for a spring).

Step 3: Remove the Old Spring (if present)

  • If the old spring is still partially attached: Use pliers or a spring hook tool to carefully detach it from its mounting points. Be cautious, as springs can snap back quickly.

Step 4: Install the New Spring

This is often the trickiest part, as springs require significant force to stretch.

  • Hook one end first: Attach one end of the new spring to its easier-to-reach mounting point.
  • Use the spring hook tool: This is where the spring hook tool shines.
    • Hook the open end of the spring onto the tip of the tool.
    • Position the tool so you can apply leverage (pushing or pulling) towards the second attachment point.
    • Carefully stretch the spring until its loop can slide over the second mounting point. Take your time.
  • Use pliers (if no spring hook): If you don’t have a spring hook, you can try with heavy-duty pliers, but it’s much harder and less safe.
    • Grip the end of the spring firmly with pliers.
    • Use the frame or another solid part of the mower as a pivot point for the pliers to gain leverage and stretch the spring.
    • Alternatively, you can try to “walk” one end of the spring onto its post by using the pliers to guide and stretch it.
  • Be patient: Springs are under tension. If you’re struggling, step back, reassess your leverage, and try again. Don’t force it to the point of injury.

Step 5: Test the Clutch Pedal

  • Once the spring is installed, manually operate the clutch/brake pedal.
  • It should move smoothly and return firmly to its disengaged position when released, under the tension of the new spring.
  • Ensure there’s no binding or rubbing.

Step 6: Reassemble and Test the Mower

  • Lower the mower if it was raised.
  • Reconnect the spark plug wire.
  • Remove wheel blocks.
  • Start the engine and carefully test the clutch engagement and disengagement at a low speed in a safe, open area.

Troubleshooting Tips:

  • Cannot get the spring stretched enough:
    • Spring Hook Tool: Seriously, get one. They are invaluable for this type of job.
    • Longer Pry Bar: A long flathead screwdriver or pry bar can sometimes be used for leverage.
    • Two Person Job: One person to hold the spring stretched with a tool, the other to guide it onto the hook.
  • Spring pops off: Double-check that it’s seated correctly in the groove or over the pin on both ends.

Summary

If you have your Craftsman mower’s model number (usually found under the seat), you can often find specific diagrams or videos online (YouTube is a great resource) that show the exact spring location and installation for your particular model. This can be very helpful!