remove mandrel shaft? (2025 Update)

Jun 25, 2003 Last reply: 9 months ago 3 Replies

I have a 42" Craftsman (917.258523) riding mower and have decided to change out the mower deck and mandrel shafts. The shaft's star keyway for the blades have worn flat. The probelm: I can't get the nut off of the top of the shaft, the shaft spins freely in the housing and I can't hold the pulley tight enough to get the nut lose.



Any suggestions...


impact. or wrap a strap wrench around the pulley. Chip

___________________________________________________ Jasco,

Place whatever size wrench on the nut. Preferably, use the one with the longest handle. Hold the shaft with one hand and use a deadblow hammer on the wrench. Remember you must hit it quickly and with lots of force. Don't worry that it spins a little. This should do the trick. Another thing you might try is using is the impact wrench that you use with a hammer. it's inexpensive and sears used to sell them in 2/8 drive. They also have an attachments for different screw tips. like slotted and Phillips.

Jeb

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