MTD push mower wheel repair - how to remove bolt from Height Adjustment Plate

[fosterdave]

The spring lever on my right front wheel broke and I got a replacement part, but I can't get the bolt out of the Height Adjustment Plate. The threads are too big for the hole. Somehow the bolt was inserted through the plate during manufacturing, but I can't figure out how. I have tried "unsrewing" the plate from the bolt, but that is stripping the thread and I don't want to do that b/c I won't be able to bolt the wheel to the mower body.

Any tips on how I could separate these two parts so I can put the new spring in between the bolt head and the plate?

Here is a diagram of the mower. I am talking about parts 76 and 79.

[Tom G]

Looks to me like a "carriage bolt". Remove the nut on the inside of the mower housing and the whole bolt will simply pull out of all the plates. Of course if it's rusted, a little oil and a hammer might be needed.

Tom G

[PanHandler]

It's a shield bolt, ½"X.57", part no. 738-0507 Try going to an outdoor equipment company and inquire of one of their mechanics.

[Tom G]

Kind of like the carriage bolt but designed so the "shield" or square part is of the correct length to accomodate the thickness of the plates and mower housing so tightening the nut won't make the wheel adjustment too tight to rotate. I see...I had never heard that term but I see where a " carriage" bolt wouldn't really work. But the thing is that the bolt is not suppose to turn like the OP was trying to do. He should be removing the nut on the inside of the housing.

Tom G.

[fosterdave]

Yes sir, I've accomplished removing the nut from the inside of the housing, for sure. The problem is the bolt won't pass back through the opening in the plate. I will take it down to the small engine shop to see if they can take care of it.

Thanks, Dave F

[fosterdave]

no dice. that sholder bolt is wedged in there like no manana.