Spring problem!

I've got a bit of a problem. I managed to replace the items after my MTD had the tensioner pulley and rear belt wreck themselves but I seem to be on my way to a hernia trying to hook up the front belt tension spring. I've slipped the belt off the motor end to give me a bit of slack but still can't pull the spring enough to hook it on to the arm (see photo).  Any thoughts?

Can you shift the belts manually to move the idler arm closer to the spring mount?

For the really tough springs, I use a metal hanger or wire in a big loop.  Hook one end and prybar the other side guiding it to the hole.  Once in, clip the wire.

They are really difficult to stretch that's no lie! A screwdriver can also help but I usually use a quality set of vise grips clamped super tight in a way I can pull them in the direction I need to stretch the spring to get the job done.

Maybe the  best choice since you can reuse them for auto jobs

11260 Brake Spring Pliers
https://www.lislecorp.com/specialty-tools/brakes/brake-spring-pliers

These are good with a cheater pipe because it does not impede the hook of the spring

44800 Heavy-Duty Brake Spring Tool
https://www.lislecorp.com/specialty-tools/heavy-duty-brake-spring-tool

Put the spring hook between the tines and fork it over to the bracket

39770 Brake Spring Fork
https://www.lislecorp.com/specialty-tools/heavy-duty/39770-brake-spring-fork

I can't recall ever being disappointed in a Lisle tool.

Please wear googles AND full face protection and lower the plastic face shield over your throat (tuck your chin) while pulling the spring.

Normandybrit wrote:

I've got a bit of a problem. I managed to replace the items after my MTD had the tensioner pulley and rear belt wreck themselves but I seem to be on my way to a hernia trying to hook up the front belt tension spring. I've slipped the belt off the motor end to give me a bit of slack but still can't pull the spring enough to hook it on to the arm (see photo).  Any thoughts?

Last time I had to do that I used a ratchet strap against a tree to pull the spring and then a very long pry bar to get it hooked on so it wouldn't break my fingers if the strap broke.

@TechnoChicken an engine hoist works well for that too

Sorry for replying to an old thread, I forgot it was 2024 ...