1862 idler torsion spring

[gcamille]

How do you safely remove the tension on idler torsion spring?
Need to remove idler shaft so I can try and straighten the pulley arms.
If possible ?
I don't remember hitting anything last year hard enough to bend them. But I must have. Lots of old equipment and large rock around.

 

[kmcconaughey]

They are supposed to be angled like that to align the belt to the pulley on the mower deck.

 

[gcamille]

They are supposed to be angled like that to align the belt to the pulley on the mower deck.

There was a chunk taken out of the belt. Before removing the belt, the pulley and belt were not even close to being in alinement.
Left pulley the worst. Should at least point towards deck pulley. This was pointed more towards left rear tire.

 

[mgonitzke]

If you remove the pulley itself the spring will be loaded only a little bit, and then you should be able to complete further disassembly.