Hi have a craftman 917.271633, 16.5 hp, 42" cut, 6 speed transaxle. I am replacing the mendrel and when I pulled the desk down one of springs came off. There are 3 springs on the mower desk but the one I can't find where it goes. The owners manual is very hard to see where they go. Can anyone please help.

Thank you.

See if this picture helps you.

Craftsman 42 in. Used Mower Deck 169583, Shell 176027 : , Lawn Mower Grave Yard Equipment Used Tractor Parts Salvage (http://www.mowergraveyard.com/index.php?main_page=popup_image&pID=292&zenid=4ad12fd6c62b1f7087982f9dbdf4a4f3)

I only see one spring on the moveable pulley that puts tension on the belt. http://www.managemyhome.com/mmh/lis_pdf/OWNM/L0104095.pdf

Hi,
Hope this helps:

Well, two of the springs go between the small brackets that bolt on with the same bolts that the spindles use. The springs go between these brackets and the arms that have the "brakes" for the spindle pulleys. The third spring goes between the linkage that slides to engage the deck belt and a hole in the deck on the top toward the front center.