On a 2008 JD LA 135 with a "Edge" 42" deck, I seemed to have stripped the sheave bolt holding the smaller sheave in place. I am trying to install a new belt and the gap between the edge of the sheave (pulley?) and the belt retaining tab is too small to fit the belt through. While attempting to loosen the nut holding it in place, it appears to have stripped. Do I now need the whole bar assembly that has the braking pads and spring attachment?

Hi,
I am having a bit of trouble figuring out what you refer to. Do you speak of the smaller idler? If so, then it has a lock nut on top, and must be held with a wrench beneath since it is an actual bolt. The other idler attaches to a threaded weldment and you can simply loosen the nut.
Peace,
Clarke