Re: 917.370440 Craftsman Platinum 22 " Self Propelled Mower Rear Door Replacement
It's Done and it's not rocket science. In case there is anybody else out there that needs to do this, here's how: PS: This is the same procedure to replace the torsion springs.
Part Number for the door is 581747804 from Sears Parts
Tools Needed: #40 Torx bit/socket, Ratchet and 9/16 socket, Needle Nose Pliers (optional)
Here we Go...
Set the mower height adjustment all the way up to get clearance to access the pivot screws.
Remove both the rear wheels and shields using the 9/16 socket on the wheel nuts. Same reason. Watch that the wheel bearing doesn't drop off and roll away. Mine stayed with the wheels.
(This is a good time to remove the bearing and look for cracks in the Wheel that may be forming.)
Using the #40 Torx Bit, Remove the left and right pivot pin screws. This is ALSO the handle pivot point also so you may have to lift it a bit to pull the pin out.
Remove the door or whats left of it.
The Tail of the spring (long end) is on the outside of the mower and fits under a metal tab on the mower handle bracket. The Head of the spring has a small u-hook that fits into a retaining notch in the hinge pivot on the molded door assembly. Lift up on the spring and rotate it counter-clockwise until the u-hook ops out of its notch. Remove the springs from the old door and lay it down on the side it came off from to avoid confusion during assembly.
Install the springs on the new door making sure the u-hooks are in their notches. Tail should be to the outside of the mower.
Align the Door roughly with the hinge pivot holes making sure the springs don't pop out of their notches.
Align the Handle with the pivot screw hole and push the pin through and into the door. Don't tighten yet. Repeat with the opposite side.
Now start to tighten one side making sure the pin is centered as it goes through the handle. You may have to back off the screw and move the handle a little as you do this until it goes through without binding the handle to the mower. Leave a little space between the clevis clip on the screw head and the handle. May 1/16 -1/8 of and inch. Repeat on the other side.
With the door in the down position push the tail of each spring down under the metal tab on the handle bracket.
Replace the shields and wheels making sure the wheel and drive sprockets line up and tighten the wheel nuts. That's it, you're done.
