Repairs Craftsman mower 917.375611 drive contol cable and clutch

[Richard-4137]

The clutch for the drive has been sticking. The control cable acts like something is keeping it from moving freely. We can't see how to remove the cable from the bracket on the top of the gearbox case. I attached a parts diagram showing the location of this bracket, circled in red.

Also, can we remove the clutch lever without opening the gearbox? We would like to replace the clutch return spring.

Thanks!

 

[Richard-4137]

I took some pictures of the cable and bracket
This is looking at it from the front of the mower.


This is looking at it from the back.


More pictures here, if they might be helpful.
mower ( A set at Flickr )

Thank You !

 

[slammed]

I took some pictures of the cable and bracket
This is looking at it from the front of the mower.


This is looking at it from the back.


More pictures here, if they might be helpful.
mower ( A set at Flickr )

Thank You !

In the first pic you can see to the left a plastic tap. There is two on the cable end you pinch them to gather and slide the cable out.

 

[Richard-4137]

Thanks, that worked. I had tried it the other day but it would not come free. Tried again today and it worked.
Now we find out that the problem is, the cable was badly frayed inside the sheath, causing it to jam. Off to Sears to order a new cable.

Can anyone help with the second part?

Also, can we remove the clutch lever without opening the gearbox? We would like to replace the clutch return spring.