Craftsman t240 mower idler pulley bolt failure

[tylertown]

The bolt holding the idler pulley on broke at the mounting bracket. I have 2 questions for the group.
The mower was purchased this spring from Lowe’s.
The bearing in the pulley doesn’t turn as freely as I would expect but it’s a long way from being frozen and the spacer in the bottom doesn’t appear to have spun in the bearing.
The break appears to be a shear failure father than a torsion failure.
Has anyone else experienced this issue and what does the group think might have happened.
I plan to replace the bolt and put it all back together, hoping this is a fluke.
If it turns out that the pulley bearing is bad and the bolt breaks again it brings up my second question. Having never been faced with a warranty claim on a mower before, how would I go about obtaining a new pulley under warranty. Replacement should be simple and I have no way to carry the deck or mower to a dealer for repairs.
Thank you for any advice you may have.

 

[mechanic mark]

https://www.searspartsdirect.com/model/5wbet33ygb-000247/craftsman-cmxgram1130044-front-engine-lawn-tractor-parts

Try using a Grade 8 Bolt with washers & a self locking nut.
Take your receipt along with broken bolt & idler pulley to Customer Service Desk at Lowes & tell them you want new replacement parts. Be sure to have Model & Serial numbers from tractor with you &
if you feel inclined ask to speak with store Manager.

 

[Rivets]

You have a mower which has a broken bolt and bad bearing after only 6 months use? If it were me I’d be talking to Lowe’s about warranty service. There is something else wrong for a bolt and bearing to fail in that length of time. You’re probably not going to get free parts to install yourself, warranties’ don’t work that way.

 

[slomo]

Having never been faced with a warranty claim on a mower before, how would I go about obtaining a new pulley under warranty. Replacement should be simple and I have no way to carry the deck or mower to a dealer for repairs.

Rent a U Haul truck and trailer. Or buy a shiny new F350 dually at $90,000 each.

Most people want these huge mowers and have no way to get them repaired. It's not if they will break down but when.

slomo

 

[bertsmobile1]

And the pulley needs to be replaced.
It won't get better in use and then you run the risk of it taking the belt with it .