Craftsman 21AB40M1099 Operator's Manual page 22

Warning
Before performing any type of maintenance on the machine, wait for
all parts to stop moving and disconnect the spark plug wire. Failure
to follow this instruction could result in personal injury or property
damage.
belT rePlaceMenT
If the drive belt or auger belts need to be replaced, it is best to replace
both belts at the same time. Use only a factory authorized belt as an
"over- the-counter" belt may not perform satisfactorily. The procedure
requires average mechanical ability and commonly available tools.
To replace the Drive and Auger belts, follow these steps:
1. Make sure the tiller is on a flat surface, with the engine turned
off and the spark plug wire unplugged and grounded to prevent
unintended firing of the engine.
2. Remove the belt cover by first removing the two 1/4-20 self-
tapping hex screws. See Figure 23. Lift the belt cover up and
away from the tiller and set in a safe location until reinstallation.
3. Remove the four 1/4-20 self-tapping hex screws that secure the
pulley shield to the frame and remove the pulley shield and set
aside in a safe location until reinstallation. See Figure 24.
4. Remove the idler bracket extension spring. See Figure 25. It is
recommended to use a pair of needle-nosed pliers, and grab the
spring by the end that hooks over the frame. Simply grab it and
pull it away from the frame, then up wards and carefully relieve
the tension of the spring.
5. Remove the idler pulley bracket by removing the 5/16-24 hex
head screw, flat washer and lock washer. See Figure 26.
NOTE: It will be necessary to remove the belt from around the idler
pulley by working it off the pulley and from underneath each belt
keeper.
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
Figure 23
remove the
idler bracket
extension
spring
remove the
belt from the
idler pulley
by working it
under the belt
keepers.
22
Figure 24
Figure 25
remove the
idler pulley
bracket by
removing the
hex head screw,
flat and lock
washers
Figure 26