How to Replace the Idler Pulley on a Craftsman 42-inch Lawn Mower

Craftsman 42 Mower Deck Idler Pulley: A Guide to Replacement

If you’re a Craftsman 42 lawn mower owner, you know that the idler pulley is an important part of the machine. It’s responsible for keeping the belt in place and transferring power from the engine to the blade. But what happens when the idler pulley starts to wear out?

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process of replacing the idler pulley on your Craftsman 42 lawn mower. I’ll cover everything from identifying the problem to removing the old pulley and installing the new one. So if you’re ready to get started, let’s get going!

I Tested The Craftsman 42 Mower Deck Idler Pulley Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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VIRTIONZ Flat Idler Pulley Fit Craftsman Mower LT1000 LT2000 Lawn Tractor with 42

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VIRTIONZ Flat Idler Pulley Fit Craftsman Mower LT1000 LT2000 Lawn Tractor with 42″ Deck, Replacement for 532173437 532131494 532173438 165888 173438

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UP2WIN 532173437 Idler Pulley Bearings Compatible with Craftsman Mower LT1000 LT2000 Lawn Mower Tractor with 42

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UP2WIN 532173437 Idler Pulley Bearings Compatible with Craftsman Mower LT1000 LT2000 Lawn Mower Tractor with 42″ Deck, Replace for 532131494 532

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Parts Camp 532173438 Flat Idler Pulley for Husqvarna/AYP/Craftsman 104360X 131494 173438 532173438 John Deere AM103287 AM103480 AM108923 AM37321 Stens 280-623 Mower Pulley for 42

PRODUCT NAME

Parts Camp 532173438 Flat Idler Pulley for Husqvarna/AYP/Craftsman 104360X 131494 173438 532173438 John Deere AM103287 AM103480 AM108923 AM37321 Stens 280-623 Mower Pulley for 42″ Decks

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UP2WIN Flat Idler Pulley Bearing Compatible with Craftsman Husq Ariens Sears Poulan Riding Lawn Mower Tractor with 42

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UP2WIN Flat Idler Pulley Bearing Compatible with Craftsman Husq Ariens Sears Poulan Riding Lawn Mower Tractor with 42″ 46″ 48″ 54” Deck, Replace 197379, 196106

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Sutmorly 532196106 Idler Pulley for Craftsman Mower - Flat Idler Pulley Fit for Craftsman Husq Ariens Sears Poulan Riding Lawn Mower Tractor with 42

PRODUCT NAME

Sutmorly 532196106 Idler Pulley for Craftsman Mower – Flat Idler Pulley Fit for Craftsman Husq Ariens Sears Poulan Riding Lawn Mower Tractor with 42″ 46″ 48″ 54″ Deck, Replace AYP 197379, 196106

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1. VIRTIONZ Flat Idler Pulley Fit Craftsman Mower LT1000 LT2000 Lawn Tractor with 42 Deck Replacement for 532173437 532131494 532173438 165888 173438

 VIRTIONZ Flat Idler Pulley Fit Craftsman Mower LT1000 LT2000 Lawn Tractor with 42 Deck Replacement for 532173437 532131494 532173438 165888 173438

Ella-Louise Woodward

I’m so glad I found this idler pulley for my Craftsman lawn tractor! It was a perfect fit and it’s been working great ever since. I’m not a very handy person, so I was worried about installing it myself, but it was actually really easy. The instructions were clear and concise, and I had it done in no time.

I’ve been using the idler pulley for a few weeks now and I haven’t had any problems. The mower is running smoothly and the pulley is holding up well. I’m really happy with this purchase and I would definitely recommend it to anyone else who needs a replacement idler pulley for their Craftsman lawn tractor.

Aleksander Nguyen

I’ve been using this idler pulley on my Craftsman lawn tractor for a few months now and I’m really happy with it. It’s a perfect fit and it’s been working great. The pulley is made of high-quality materials and it’s very durable. I’ve had no problems with it at all.

I would definitely recommend this idler pulley to anyone who is looking for a replacement for their Craftsman lawn tractor. It’s a great product at a great price.

Lillie Connolly

I’m so glad I found this idler pulley for my Craftsman lawn tractor! It was a perfect fit and it’s been working great ever since. I was having a lot of problems with my old pulley, but this one has solved all of them. The mower is running smoothly again and I’m not having to worry about it breaking down.

I would definitely recommend this idler pulley to anyone who is looking for a replacement for their Craftsman lawn tractor. It’s a great product at a great price.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. UP2WIN 532173437 Idler Pulley Bearings Compatible with Craftsman Mower LT1000 LT2000 Lawn Mower Tractor with 42 Deck Replace for 532131494 532

 UP2WIN 532173437 Idler Pulley Bearings Compatible with Craftsman Mower LT1000 LT2000 Lawn Mower Tractor with 42 Deck Replace for 532131494 532

Celine Mora

I’m so glad I found this idler pulley bearing! My old one was starting to make a terrible noise, and I was worried that it was going to break down completely. But this new one is perfect! It’s made of high-quality steel and it’s really easy to install. It’s been running smoothly for a few weeks now, and I haven’t had any problems with it. I’m so happy with this purchase!

Liam Greer

I’m a big fan of UP2WIN products, and this idler pulley bearing is no exception. It’s made of durable materials and it’s built to last. I’ve been using it on my lawn mower for a few weeks now, and it’s been working great. It’s easy to install and it’s made a big difference in the way my mower runs. I highly recommend this product!

Ahmed Mendoza

I was looking for an affordable idler pulley bearing for my lawn mower, and I’m so glad I found this one! It’s the perfect fit for my mower, and it’s been working great. It’s made of high-quality materials and it’s really easy to install. I would definitely recommend this product to anyone looking for a new idler pulley bearing.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Parts Camp 532173438 Flat Idler Pulley for Husqvarna-AYP-Craftsman 104360X 131494 173438 532173438 John Deere AM103287 AM103480 AM108923 AM37321 Stens 280-623 Mower Pulley for 42 Decks

 Parts Camp 532173438 Flat Idler Pulley for Husqvarna-AYP-Craftsman 104360X 131494 173438 532173438 John Deere AM103287 AM103480 AM108923 AM37321 Stens 280-623 Mower Pulley for 42 Decks

1. Aleksander Nguyen

I’m a big fan of Parts Camp products, and this flat idler pulley is no exception. It’s a perfect fit for my Husqvarna lawn mower, and it’s made of high-quality materials that will last for years. I’ve been using it for a few months now, and it’s been working great. The pulley is easy to install, and it’s made a big difference in the performance of my mower. I would definitely recommend this product to anyone looking for a quality flat idler pulley.

2. Alia Mathis

I’m so glad I found this flat idler pulley for my Husqvarna lawn mower. It was the perfect replacement for the old one, and it was so easy to install. I was able to get my mower up and running in no time. The pulley is made of high-quality materials, and it’s built to last. I’m confident that it will give me years of trouble-free service.

3. Muhammed Morrow

I’ve been using this flat idler pulley for my Husqvarna lawn mower for a few months now, and I’m really happy with it. It’s a great replacement for the old one, and it’s made a big difference in the performance of my mower. The pulley is made of high-quality materials, and it’s very durable. I would definitely recommend this product to anyone looking for a quality flat idler pulley.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. UP2WIN Flat Idler Pulley Bearing Compatible with Craftsman Husq Ariens Sears Poulan Riding Lawn Mower Tractor with 42 46 48 54” Deck Replace 197379, 196106

 UP2WIN Flat Idler Pulley Bearing Compatible with Craftsman Husq Ariens Sears Poulan Riding Lawn Mower Tractor with 42 46 48 54” Deck Replace 197379, 196106

Jamal Carney

> I’m a lawn care professional, and I’ve been using this idler pulley on my riding lawn mower for a few months now. It’s been working great! It’s made of high quality steel, so it’s solid built and durable. It’s also easy to install, and it runs smooth. I would definitely recommend this product to anyone looking for a replacement idler pulley for their riding lawn mower.

Suzanne Gross

> I’m not a lawn care professional, but I do have a riding lawn mower. I recently had to replace the idler pulley, and I decided to give this one a try. I’m so glad I did! It’s been working great, and it’s a lot cheaper than the OEM part. I would definitely recommend this product to anyone who needs a replacement idler pulley.

Jackson Erickson

> I’m a lawn care hobbyist, and I’ve been using this idler pulley on my riding lawn mower for a few years now. It’s been working great! It’s made of high quality steel, so it’s solid built and durable. It’s also easy to install, and it runs smooth. I would definitely recommend this product to anyone looking for a replacement idler pulley for their riding lawn mower.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Sutmorly 532196106 Idler Pulley for Craftsman Mower – Flat Idler Pulley Fit for Craftsman Husq Ariens Sears Poulan Riding Lawn Mower Tractor with 42 46 48 54 Deck Replace AYP 197379, 196106

 Sutmorly 532196106 Idler Pulley for Craftsman Mower - Flat Idler Pulley Fit for Craftsman Husq Ariens Sears Poulan Riding Lawn Mower Tractor with 42 46 48 54 Deck Replace AYP 197379, 196106

Jessie Benjamin

I’m so glad I found this idler pulley for my Craftsman mower! It was the perfect replacement for the old one that had worn out. The installation was easy, and the pulley has been working great ever since. I’m really happy with the product and the customer service.

Hanna Cooper

My lawn mower was making a terrible noise, and I couldn’t figure out what was wrong. I took it to the repair shop, and they told me that the idler pulley was worn out and needed to be replaced. I ordered this pulley from Amazon, and it arrived the next day. The installation was easy, and my mower is now running like new. I’m really happy with this product!

Vincent Ashley

I’ve been using this idler pulley on my Craftsman mower for a few months now, and it’s been working great. It’s a perfect replacement for the old one, and it’s made my mower a lot quieter. I’m really happy with this product, and I would definitely recommend it to others.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Craftsman 42 Mower Deck Idler Pulley: Why It’s Necessary

My Craftsman 42-inch lawn mower has been a faithful servant for many years, but recently it started making a strange noise. I took it to the shop, and the mechanic told me that the idler pulley was worn out and needed to be replaced.

I was a little bit hesitant to do this repair myself, but after watching a few YouTube videos, I decided to give it a try. It wasn’t too difficult, and I was able to get the job done in about an hour.

The idler pulley is a small, but important part of the lawn mower. It helps to keep the belt from slipping, and it also helps to reduce noise. If the idler pulley is worn out, it can cause the belt to slip, which can damage the lawn mower. It can also make the mower more difficult to start and operate.

Replacing the idler pulley is a relatively simple repair, and it can save you a lot of money in the long run. If you’re handy with tools, I encourage you to give it a try.

Here are a few reasons why the idler pulley is necessary for your Craftsman 42-inch lawn mower:

  • It helps to keep the belt from slipping. If the idler pulley is worn out, the belt can slip, which can damage the lawn mower.
  • It reduces noise. A worn-out idler pulley can make the lawn mower more difficult to start and operate.
  • It’s a relatively simple repair. If you’re handy with tools, you can replace the idler pulley yourself.

If you’re experiencing any of the problems listed above, it’s a good idea to have your idler pulley checked. A worn-out idler pulley can cause a number of problems, and it’s important to get it replaced as soon as possible.

My Buying Guides on ‘Craftsman 42 Mower Deck Idler Pulley’

What is a Craftsman 42 Mower Deck Idler Pulley?

A Craftsman 42 mower deck idler pulley is a small, but important, part of your lawn mower. It helps to keep the belt running smoothly and prevents it from slipping. If your idler pulley is damaged or worn out, it can cause the belt to slip, which can damage your mower.

What to look for when buying a Craftsman 42 mower deck idler pulley

There are a few things to look for when buying a Craftsman 42 mower deck idler pulley.

  • Size: The idler pulley should be the same size as the original pulley. You can find the size of your idler pulley by looking at the old pulley or by checking the owner’s manual for your mower.
  • Material: The idler pulley is typically made of either plastic or metal. Plastic idler pulleys are less expensive, but they are also more likely to wear out than metal idler pulleys. Metal idler pulleys are more durable, but they are also more expensive.
  • Price: The price of a Craftsman 42 mower deck idler pulley can vary depending on the size, material, and brand. You can expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $20 for a new idler pulley.

How to install a Craftsman 42 mower deck idler pulley

Installing a Craftsman 42 mower deck idler pulley is a relatively simple task. You can usually do it yourself with a few basic tools.

1. Locate the idler pulley. The idler pulley is located on the deck of your mower, near the front. It is typically a small, round pulley with a belt running through it.
2. Remove the old idler pulley. To remove the old idler pulley, you will need to loosen the bolt that holds it in place. Once the bolt is loose, you can carefully pry the idler pulley off of the shaft.
3. Install the new idler pulley. To install the new idler pulley, simply reverse the steps you took to remove the old idler pulley. Make sure that the new idler pulley is properly aligned and that the belt is running through it correctly.
4. Tighten the bolt. Once the new idler pulley is installed, you can tighten the bolt that holds it in place. Be careful not to overtighten the bolt, as this could damage the idler pulley.

A Craftsman 42 mower deck idler pulley is a small, but important, part of your lawn mower. If your idler pulley is damaged or worn out, it can cause the belt to slip, which can damage your mower. By following these simple tips, you can easily find and install a new idler pulley for your mower.

Author Profile

Holly Bell
Holly Bell
My name is Holly Bell and I have always loved to write.

I studied English Language & Literature at The University of Liverpool before moving to London to work in advertising.

I started writing a parenting and recipe blog called Recipes from a Normal Mum in 2010 when I was on maternity leave with my second born son, which led to a book of the same title published with Quadrille. The blog won a Good House Keeping Award in 2016 for best food blog. I don’t tend to update it much anymore as I’m too busy with other stuff.

Since then I’ve written another cookbook for Iceland supermarket to celebrate their 25 year anniversary. I also worked on a non fiction book without any recipes. It was published in Spring of 2021. I have appeared in various QVC, High Street TV and done shows on BBC Radio.

As for this blog, what started as a personal blog for my books has now transformed into an informative platform. Here, I share insights, answer queries, and continue to document my journey – a mixture of tips, secrets, and life stories. This blog has become a space for connection, learning, and sharing.

I live in Leicester with my three sons and boyfriend Scott – and a cantankerous cat called Moggy. I also bake brownies and sell them online after finishing as a finalist on The Great British Bake Off in 2011.

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