Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman riding mower brake, craftsman riding mower, transaxle

Question
My older craftsman riding mower doesn't want to change gears anymore. It's model # 917.254530. It appears to be in the brake/transaxle area. The brake doesn't appear to always release. The brake lever on the transaxle doesn't have much pressure. I can engage it with my fingers underneath the mower. It started being intermittent and finally, wouldn't engage when I parked it. Can't get it into reverse now to back it out.
I see a spring that looks connected but it's loose; probably nothing requiring it to pull back.
Looking at a similiar manual on Outdoor Parts, I can't see what may be causing the failure. Is there something else I need to be looking at?

Thanks,

Bob Raffety

Answer
Bob,


   Over time the internal Parts in your transaxle have worn out and this is what is causing your issues You  can put the mower into Neutral and roll it out but  It will need to be rebuilt because the parts are only good for so long and they finally Do wear out.
Since it Is a craftsman and Sears honors the No questions Warranty Dont look for them to Honor this one cause quite simply they wont.
this mower Honestly needs the local repair shop .
But you Can also try to Pull the spring and put tension on the lever that it attaches to to engage your clutch to manually put it in Neutral to back it Out the spring is over tensioned a new spring can make the problem improve.