2012 Sportsman 400/500 and EFI Tractor Service Manual 9923412, Page 112Get this manual
ENGINE 8Place rope in notch on outer edge of reelRelease tension on hub and allow reel to unwind approximately 6-7 turns until spring tension is released2Hold spring in place and cut retaining wireTo reinstall an old spring: 1Hook outer tab in place in recoil housing and wind spring in counterclockwise direction one coil at time while holding the installed coils in place2Lubricate the spring with light lubricant such as Premium All Season Grease (PN 2871423)To complete recoil assembly: 1Route rope through guide bushing in recoil housing and into reelTie secure knot in end of the rope2Wind rope counterclockwise onto the reel, as viewed from ratchet side of reel3Lock rope into notch on outer edge of reel4Apply small amount of grease or equivalent to the center post of the housing and the bushing
9Slowly and carefully remove reel from recoil housing making sure the spring remains in the housingInspect the reel hub and bushing (A) for wear10Unwind rope and inspect for cuts or abrasions11Inspect drive tab on hub return spring for damageTo remove hub return spring, hold outer coils in place with one hand and slowly remove spring one coil at time from the inside out12Pull knot out of recoil reelUntie knotRemove rope from reel