[tukn20s]

So I was cleaning up the driveway the other day and my chute adjuster broke and i'm not quite sure how it is supposed to be. After looking at my part that broke and looking at pictures of others online, it appears that this piece has been repaired once before. I attached some pictures of my part. I also attached a picture that I found online which I assume is how the piece is supposed to be. It appears that mine previously broke and was repaired with a piece of tubing and pins. Looks like it broke where the pin goes to hold the spring. What I need to know is if the shaft is supposed to be one piece and if I can just weld it back together. Secondly, what is the purpose of the spring and do I need it? Thanks.