Walk Behind Lawn Mowers

I just recently purchased a 7021R. While mowing, the spring (part # 532 40 96-16 Spring, Extension) flung off. I think it is just for the deck height adjustment which still works without the spring. My concern is one end of the spring is curved and the other is flat. I assume the flat end goes in the hole in the deck but I'm not sure how long it will stay there if I do put it back in since it has come out so soon. Should/could I bend it to make a smaller angle to hopefully keep it on the deck longer? And/or is it even necessary since the height adjustment seems to work without it? Thanks.