December 01, 2015

How to replace a snowblower auger belt

How to replace a snowblower auger belt

This DIY repair guide shows how to replace a snowblower auger belt. Replace the auger belt if the snowblower won’t throw snow because the belt broke and won’t spin the auger. Also replace it if the auger drive belt is so worn that it slips or squeals when you use the snowblower. Use the manufacturer-approved snowblower part to replace the auger belt.

This basic repair procedure works for many Craftsman, MTD, Murray, Husqvarna, Toro, Snapper, Troybilt, Ariens and Noma snowblowers.

Quick links
Tools required
Socket set
Ratchet
Spring clamp
Work gloves
Safety glasses
Repair difficulty
Time required
45 minutes or less
Repair difficulty
Time required
45 minutes or less
Replacing the auger belt on a snowblower

This video explains how to replace the auger belt on a snowblower.

Instructions

  1. 01.

    Disconnect the spark plug wire

    Pull the spark plug wire straight up and off the plug.

  2. 02.

    Remove the belt cover

    Using a socket and ratchet, remove the bolt that fastens the belt cover to the frame of the snowblower. Detach the belt cover.

    PHOTO: Remove the belt cover bolt.

    PHOTO: Remove the belt cover bolt.

    PHOTO: Remove the belt cover.

    PHOTO: Remove the belt cover.

  3. 03.

    Remove the belt

    Pull the auger belt off of the engine pulley.

    PHOTO: Remove the auger belt.

    PHOTO: Remove the auger belt.

  4. 04.

    Remove the frame panel

    Tip the snowblower forward so it rests on the auger housing. Remove screws that secure the frame panel located between the wheels. Detach the panel to access the drive system components.

    PHOTO: Tip the snowblower on its nose.

    PHOTO: Tip the snowblower on its nose.

    PHOTO: Remove the frame panel.

    PHOTO: Remove the frame panel.

  5. 05.

    Remove the belt keeper

    Loosen the hex nut and remove the belt keeper.

    PHOTO: Remove the belt keeper.

    PHOTO: Remove the belt keeper.

  6. 06.

    Remove the belt

    Note the routing of the belt before removing it. Depress the drive engagement lever with a spring clamp or have a helper hold it closed. Remove the belt from the auger pulley. Rotate the belt 90 degrees so that it slides over the pulley bolt and pull it out.

    PHOTO: Remove the belt from the auger pulley.

    PHOTO: Remove the belt from the auger pulley.

    PHOTO: Rotate the belt 90 degrees and slide it over the pulley bolt.

    PHOTO: Rotate the belt 90 degrees and slide it over the pulley bolt.

    PHOTO: Pull out the auger belt.

    PHOTO: Pull out the auger belt.

  7. 07.

    Install the new belt

    Insert the new belt on the auger pulley. Check that the belt is fully inserted in the pulley groove and not on the outside of the break tab or belt keeper.

    Reinstall the belt keeper.

  8. 08.

    Reinstall the frame panel.

    Reinstall the frame panel. Pivot the snowblower upright so it rests on its tires.

  9. 09.

    Install the belt on the engine pulley

    Position the belt on the engine pulley and roll it in place. Reinstall the belt cover.

  10. 10.

    Test the snowblower

    Reconnect the spark plug wire. Fill the tank with gas and test the snowblower.

Warning: Undertaking repairs to appliances can be hazardous. Use the proper tools and safety equipment noted in the guide and follow all instructions. Do not proceed until you are confident that you understand all of the steps and are capable of completing the repair. Some repairs should only be performed by a qualified technician.

Symptoms for gas snowblowers

Choose a symptom to see related snowblower repairs.

Main causes: loose drive clutch cable, damaged drive clutch cable, worn friction disc, scraper blade scraping the ground…

Main causes: dirty carburetor, clogged fuel filter, dirty spark plug, incorrect valve lash, leaky engine gaskets…

Main causes: clogged chute, damaged auger blades, broken shear pins, worn auger belt, damaged gear case, engine problems…

Things to do: replace the spark plug, change the oil, rebuild the carburetor, adjust valve lash, adjust or replace the b…

Main causes: snow build-up in chute, chute drive mechanism failure, bad chute control assembly…

Main causes: stale gas, clogged carburetor, clogged or broken fuel line, dirty spark plug, bad rewind starter, incorrect…

Main causes: dirty carburetor, stale fuel…

Main causes: clogged chute, snow build-up in auger housing, broken auger shear pins, auger drive belt needs adjustment, …

Main causes: broken shear pins, worn or loose auger drive belt, auger drive cable failure, damaged auger, bad gear case…

Repair guides for gas snowblowers

These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your snowblower.

How to adjust snowblower engine valve lash

How to adjust snowblower engine valve lash

Adjust the engine valve lash on your snowblower to keep the engine starting and running smoothly.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace a snowblower auger drive cable

How to replace a snowblower auger drive cable

A loose or snapped auger drive cable can prevent the auger from rotating. Follow this step-by-step guide to replace the …

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace a snowblower friction disc

How to replace a snowblower friction disc

The friction disc is one of the components of the drive system. If it's worn or damaged, the snowblower won't self-prope…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less

Effective articles & videos to help repair your snowblowers

Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your snowblower.

How to make your snowblower last longer

How to make your snowblower last longer

Learn the steps to take to adjust and maintain your snowblower so it lasts longer.…

Introducing new technical repair content that we’re developing for the Sears Technical Institute

Introducing new technical repair content that we’re developing for the Sears Technical Institute

Learn about Sears Technical Institute and the advanced technical content being developed for aspiring appliance techs.…

Top questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect

Top questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect

Get answers to frequently asked questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect.…