How to replace snowblower skid shoes
Skid shoes raise the shave plate about a quarter inch to keep the plate from scraping against the ground and wearing out quickly. Each skid shoe is reversible, so when one side wears out, you can flip it over and use the other side. When both sides wear out, it’s time to replace the skid shoe with a manufacturer-approved snowblower part. Replace both at the same time to ensure they're the same thickness.
This step-by-step repair guide shows how to replace snowblower skid shoes—using cardboard to set the shave plate at the proper height when installing the new skid shoes.
Use this basic procedure to replace skid shoes on Craftsman, Ariens, Husqvarna, Troybilt, MTD, Murray, Snapper, Poulan and Noma snowblowers.
How to replace snowblower skid shoes
Instructions
- 01.
Remove the key
Remove the key from the snowblower.
PHOTO: Remove the key.
- 02.
Lay down cardboard
Lay down a sheet of cardboard or flattened shipping box that’s almost as wide as the shave plate and is about a quarter-inch thick.
Place the cardboard so that it’s under the shave plate but not under the skid shoes. The cardboard raises the shave plate to prevent wear on the plate.
PHOTO: Lay down cardboard.
- 03.
Remove the skid shoes
Use a wrench to loosen the skid shoe mounting nuts.
Remove the nuts and washers and pull off the skid shoes.
PHOTO: Remove the skid shoes.
- 04.
Install the new skid shoes
Insert the new skid shoes on the mounting bolts.
Install and tighten the washers and mounting nuts on the new skid shoes with the shoes flat on the ground.
PHOTO: Install the new skid shoes.
Symptoms for gas snowblowers
Choose a symptom to see related snowblower repairs.
Things to do: replace the spark plug, change the oil, rebuild the carburetor, adjust valve lash, adjust or replace the b...
Main causes: clogged chute, damaged auger blades, broken shear pins, worn auger belt, damaged gear case, engine problems...
Main causes: dirty carburetor, stale fuel...
Main causes: punctured tire, damaged rim...
Main causes: dirty carburetor, clogged fuel filter, dirty spark plug, incorrect valve lash, leaky engine gaskets...
Main causes: stale gas, clogged carburetor, clogged or broken fuel line, dirty spark plug, bad rewind starter, incorrect...
Main causes: loose drive clutch cable, damaged drive clutch cable, worn friction disc, scraper blade scraping the ground...
Main causes: snow build-up in chute, chute drive mechanism failure, bad chute control assembly...
Main causes: clogged chute, snow build-up in auger housing, broken auger shear pins, auger drive belt needs adjustment, ...
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
Adjust the engine valve lash on your snowblower to keep the engine starting and running smoothly....
How to adjust snowblower skid shoes
To prevent snowblower auger and shave plate damage, adjust the skid shoes regularly to keep the shave plate ¼-inch high....
How to replace a snowblower shave plate
Follow the 7 easy steps in this repair guide/video to replace a worn out shave plate on your snowblower....
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.
Learn the steps to take to adjust and maintain your snowblower so it lasts longer....
Learn about Sears Technical Institute and the advanced technical content being developed for aspiring appliance techs....
Get answers to frequently asked questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect....