How to replace a snow blower auger belt

As winter’s icy grasp descends upon your area, a snow blower can become a trusted ally in the battle against snow-covered driveways and walkways. The effectiveness of your snow blower depends on the condition of its components, and one of them is the auger belt. The auger belt is the workhorse that drives the snow-throwing auger to clear snow.

Whether you’re an experienced DIY enthusiast or a first-time snow blower owner looking to save on repair costs, here we’ll break down the process so you can repair the machine yourself.

If you need a replacement auger belt or other parts for snow removal appliances, you can find them here. Grab your snow blower’s model number and enter it at AppliancePartsPros.com to order exactly what you need.

Disclaimer: The part replacement information provided in this article is based on general service manuals and may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

What is the auger belt?

The auger belt is the powerhouse behind your snow blower’s ability to chew through snow and propel it out of the chute. It connects the engine to the auger assembly.

When you engage your snow blower, the engine’s power is transferred through the auger belt to the auger assembly. The auger’s spinning blades effectively scoop up snow and propel it into the discharge chute, clearing the path in front of you.

Signs of a worn-out or damaged auger belt

• Reduced snow blower performance
• Slipping, chattering or other unusual sounds
• Visible wear including cracks or fraying

What you need

• Set of wrenches, including both standard and metric sizes – for removing and tightening nuts and bolts.
• Needle-nose pliers – for gripping, bending, and holding small parts.
• Flathead and Phillips-head screwdrivers – for removing covers and other parts.
• Socket set with various socket sizes – for loosening and tightening bolts and nuts.

• Replacement auger belt – make sure you have the replacement part that is compatible with your specific snow blower model.
• Safety glasses – to shield your eyes from debris and other hazards.
• Sturdy work gloves – to protect your hands from sharp edges and moving parts.
• Clean rags or towels – for cleaning parts and wiping away excess grease or dirt.

Safety precautions

Snow blowers have moving parts and potentially hazardous components, so it’s crucial to take precautions to protect yourself so you set yourself up for a successful belt replacement process.

• Always power off and unplug your snow blower before attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of electric shock.
• Disconnect the spark plug wire before making any repairs to prevent accidental engine starts.
• Allow the engine to cool down if it has been running recently to prevent burns.
• Place the snow blower on a flat, stable surface to prevent it from tipping or rolling while working on it.
• If necessary, use wheel chocks to immobilize the snow blower and prevent it from moving around.
• Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access all parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your lawn equipment or replacement part.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the equipment or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• Consider wearing safety glasses and/or a dust mask when working with chemicals, dust or a large amount of debris to prevent irritation or injury.

Replacement steps

Step 1 – Find the auger belt

1. Depending on your snow blower model, you may need to remove a protective cover or access panel to reach the auger housing. Once you have access to the auger housing area, you should see the auger itself, which consists of blades or paddles.
2. Look for the belt that connects the engine to the auger assembly. The auger belt is typically located on the side of the machine, close to the engine. It’s a sturdy, rubber or rubberized fabric belt that loops around pulleys connected to both the engine’s crankshaft and the auger assembly.
3. Note how the belt is threaded around these pulleys, as you’ll need to replicate this configuration when installing the new belt.

Step 2 – Remove the old auger belt

1. Identify the belt tensioning mechanism, which may be a lever, idler pulley, or spring-loaded system.
2. Engage the mechanism to release tension on the old auger belt. This will make it easier to remove the belt from the pulleys.
3. Carefully slide the old auger belt off the pulleys, starting from one end and working your way around. Keep track of the belt’s path as it comes off.
4. If necessary, use pliers or a wrench to help guide the belt off the pulleys, especially if it’s stuck due to wear or weathering.
5. Once the old belt is removed, closely look over it for signs of damage, wear, or cracking. If the belt is in poor condition, replace it.
6. While the belt is off, take the opportunity to inspect the pulleys and the auger housing for any debris, dirt, or ice buildup. Use a clean rag or a brush to remove any accumulated debris.
7. Take note of how the old belt is routed before completely removing it from the snow blower. This may help you install the new belt.

Step 3 – Install the new auger belt

1. Engage the belt tensioning mechanism to reduce tension on the new belt. This will make it easier to fit onto the pulleys.
2. Position one end of the new auger belt onto the engine pulley. Make sure it’s securely seated.
3. Carefully thread the new belt around the pulleys, following the same path as the old belt. Make sure it sits properly in the pulley grooves.
4. Check that the belt is centered and aligned on all pulleys so it doesn’t slip off.
5. Release the belt tensioning mechanism so it can apply tension to the new belt. Check the manufacturer’s specifications or your owner’s manual to determine the appropriate tension for your snow blower’s auger belt.
6. Double-check that the belt is correctly installed by checking its alignment with the pulleys.
7. Rotate the auger manually so the belt engages smoothly and doesn’t slip off.
8. If the auger belt feels too loose or too tight, adjust the tension using the tensioning mechanism.
9. If you removed any protective covers or access panels during the belt replacement process, securely reattach them to their original positions.

Step 4 – Test the auger belt

If possible, perform a test run in a snow-covered area to check the snow blower’s overall performance.

1. Reconnect the spark plug wire to the spark plug.
2. Start the snow blower’s engine.
3. While the engine is running, engage the auger by using the appropriate control or lever on your snow blower.

• Listen for any unusual noises, such as grinding, squealing, or clunking sounds, which may indicate problems with the belt installation or tension.
• Pay close attention to the auger’s performance as it interacts with the snow or debris. It should rotate smoothly and effectively. The auger should be able to throw snow out of the chute without clogging.
• Make sure the auger’s rotation clears snow or debris at the appropriate distance from the chute.

Auger belt maintenance tips

To prolong the life of your snow blower’s auger belt and extend its lifespan, keep these maintenance tips in mind:

• Check the belt for signs of wear, damage or fraying at the beginning of winter and also before storing the snow blower in warmer months.
• Some snow blowers may have pulleys or components that require lubrication. Refer to your owner’s manual for specific lubrication points and intervals. Make sure the auger moves freely and is properly lubricated so it doesn’t bind.
• Keep the belt and pulleys clean and free of debris, snow, or ice buildup. Use a brush or a rag to remove any accumulated dirt and moisture that could affect the belt’s performance.
• Store your snow blower in a dry, sheltered location when it’s not in use. Consider using a cover to protect it from dust and moisture, which can accelerate belt deterioration.
• Only use high-quality, manufacturer-recommended replacement auger belts.
• When adjusting the belt’s tension, avoid over-tightening it.

More information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the auger belt in your snow blower.

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

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