Snowblower auger not turning: Common Causes & How to Fix
1Snowblower Cogged Belt
Most Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
The cogged belt connects the engine to the gearbox. If the cogged belt is worn out, loose, or busted, the snowblower wheels won't turn. Check the belt to see if it is broken or worn thin, and make sure it's adjusted right. If the cogged belt is damaged or worn out, you'll need to replace it with a new one. The cogged belt transfers power from the engine to move the wheels. Without a good cogged belt hooked up, the wheels can't spin. Look at the belt for damage or stretch marks from wear. Give it a tug to check if it's loose. The belt needs to be in good shape and tightened properly. If the engine is running but wheels aren't turning, the cogged belt is likely the issue. Swapping in a new belt or tightening it up will get those wheels moving again.
How to Replace Snowblower Cogged Belt
- Gather supplies - You will need a new cogged belt specific to your model, socket set and wrenches, and gloves.
- Locate old belt - The cogged belt connects the engine pulley to the drive pulley. Check your owner's manual for routing.
- Loosen pulleys - Loosen the nuts/bolts on the engine and drive pulleys to release belt tension.
- Remove old belt - With tension released, slip the old cogged belt off the pulleys.
- Install new belt - Loop the new cogged belt over the drive pulley first then the engine pulley.
- Re-tension pulleys - Tighten down the nuts/bolts on the pulleys to reset proper belt tension.
- Check alignment - Make sure the belt is centered on both pulleys and aligned.
- Replace covers - Replace any protective pulley covers.
- Test operation - Start the snowblower and check that the drive engages properly before use.
2Snowblower Shear Bolt and Nut
Most Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
The shear bolt is a metal bolt that goes through the auger axle sleeve, locking it to the auger drive axle. Shear bolts are made to snap in half if the auger hits a rock or big chunk of ice. This prevents damage to the engine. If the shear bolt breaks, the auger can't turn anymore. Check the shear bolt to see if it is broken in two. If you see the shear bolt is busted, you'll need to replace it with a new one. The shear bolt acts like a safety device - it gives way so other parts don't get wrecked. Look for a clean break on it. If the bolt is intact, the issue is somewhere else. But if the shear bolt is snapped, putting in a new one will let you use the auger again. It's designed to break when something jams the auger.
How to Replace Snowblower Shear Bolt and Nut
- Gather supplies - You will need replacement shear bolts and nuts designed for your snowblower model. Have a socket set ready.
- Locate shear bolts - Shear bolts connect the augers to the auger shaft. Consult your owner's manual for exact location.
- Remove auger belt cover - Take off the belt cover to access the auger shaft and bolts.
- Support auger - Have someone support the weight of the auger while you remove the old shear bolts.
- Remove old bolts - Use a socket to unscrew the damaged shear bolt and nut from the auger shaft.
- Install new bolts - Thread the new replacement shear bolt through the auger and shaft. Tighten the nut securely.
- Replace all bolts - Make sure to replace all shear bolts, not just the broken one.
- Replace cover - Put the auger belt cover back on.
- Test operation - Run the snowblower briefly to ensure the augers turn properly before fully operating.
3Snowblower Shear Pin
Most Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
The shear pin is a small metal pin that goes through the auger axle sleeve, locking it to the auger drive axle. Shear pins are made to snap in half if the auger hits a rock or big chunk of ice. This prevents engine damage. If the shear pin breaks, the auger can't spin anymore. Check the shear pin to see if it cracked in two. If you see the shear pin is busted, you'll need to replace it with a new one. The shear pin acts like a safety device - it gives way so other parts don't get wrecked. Look for a clean break on it. If the pin is intact, the problem is something else. But if the shear pin is snapped, putting in a new one will let you use the auger again. It's designed to break when something jams the auger.
How to Replace Snowblower Shear Pin
- Gather supplies - Have replacement shear pins designed specifically for your snowblower model ready. You may need pliers.
- Locate shear pins - Shear pins are found connecting the augers to the auger shaft. Check your owner's manual.
- Remove auger belt cover - Take off the belt cover to access the auger shaft and shear pins.
- Support auger - Have someone support the weight of the auger while you remove the old shear pin.
- Remove old pin - Use pliers to remove any broken ends of the old shear pin from the auger shaft.
- Install new pin - Insert the new replacement shear pin through the auger and shaft. Push it in completely.
- Replace all pins - Make sure to replace all shear pins, not just the broken one.
- Replace cover - Put the auger belt cover back on.
- Test operation - Run the snowblower briefly to confirm the augers turn properly before fully operating.
4Snowblower Shear Bolt
Most Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
The shear bolt is a metal bolt that goes through the auger axle sleeve, locking it to the auger drive axle. Shear bolts are made to snap in half if the auger hits a rock or big chunk of ice. This prevents damage to the engine. If the shear bolt breaks, the auger can't turn anymore. Check the shear bolt to see if it is broken in two. If you see the shear bolt is busted, you'll need to replace it with a new one. The shear bolt acts like a safety device - it gives way so other parts don't get wrecked. Look for a clean break on it. If the bolt is intact, the issue is somewhere else. But if the shear bolt is snapped, putting in a new one will let you use the auger again. It's designed to break when something jams the auger.
How to Replace Snowblower Shear Bolt
- Gather supplies - Have replacement shear bolts designed specifically for your snowblower model ready. You may need pliers.
- Locate shear pins - Shear pins are found connecting the augers to the auger shaft. Check your owner's manual.
- Remove auger belt cover - Take off the belt cover to access the auger shaft and shear pins.
- Support auger - Have someone support the weight of the auger while you remove the old shear pin.
- Remove old pin - Use pliers to remove any broken ends of the old shear pin from the auger shaft.
- Install new pin - Insert the new replacement shear pin through the auger and shaft. Push it in completely.
- Replace all pins - Make sure to replace all shear pins, not just the broken one.
- Replace cover - Put the auger belt cover back on.
- Test operation - Run the snowblower briefly to confirm the augers turn properly before fully operating.
5Snowblower V-Belt
Most Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
The V-belt connects the engine to the gearbox. If the V-belt is worn out, loose, or busted, the snowblower wheels won't turn. Check the belt to see if it is broken or worn down, and make sure it's adjusted right. If the V-belt is broken or worn thin, you'll need to replace it with a new one. The V-belt transfers power from the engine to move the wheels. Without a good V-belt hooked up, the wheels can't spin. Look at the belt for damage or stretch marks from wear. Give it a tug to check if it's loose. The belt needs to be in good shape and tightened properly. If the engine is running but wheels aren't turning, the V-belt is likely the problem. Swapping in a new belt or tightening it up will get those wheels moving again.
How to Replace Snowblower V-Belt
- Gather supplies - You will need a new V-belt that is the correct size for your snowblower model, socket set and/or wrenches to loosen bolts, and gloves for protection.
- Locate V-belt - The V-belt is usually located under a cover on the side or back of the snowblower. Consult your owner's manual if needed.
- Loosen cover - Use your socket set or wrenches to loosen the bolts holding the V-belt cover in place. Remove the cover.
- Loosen tensioner pulley - There is usually a spring-loaded pulley that keeps tension on the V-belt. Loosen the bolts or nuts to release the tension.
- Remove old V-belt - With the tension released, you can now slide the old V-belt off of the pulleys.
- Install new V-belt - Slip the new V-belt over the pulleys in the same configuration as the old one.
- Re-tension pulley - Tighten the tensioner pulley bolts/nuts so it is putting tension on the new V-belt.
- Replace cover - Put the protective V-belt cover back on and tighten all bolts.
- Test operation - Start up the snowblower to ensure the V-belt is working properly before using.
6Snowblower Auger Cable
Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
The issue could be that the gearbox has failed. The gearbox is between the two sides of the auger. It has three shafts: one connects to the drive system, the other two power each auger half. If the drive shaft spins but the auger shafts don't, even though shear pins are fine, the gearbox needs replacement. The gearbox transfers power from the drive to the augers. Check that the drive shaft and shear pins are good. If drive works but augers don't turn, the gears inside the box are likely busted. The gearbox makes the augers go when drive is engaged. If it's not transferring power properly, replacing the faulty gearbox will get the augers spinning again. It syncs everything up through those three shafts.
How to Replace Snowblower Auger Cable
- Gather supplies - You will need a new auger cable specific to your snowblower model. Have your wrench set and gloves ready.
- Locate old cable - The auger cable runs from the auger handle to the auger gearbox. Check your owner's manual for routing.
- Loosen cable brackets - Loosen any brackets or clamps securing the cable along its path.
- Disconnect from handle - Loosen the nut/bolt connecting the cable to the auger handle. Detach the cable.
- Disconnect from gearbox - Loosen the nut/bolt at the gearbox end and detach the cable.
- Install new cable - Route the new cable along the same path, reconnecting at the handle and gearbox.
- Secure cable - Tighten down any brackets or clamps along the routing path.
- Adjust tension - Make sure there is just enough slack for full range of handle motion.
- Test operation - Start the snowblower, engage the auger to confirm proper operation.
7Snowblower Auger Assembly
Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
First, inspect the shear pins for any damage. If the shear pins are cracked or worn out, put in new ones. Next, look over the auger blades. If the blades are bent or worn down, replace them with new auger blades. If the full auger assembly is really worn out, you'll need to swap in a whole new auger assembly. The shear pins are there to break and protect the auger. Bent or damaged auger blades won't throw snow properly. Check both shear pins and blades to see if they need replacement. Worn out individual parts like shear pins and blades can be replaced. But if everything is super worn, replacing the full auger assembly may be needed to get it throwing snow like new again. Start with pins and blades, then the whole auger if necessary.
How to Replace Snowblower Auger Assembly
- Gather supplies - You will need a new auger assembly designed for your snowblower model. Have your toolbox ready.
- Disconnect spark plug - Unscrew and disconnect the spark plug wire for safety.
- Drain gasoline - Drain the gas from the snowblower if needed to transport safely.
- Remove shear pins - Take out the shear pins connecting the augers to the auger shaft.
- Detach auger - Remove bolts or screws connecting the auger housing and detach the auger assembly from the snowblower.
- Install new auger - Carefully lift the new auger assembly into place and bolt it securely to the snowblower housing.
- Replace shear pins - Insert new shear pins to reconnect the augers to the shaft.
- Add gasoline - Refill the gas tank if emptied earlier.
- Test operation - Connect the spark plug, start the snowblower, and test the auger briefly before fully using.
8Snowblower Bearing
Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
The issue could be that one or more of the bearings have locked up. Bearings need to spin smoothly to work properly. If a bearing has seized or frozen, it won't turn right anymore. You'll need to replace any bearing that has seized with a new one. Check the bearings by spinning them to feel for rough spots or resistance. A seized bearing will feel very tight and hard to turn. If you find a bearing that's stuck, swap it out for a new one. Well-lubricated bearings should spin freely. Repair or replacement is needed when bearings get stuck and can't rotate like they should. Sticking bearings due to dirt, lack of lube or wear will lead to problems. If something won't turn properly, seized bearings are likely the culprit.
How to Replace Snowblower Bearing
- Gather supplies - You will need a new bearing designed for your snowblower model. Have your wrench set and a mallet ready.
- Locate bearing - Bearings are typically found around the auger shaft. Check your owner's manual for the exact location.
- Remove shear pins - Take out the shear pins connecting the augers to the shaft to access the bearing.
- Remove auger - Take out bolts/screws as needed to fully detach the auger and expose the bearing.
- Remove old bearing - Use a wrench to unscrew the bearing bolts and a mallet to knock it loose if needed.
- Install new bearing - Carefully slide the new bearing into place around the shaft. Insert and tighten the bearing bolts.
- Replace auger - Bolt the auger assembly back into place. Make sure it spins freely.
- Insert shear pins - Replace the shear pins connecting the augers to the shaft.
- Test operation - Start up the snowblower and let the auger spin briefly to ensure smooth operation.
9Snowblower Gearbox
Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
The gearbox is between the two sides of the auger. It has three shafts: one connects to the drive system, the other two power each auger half. If the drive shaft spins but the auger shafts don't, even though shear pins are fine, the gearbox needs replacement. The gearbox transfers power from the drive to the augers. Check that the drive shaft and shear pins are good. If drive works but augers don't turn, the gears inside the box are likely busted. The gearbox makes the augers go when drive is engaged. If it's not transferring power properly, replacing the faulty gearbox will get the augers spinning again. It syncs everything up through those three shafts.
How to Replace Snowblower Gearbox
- Gather supplies - You will need a new gearbox designed for your snowblower model. Have your wrench set, mallet, and screwdrivers ready.
- Locate gearbox - The gearbox is attached to the auger shaft housing. Check your owner's manual for exact location.
- Drain oil - Drain the old oil from the gearbox if needed.
- Detach auger - Remove shear pins, bolts, and screws to detach the auger assembly and expose the gearbox.
- Remove fasteners - Use wrenches and screwdrivers to remove any gearbox cover plates and fasteners.
- Detach gearbox - Use wrenches and a mallet to loosen the old gearbox and disconnect it from the auger shaft.
- Install new gearbox - Carefully mount the new gearbox onto the auger shaft. Insert and tighten all fasteners.
- Replace auger - Reattach the auger assembly. Make sure all parts are moving freely.
- Add new oil - Refill the gearbox with fresh oil to the specified level.
- Test operation - Start up the snowblower and let the auger rotate to confirm smooth gearbox operation.