BEFORE YOU GREASE YOUR SNOWBLOWER AUGERS, WATCH THIS!

[@GarageGear]

Here is a link to the RED & TACKY GREASE I used in this video! amzn.to/3KRk7vX Thanks for watching everyone!

[@brianmcintee6647]

the red and tacky grease also comes in a spray can i use it all the time

[@GarageGear]

@@brianmcintee6647 thanks for sharing Brian!

[@josephforgione1762]

I just ordered red and tacky grease for my Machines.

[@GarageGear]

@@josephforgione1762 you won’t be disappointed!

[@brianfeeney9493]

Super Tutorial 🎉

[@goodcitizen]

My MTD snowblower is 25 yrs old and I have never touched anything other than change the oil every couple years and air up the tires. I live in Michigan and it gets a good workout every winter. No stabil no spark plug replacement no nothing. Pump the bulb a few times and choke it and it usually starts on the first or second pull. Maybe it will last another 25 years if I keep neglecting it.....

[@GarageGear]

You my friend have a unicorn snowblower! Thanks for watching!

[@jeffsond]

Hmm… I have a MTD 2 stage 6hp thrower myself. I’ve had it for about 15 years now. I never did any Maintanance or anything other then change oil and air up tire just the same. Although I did run the fuel empty ea year before putting it away. I live in St. Louis so it only runs a few times a year normally. 2 years ago I pulled out the manual and was like… i was supposed to be doing that each year??? Hahahahaha. Im not joking when I say I fill it with fuel prime it 3 times and choke it for a second and within 1 or 2 pulls fires up. I’ve never replaced the spark plug or had to clean the carburetor. We found gems

[@GarageGear]

@@jeffsond awesome thanks for sharing! 👍

[@mikehrdlicka8635]

Mtd's have plastic bushings no grease required

[@tomdavis728]

I wonder how much snow your putting through it? We get feet here.

[@joebarzo9935]

Just finished greasing the augers on my Ariens Snow blower getting in preparation for some nasty winter weather hitting this weekend. First time for me. And I had your video up the entire time. With such gratitude @Garage Gear for all that you provide and the manner in which you do it. Your friends are very blessed to have you in their lives.

[@GarageGear]

Awesome Joe! Your snowblower thanks you! Appreciate your kind words and positive feedback! 👍

[@johndimech8945]

Nice video. Maintenance is key to a machine that is stored for long periods. That zerk that allows grease to spew from the tip needs some easy fix attention. This is usually caused by a piece of grit getting between the tiny ball and the it's seat. Get a fine pointed awl or needle and push the ball in a few times. This usually dislodges the grit allowing the ball to seat again. If not successful, change out the zero. Oh, and wipe the zerk and the tip of your grease gun nozzle before greasing. Cheers

[@GarageGear]

Great tips John and Marie! Thanks you for sharing l!

[@prhudy1854]

@@GarageGear Yep, that zerk needs some attention

[@GarageGear]

@@prhudy1854 yeah I’ll be changing it out. 👍

[@roseymalino9855]

@@GarageGear Usually you can clear it by just 'spinning' the ball; same as ratchets and extensions. After a while you'll get the hang of it.

[@GarageGear]

@@roseymalino9855 thanks for sharing!

[@lsatenstein]

Two weeks ago, before you posted the video I learned about grease nipples on the auger shaft. I went looking for a grease gun. All the local hardware and mechanics shops has pictures on the web showing the Cadillac gun at around $40.00 Every other GG was out of stock, and not expected soon or at all. All of Costco, Lowes, Home-Hardware and even automotive tool stores were out of stock. As far as reinstalling the shear pins, the rule is to tighten them until they just do not rotate in their socket(/hole. Not more than 1/4 turn on the nut when the spin is just binding.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing this Leslie! Your tips are appreciated!

[@scottsmith1525]

I just got a snowblower, used (new to me), that was neglected for quite some time. It's in better shape than I expected actually. I've been going through it here and there and just the other day noticed those zerks and wondered what they were for. thanks.

[@GarageGear]

Now ya know! Thanks for watching Scott!

[@BorderlineOCD]

I’m feeling the vibe 👍🏻 I found your channel trying to do my first maintenance + oil change on my snowblower. Excellent content. Informative and entertaining.

[@GarageGear]

Glad to have you as part of the tribe Borderline ocd! Plenty of snowblower content for you here! Thanks for your positive feedback!

[@williamgibb5557]

My older Craftsman has 2 augers per side. Each has has a shear pin and removing both allows them an inch of slide. By turning machine on side ,I am able to spray shaft to allow lube drain down while rotating augers. Several good sprays and then roll machine onto other side for same procedure. Also able to add grease to gearbox. I run machine several times each summer down my 250' driveway to work machine. Belts. Engine and tires. Maintenance is the answer.

[@GarageGear]

Great tips here William! Thanks for sharing!

[@jerrysponagle3881]

thank you good tips. I own an older solid front axle 18 hp Ariens Garden tractor with a 42" Snow Blower attachment that is belt driven from tractor. this will be my first winter using it. I am greasing all the pulley bearings, and wasnt aware of your grease proceedure . when I watched it, it made good sense. I am also an Engineer , retired now. I subscribed to your channel, and if you can show some maintenance proceedures for the blower and mower attachments..would be nice and helpful. all around maintenance on tractors..etc thanks again. 💯👊😎

[@GarageGear]

I’ll see what I can do Jerry! Thanks for checking out the channel! 👍

[@williamb3323]

Dude I love you, No grease on the nozzle of the grease gun, Not a single blemish on the snowblower shroud or chute all tools look like you just unpacked them. Bench looks like the varnish just dried. You're my garage super hero!

[@GarageGear]

Hahaha William! I work hard to keep things clean! I don’t like to look like a slob on video! Many tools get cleaned as I use them. That’s just my ocd! Thanks for being a cool fan. 👍

[@OdinsCloud]

@@GarageGear I am the same and take flak for it all the time.

[@HewesNews]

All stuff I wish I knew before my snowblower broke down on me yesterday. The last two storms have left wet snow, so lots of chute clearing. Yesterday's snow here in NJ gave us nearly 9 inches of dryer stuff. Still lots of chute clearing. It felt like the impeller was weakening. Then finally everything iced up and just stopped working. Don't let this happen to you, folks!

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing this Hewes! You’re area got some serious snow! Thanks for watching!

[@mtcman42]

If your impeller and chute are icing up, check out the impeller mod by Sixty-five Ford. There are several others too, and I've modified his design with a couple of my own, but basically it's the same. I can now hit the sidewalk on the other side of my residential street.

[@SDavidC55]

Great video but it is not OK if the grease comes back out of the zerks. There is a small ball valve and spring in a zerk designed to allow the grease to flow in under pressure but not out. If the grease flows back out, the small ball valve has corroded and/or the internal spring has broken. If grease backflows out of any zerk just remove them and replace with new ones. You want the grease to flow in via the zerk and come out of the tubes, bearings, king pins, as the case may be but not back out of the zerk. Hope this helps.

[@GarageGear]

Don’t worry. I already fixed it. Thanks for watching!

[@MrNunna]

I just worked on a JD and the shaft was seized/rusted enough to eat up the brass gear in the gear box. The shaft was SO siezed with rust, I couldn't get the auger off of the shaft. Since this was a "free-bee" repair, I gave it back to him to do what he liked with it. He sold it as a fixer upper machine.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing!

[@mtcman42]

One word of caution about tightening your shear pins. Don't cinch them down tight. Make sure that the augers still turn freely, but not too loose. If you cinch them down tightly you will clamp the auger to the shaft and no amount of grease will let the auger "shear" the pin. Good luck.

[@luptonpittman6520]

I agree. I always leave a little bit of play so the sheer pin has about a 16th of an inch of play or so

[@M.TTT.]

I also agree. I always leave a small amount of play so the sheer pin has about 1/16" of play or so

[@peterunderwood3447]

Right. don't use that impact like he did. That's too tight. If it's a shear bolt, the lock nut should hold it, not the torque. If it's a shear pin, it may have a cotter pin or something to hold it loosely in place.

[@swaggerjacker1482]

He also said you don’t have to sock it on there

[@stevieray1828]

If it were me, I'd leave 1/16th of an inch travel.... Just me

[@edgardomatos7742]

I purchased a back up blower ....but this blower didnt have a grease fitting ...my others have grease fitting ...i greased , but didnt know the sher pin had to come ....so im gonna go over again .. Since i didnt see a grease fitting i sprayed with d40. What cha think

[@GarageGear]

That will work for the short time. I have a video coming out on that tomorrow morning.

[@w0ls0n]

Great knowledge here! I have had my snowblower for about 3-4 years and have never done this. Guess I know what else I'm doing this fall.

[@GarageGear]

Have at it William! Have fun! Thanks for watching!

[@stevemlejnek7073]

I picked up a used in great condition Murray 8/27 2 stage. I have been taking care of it, and I think it's a great machine. The augers are pretty well seized though. One spins with great effort. The other does not. I'm hoping with grease these may eventually loosen up. Until then, I'm hoping to not hit anything. I've been adding 00 grease to the gear box.

[@GarageGear]

Sounds like a good plan! Let me know if you free them up!

[@starview7045]

Great info as usual. What happens if there is no grease fitting, just the shear pins. Any guidance ?

[@GarageGear]

You could try spraying fluid film into the shear pin holes and giving it a few spins. This would prevent any rusting/seizing! Thanks for watching star view!

[@37yearsofanythingisenough39]

You can add zerks. Remove the augers from the shaft. They are hollow tubes. Go to an auto parts store and get the shortest threaded zerks they sell. Also get a tap that matches the thread pitch of the zerks. (Know what you are buying. Some zerks have straight threads, and some have pipe threads which are tapered) Get a drill that is the proper tap drill for the tap. Drill then tap the holes in the augers (you may have to file a small flat for the drill point to purchase on or at the very least heavily center punch the location where you want the zerk. You are drilling on a radius and the drill will wander like no tomorrow if you don’t do this), reassemble the augers on their shaft, spin them and make sure the threaded end of the zerk is not binding the shaft (if the augers slide on the shaft easily you should be ok. You just want the augers to be able to shear the pins/bolts in the event of a stoppage. A heavily binding zerk would prevent this from happening.) Grease ‘‘em up and you should be good to go for your lifetime and another. FOR GODS SAKE NEVER PUT GASOLINE CONTAINING ETHANOL IN AN ENGINE THAT IS RUN INFREQUENTLY.

[@starview7045]

@@37yearsofanythingisenough39 thanks

[@JWLamey]

I like your videos. That's don't move too slow, that's for sure. I learn something with each one. One caution I noticed - watch out using chrome sockets with an impact driver. They are soft and and can get stuck on an impact driver. Use impact driver rated sockets instead.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for the feedback and tip!

[@josephforgione1762]

Great idea. Thanks for the “how to” video. Considering the average price for a two-stage snowblower is around $1200, periodic preventative maintenance is critical to prolonging the life of your equipment. I’m looking forward to watching many more of your videos. Have a great day from Northern Vermont from a former Western New Yorker.

[@GarageGear]

Hahaha awesome my friend! Period maintenance is key! So the big question is… do you root for the bills or New England?

[@josephforgione1762]

@@GarageGear the Bills.

[@josephforgione1762]

@@GarageGear Never liked the Patriots. Bills had a disappointing end to an otherwise great season.

[@lsatenstein]

Your $1200 machine in Montreal was $1900 plus 15% sales taxes. It is not a joke.

[@josephforgione1762]

@@lsatenstein that’s just awful with the exorbitant price tag and the amount of taxes you folks have to pay.

[@abominablesnowboarderx6481]

This guy's snowblower is never going to break I swear

[@GarageGear]

She’s well cared for lol! Thanks for watching

[@biggetl1319]

The ball check is bad on that zerk! That's why grease is coming back through.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing usually once you fill them a little comes out and then it stops. Easy to replace those. 👍

[@wickedwolverine350]

There is no check ball on those zerks. They are not designed to seal on this application, so they are working as intended.

[@GarageGear]

@@wickedwolverine350 good to know! Thanks for sharing!

[@cowshottv5867]

Truth

[@cowshottv5867]

Also, put some grease on the shear pins to keep them from seizing in the shaft

[@edwintaber6465]

During operation the auger spins with the shaft not on it. For that the lubrication and condition of the bearings/bushings and gear box is critical. The shear pins connect the auger to the shaft. If you do not lubricate and the auger rusts onto the shaft that eliminates the safety of the shear pins . Then if you strike something hard with the auger instead of the force being isolated from the gear box by the shear pins breaking the force is transmitted into the gear box usually damaging it. You must lubricate so that the calculated shear force for the pins is maintained. That calculation is compromised by even a slightly seized auger. You can inadvertently seize the auger to the shaft by over- tightening the shear pins.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing Edwin!

[@slange]

All your tips from previous videos worked out. My snowblower ran like a champ this weekend. Thank you!!

[@GarageGear]

Awesome slang!!! I’m excited to hear that it worked like a charm for you! Plenty more content coming on these! Stay tuned!

[@flyingbeaver57]

I'm running a 1974 Ariens 2-stage machine, bought new in '74 and run every year since then. It originally had a 6HP motor but now on a N.O.S. Tecumseh engine, 7.5 HP. - a crate motor that came with an electric starter. What I was missing for 35 years! Anyway, living as I do in northern Canada, I wanted to mention that there is grease available rated "Arctic." They make it here in Alberta - I'm not sure of the chemistry, but I use it in all machinery during the winter months. Why? Well, because during the worst of the winter, normal "red" grease is about as stiff as asphalt on a summer afternoon - i.e. not very. My '74 Ariens is still running just fine. I did replace the two friction-drive discs in the wheel drive transmission, but after 35 years? Still available. I pulled everything apart, cleaned, repaired or replaced as needed (not much needed). A fresh coat of Ariens Orange, and it'll probably run for a good many more years. Maintenance is the key, and the manual that came with the machine is thorough and clear about all of it. That's a nice change from the "modern" equipment.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing beaver!

[@smithn.wesson495]

I use Mobil One Synthetic grease and oil on my 2012 Ariens for the same reasons you mentioned. The Mobil One Synthetic grease and oil will never get stiff or sticky, even when the temp is -25 F to -30 F below, the auger and wheel axles spin freely like it's the middle of summer.

[@GarageGear]

@@smithn.wesson495 thanks for sharing!

[@brianperkins6121]

Auger position when you put the shear bolts back does matter , (some people call it auger phasing) the Auger's feed snow to the central impeller you want the inside ends of the auger on both sides to not line up with each other so that each side feeds snow to the impeller in an alternating manor.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing!

[@GNX157]

It’s hard to tell, but I think he’s got the augers out of phase now. Definitely deserves a recheck and correction video though.

[@GeneralChangFromDanang]

Ahh, maybe that's why mine keeps clogging up. Thanks for the tip.

[@Tom-ut6ky]

Out of curiosity, since I use a snow blower in cold to very cold weather (Minnesota) why wouldn't a cold weather grease like Phillips 66 moly low temp grease work better? What is the low temp rate on the red and tacky grease? I want to use the best grease for a snowblower. Please respond.

[@GarageGear]

Hey Tom! I’m sure either would be fine. Don’t know off hand the temp range on the red and tacky grease. If you have been using the 66 with success keep using it! Thanks for watching!

[@Tom-ut6ky]

@@GarageGear Thanks for your response! FYI, I dug into the issue just to be safe, and here's what I found. NLGI number 2 greases, which the Lucas grease of course is, are consistent to -20 degrees F before because they have 0 water in mixture. They are virtually temperature neutral. Any change in the grease is minor even lower than -20F. We do get temps as low as -35F here in MN, but no way in hades am I going to blow snow in it, so that's irrelevant. As you said, either grease will work, and thanks again!

[@GarageGear]

@@Tom-ut6ky thanks for sharing this detailed information Tom! Good to know!

[@PleakTCG]

As a new home owner as well as the Ariens 24" Deluxe i'm learning a sh^t load on being able to DIY things the proper way. This video will definitely be stored in the back of my head. Looking forward to watching more of your content!

[@GarageGear]

Awesome Freakahleak! Thanks for being a cool fan! 👍

[@henrilecours1180]

Thank you,.... loud, clear and precise good job coach

[@GarageGear]

You got it henri! Thanks for watching!

[@m.g.540]

My 1965 Ariens get greased twice or more a season, it makes them last, listen to Garage Gear!

[@GarageGear]

Thanks a lot MG! Appreciate it bud! 👍

[@451dskots88]

Here I am... Still enjoying summer in Sept... Watching your snowblower maintenance videos. 😂

[@GarageGear]

Plenty more coming soon my friend 👍

[@451dskots88]

@@GarageGear sweet.

[@Twag-yh8xc]

Nicely done video, short and complete. A couple comments: The shear pins keep the auger from rotating relative to the shaft. There should not be any wear between the auger sleeve and the shaft. So why is grease needed? Maybe just to keep water out? If grease is coming out of the zerk, that doesn't mean it's full, that means the check ball in your zerk is faulty. New zerks are cheap and easy to install.

[@GarageGear]

Hey user! The grease prevents the augers from seizing to the shaft! If you hit something the shear pin will break the auger free from the shaft allowing it to spin freely and preventing harm to your gearbox . Thanks for watching!

[@DoneWaiting]

I had the same thought. If it wasn't something you should do they definitely wouldn't add zerk fittings. I've never had anyone say my auger always spins whether or not i have a shear pin, but I see how it could bang the gearbox if it did get stuck. Any videos on the gearbox? That's the actual piece that always fails.

[@GarageGear]

Grease prevents the augers from seizing to the auger shaft. If you hit something hard. You want the shear pins to break and the augers to spin freely. If they are stuck to the auger shaft you risk harm to your gearbox. Thanks for sharing and watching

[@GarageGear]

@@DoneWaiting I’ll be doing a gearbox video soon.

[@TimBirke-qj8qk]

Hey JB I’m over in Cheektowaga lol. Been watching all your videos. Just got a new Ariens 28 delivered. I anti seized the axles, oiled it down , ran it changed the oil and tonight I just greased the auger. The right side spun just like this video. The left side not do much. Only went around twice or so . Should I be concerned

[@GarageGear]

Hey Tim! I wouldn’t be too concerned. Not the first time I’ve heard of this. Keep an eye on it. Might just be tight! Not sure without seeing it in person! Thanks for being a cool local fan! Go Bills!

[@northerntranquility1614]

Great video didn't know my snowblower had grease on the augers better get to it thanks for sharing Dale

[@GarageGear]

You got it Dale! Thanks for watching bud!

[@gordonolson1904]

Moving on to my next issue, the Problem I'm having is finding replacement zercs for this. I've checked about 3 or 4 places online but the part is no longer being made. Any suggestions here? I'm thinking about tapping new holes for replacement zercs that will fit.

[@GarageGear]

That may be the way to go. They also sell zerk kits with a variety of sizes on Amazon. Perhaps you could find your size in those?

[@cliffjohnson2273]

How do you fix the first gear speed, cutting it in half. How do you fix the problem of front of the blower climbing. How do you fix the difficulty of the not scraping the packed snow off the sidewalk, needing a shovel to loosen it?

[@GarageGear]

I think you need to add some weight to the top of your auger housing to help it press itself down.

[@billarenz2719]

Great video on snowblower maintenance, never considered spinning the augers like that after greasing them.!

[@GarageGear]

Hey Bill! That really helps work it around! Thanks for watching!

[@Halenrocks5150]

Dude! Absolutely love your enthusiasm, humor and very easy to follow video! I was able to do this job with no problem. Thank you and God bless!

[@GarageGear]

AWESOME Halen! Appreciate the positive feedback my friend! Good to know there are people out there that get my humor. Lol! Thanks for watching!

[@davidroyer8512]

I have a brandnew ariens snowblower, is it a wise idea to spray the wd40 in the shute as well as in and around the shaft. I have heard that this is a good idea, i am looking for answers.

[@GarageGear]

Yep it will creep into tight areas and help protect your machine. Thanks for watching!

[@almolloy5817]

The process is more effective if you leave the shear pins in for the first greasing until you see grease coming out the outer ends, then remove them. Less lube out the shear pin holes = more grease down the length of the auger shafts.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for watching!

[@xVoidCypher]

I replaced the auger housing gear oil last year. I grease the auger every year, but I was wondering...How often should the auger housing gear oil be replaced? How many seasons/hours of use should it get? It probable takes me about 30mins-1 hour to clear the yard after a storm.

[@GarageGear]

You’re probably good replacing it every couple of seasons. Checking the level once a year is a good idea though! 👍

[@richfrommontreald.3869]

Thank you very much my friend Im not a mechanic guy And you helping me a lot I appreciated Richard from Montreal 👍

[@GarageGear]

ROCK ON Richard! Thanks for being a cool fan!

[@GNX157]

I didn’t see it noted, but on his version of Ariens, it uses the newer design cast iron gearbox, and that uses stub shaft auger driveshafts. They only extend out of the gearbox a few inches, and that’s why there is only one zerk fitting on each side. The rest is hollow until out near the end where the outer supports are. On older Ariens (aluminum gearcase) and maybe other brands, the shaft is full length out to the end, and has two zerk fittings per side. It is this older model where greasing is even more important, as the whole shaft is susceptible to rust and seizing, as well as the aluminum gearcase design being weaker. On the older Aluminum gearcase, it is also important to check and top off the case lube using a good synthetic every season start , or it will fail. I park mine in the same spot and watch for any seepage during the season. This older gearcase has also been superseded by an updated part that has a cast iron case, should the original need replacing.

[@GarageGear]

Lots of good tips here! Thanks for sharing!

[@chrisssmallengines7163]

You do as good a job as I do , in my books that's good . But I would also grease the gearbox as well .Great video .

[@GarageGear]

Hey Chris, that will be a separate video down the road. This video was just about the auger shafts. Nonetheless still important to do that too! Thanks for watching my friend!

[@JuanLopez-wy2oz]

SG-1 /Thank you for your value in knowledge .Always watch your Ariens snowblowers lubricates + greasing , belts and parts programs etc. But I was watching your how to grease the auger?? My Ariens is in good shape besides the years on it.I give it maintenance .But I have a Ariens ST927LE can you help me, were can I grease the Auger rod it has no grease fittings. Please Help. Thank you .

[@JuanLopez-wy2oz]

please reply ??

[@GarageGear]

Hey Juan! In the past when I had a snowblower without grease fittings I would take a can of fluid film with a this red straw and slide it in from each side of the auger shaft. I shoot it inside until it came dripping out the other end. Fluid film lubricates and protects and is easy enough to get inside. Just do you best to flex the straw to get it in. If you did that once a season you should be fine. I would recommend putting a piece of cardboard underneath it because it will most likely drip for a while. Thanks for watching!

[@patrickrivard4030]

Isn't greasing the auger shaft a bit pointless? The auger is fixed to the shaft with the shear pin. Only time that the auger spins on the shaft is when the shear pin or bolt breaks. The shaft runs on the bearings on the ends. Wouldn't servicing the gear case oil and the bearings at the end of the shaft make more sense? I'm all about preventative maintenance that actually does something of benefit.

[@GarageGear]

That’s a good question. If you break a shear pin you want the auger to spin freely. If it’s seized to the shaft you could damage your gear box if you hit something. Thanks for watching!

[@jaxturner7288]

Lol. Do you want your shear pins to be able to function and save your more expensive components? Or do you want your shear pins to be pointless and provide no protection?

[@GarageGear]

@@jaxturner7288 the grease zerks are put there for a reason. Best to grease them!

[@gzmz1993]

@@GarageGear My auger has no grease zerks

[@GarageGear]

@@gzmz1993 some models may not have them. You could use fluid film with a spray straw and stick it in the shear pin holes between the shaft and auger tube to lubricate it!

[@frankhoward7645]

Had my Honda HS55W since I purchased it new in 1984. For the first 20 years, I took care of 3 driveways. Since then, only my own. I've never greased the auger shafts and that's why I'm asking why I should. I mean, if the inner and outer shafts rust together, so what? The machine will still clear snow just fine. Please enlighten me.

[@GarageGear]

Hey Frank! The augers are meant to spin freely once the shear pins break if something were to get stuck. This prevents damage to your gearbox. If the augers were seized to the shaft you risk damage to your gearbox. Grease prevents them from sticking. Thanks for watching.

[@frankhoward7645]

@@GarageGear Consider me enlightened.

[@GarageGear]

@@frankhoward7645 knowledge is power! And now you have it!

[@slange]

Great video. Hopefully all your maintenance tips work out in todays snow storm. Realized last night right tire wasn’t holding air. Gotta handle that first!

[@GarageGear]

Thanks Slang! Good luck with your storm and your tire! You just gave me an idea for a future video! 👍

[@angelomendola7464]

JB, I greased the auger shaft in my Ariens since I didn't at the end of last season per your video I noticed one side the auger doesn't spin as freely as the other side. I have repeated the process a few times and got a lot of the old grease out, but it doesn't seem to have helped. Is this symptom of something wrong with the auger?

[@GarageGear]

Hey Angelo, just we’re clear here the shear pins are out correct?

[@angelomendola7464]

@@GarageGear Yes of course. When I mean spin with my hands like you did in the video

[@GarageGear]

@@angelomendola7464 ok I don’t think you have a major problem here I would just grease them heavily and keep an eye on them.

[@angelomendola7464]

@@GarageGear Thanks JB. I did put a good amount of grease.

[@csimet]

All add to your excellent how-to... if you have the ability to do so, remove the gearbox cover (between the augers) and inspect that too. Sometimes applying grease to the augers does not make its way into the gearbox and there may be a o-rings involved keeping it from doing so.

[@GarageGear]

The gearbox is coming up soon! Thanks for suggesting it though! Thanks for watching csimet! 👍

[@mtcman42]

I don't believe that there is any direct path from the augers to the gear box, so over greasing one or the other will not help.

[@GarageGear]

@@mtcman42 thanks for sharing mtc!

[@RSole9999]

The gearbox uses heavy weight gear oil, not grease.

[@Coffeeology]

Hey dude! I'm fixing to have my 1st winter in Western NY where I'll be the one dealing with the snow. I had not idea how to do any maintenance on a snow blower. Thank you for this!

[@GarageGear]

You got it my friend! Plenty here to help you maintain your machine! Welcome to the tribe! Go Bills!

[@tomvarano3283]

Great video. I did not know or think about spinning the auger backwards. Awesome tip. I also like the grease gun in a tote. Didn’t think of that one also. Take care.

[@GarageGear]

Hey Tom! I’ve had that grease gun forever. It always seems to leak a little no matter what I do. So it stays in a tote to avoid any issues. Thanks for watching and glad to hear you picked up something new!

[@tomvarano3283]

I have the same one and it also leaks just enough to make a mess in the drawer. I wager a tote. What happens is I use it clean it up put it away and forget about it. Then when I use it. Gain, dag nabbit I have a slight layer of grease on everything. Than in s again

[@GarageGear]

@@tomvarano3283 after I redid the garage I decided to tote it! Saves the mess

[@cwsosby]

Good info. Never thought about removing the shear pins and rotating the augers. Thanks

[@GarageGear]

Yep gets grease way in there! Thanks for watching Fire!

[@sonicboomin]

You should do a video on adding and checking the grease or oil in the gearbox.

[@GarageGear]

Got that one planned for down the road! Thanks for suggesting it though! 👍 thanks for watching savage!

[@Alaska610ish]

That’s was awesome! Thank you, I never knew about this. Glad you popped up!

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for watching Tom!

[@williamtolli1450]

also show how to remove the wheels and anti seize the axles if you get a flat tire you'll be glad you did

[@GarageGear]

Good idea! I I did do this in my video titled, “SUMMERIZE your snowblower” but I suppose a stand along video would be worth doing! Thanks for watching!

[@markfurchtenicht8274]

Nice demonstration. Thank you for that👍

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for checking out the channel, Mark. You got it!

[@goaheadmakeourdayscooterpe9644]

Actually drilled and tapped for grease fittings the end housing bushing covers, my two are 20 and 25+years old so I guess it helped along with the Mobil 1 oil changes.

[@GarageGear]

Good thinking my friend! I like where your head is at! 👍

[@byronwoolfrey1039]

Now that would be a video that teaches something.

[@GarageGear]

@@byronwoolfrey1039 could be one down the road!

[@mythoughts.....4787]

Very much .... Please do !!! @@GarageGear

[@thomasrapp618]

I just picked up an ariens snowblower, I'm addicted to your videos now. 😂

[@GarageGear]

ROCK ON Thomas! 👍👍

[@markjpozorski9703]

Is it INTENSIONAL that you position the augers in OPPOSITE POSITIONS before inserting shear pins? Does it matter?

[@GarageGear]

Good question. I don’t think it really matters. They’re really just gonna mash up all the snow anyways. If you want to line them up you can. Thanks for watching!

[@alexg7730]

Hello- could the grease freeze if the temperature drops to -18F degrees?

[@GarageGear]

Great question Alex! It’s never been a problem for me and we always have weeks every winter with those temps! Thanks for watching!

[@orviskid]

Why grease that shaft, the auger doesn’t rotate around the shaft they all rotate together because of the shear pins.

[@GarageGear]

Good point but why does it come with grease fittings? Got to keep those shafts lubricated so the augers don’t seize. Thanks for watching!

[@luptonpittman6520]

It’s designed to rotate around the shaft when the sheer pin breaks. If the auger is fused to the shaft, you’ll be doing some damage when that shear pin breaks

[@GarageGear]

@@luptonpittman6520 thanks for sharing Lupton!

[@davebennett8239]

Dude .. are you in New England ?!?!? I'd LOVE to buy you a beer, drink, coffee!!! My 7yr old Ariens Deluxe 28 ("Edward" .. long story) began struggling with light snow month or so ago, so of course i searched the interwebs ...found this video and the other about adjusting the tension on the belts (also from you) and bought the necessary suggested items you shared links to ..did the work last night (hours ahead of a huge storm) and ....... im just coming from a few hours of snow blowing some heavy f'in snow. Not only did i not have to clear the chute once, Edward worked through it all without a single issue and throwing further than it has in years !!! Thank you isnt enough ... but for now, that whats i got ..............

[@GarageGear]

Hey Dave! Hahaha ROCK ON my friend! Glad to hear that you found my videos helpful! Sounds like you gave some new life to your machine. Little adjustments here and there can go a long way! Thanks for being a cool fan of the channel! 👍

[@tomd1532]

LOVE YOUR VIDEOS! So very complete and sooo ENTERTAINING...... Seriously, you cover everything and appreciate your suggestions for name brand products. CAN'T WAIT UNTIL YOU START MAKING VIDEOS ON CAR, REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE!! Excellent job, Thank you.

[@GarageGear]

Appreciate you Tom! Thanks for being a cool fan!

[@lsatenstein]

Today on youtube, another presentation appeared in my "home" setting. It was about another snowblower treating his blower to make it more durable and performing. In lieu of silicon spray, he is using PAM. the baking spray. Does the pam do the job at lower cost? Another thing he has done is to order a ceramic coating product to coat the bucket, auger, and chute area. It is a wipe-on, wipe-off. The analogy is the rain or other that lands on the car hood, and just rolls off. He spent about $20 for this coating, and seemed to be satisfied that it works. Pam is of interest to me. I can also use it on the frypan when I make eggs. Regards

[@mtcman42]

I went with the ceramic spray and am happy with it. I did two coats about a day apart and so far it's working quite well. Pam tends to come off fairly quickly.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing this info as always Leslie!

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for letting us know the difference! Appreciate it! 👍

[@diverbob33]

Wanted to say thanks for a great instructional video that is clear and to the point! I just got done doing this while enjoying what could be the last 45 degree F day we have left in da UP of MI. Had some lithium grease left from a few years ago so I used that, and both augers really needed some attention. Following your procedure, they were spinning much more freely at the end. BTW, my local hardware store only had Red & Tacky grease in the spray can version but I will get my hands on some of this stuff for my grease gun to be sure. Thanks again man!

[@GarageGear]

Awesome Bob! Your snowblower thanks you! You’ll be set for a while! Thanks for watching! 👍

[@MRNOBODY023]

I added 2 more grease fittings on mine. also important to do the wheels,

[@GarageGear]

Good thinking! I like where your head it at! 👍👍👍

[@desiderious1]

Question, I have a Toto Power Max 824 OE which has no grease fittings or shear pins for the augers. How do I lubricate them? Thank you for your help and informative, how-to videos.

[@GarageGear]

Hey John here’s what I did in the past on a model with a similar set up! HOW TO GREASE SNOWBLOWER AUGERS WITHOUT ZERKS kzbin.info/www/bejne/sIamlK2Nm6qkpMU

[@jimstraightshooter163]

Never knew about this and I've lived in snow country my whole life. 100+ inches per year. Thanks

[@GarageGear]

Now ya know Jim! Have fun greasing them! Thanks for watching!

[@tomfields3682]

WNY?

[@zahedaminullah6934]

Great vid! Well explained

[@GarageGear]

You Rock Zahed! 👍

[@Hot80s]

I’m enjoying your videos. You’re like the duff man of snowblower maintenance!

[@GarageGear]

I try my friend! Thanks for being a cool fan of the channel!

[@gleningvalson3742]

I'm not a snow blower mechanic. I'm a heavy truck mechanic. So I have some experience. I have to ask you why you neccessarily need to lube them to the point of rotating freely? After all, as soon as you install the shear pin, the shaft is now locked to the augers. Correct? My point is they don't need to be lubed that much. Maybe just do a one time take the augers out and apply never seize to the shaft and you should be good for the life of the unit. The shear pins should still do their job. So long as the shaft and the augers don't weld themselves together it should be okay. Perhaps remove the shear pins occasionally to make sure. Just seems like over kill with all the lubing. I live in Minnesota, my 20 year old snow blower augers still spin on the shaft and I have never ever lubed them. What do you think?

[@GarageGear]

Hey Glen removing the entire auger assembly on these is very time consuming. They are not easily removed. Greasing these is the way to go. 👍

[@gleningvalson3742]

I think it is simpler than you think! @@GarageGear

[@vixena7321]

Just for ppl who dont know, if your zerk leaks like that you can replace it super easily. Just a socket and it comes right out. Screw in the new one and your done. Pennies. Also, do yourself a favor and get the locknlube connector for the end of your grease gun. Its a life saver.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing Vix!

[@dankotanko6896]

Thanks for all the videos and great maintenance advice!

[@GarageGear]

You got it Dan! Thanks for being a cool fan of the channel! 👍

[@RSole9999]

Removing the shear bolts gives the grease a path of least resistance and it just comes out the holes. I loosen the shear bolts, pump in grease, wait a few seconds for the grease to flow down the shafts, then remove the shear bolts and spin the augers, re-install the bolts loosely and repeat the process. An even better method is to remove the bolts, put a hose clamp over the bolts holes to block them so that you can pump grease, spin, pump, spin, and none comes out the shear pin bolt holes. This second method, other than dismantling the augers, is the best way to ensure grease gets to the outer ends.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing sole!

[@aresathena2007]

I had your video show up in my recommendations. So while I’m watching your very informative and engaging video my wife’s mind is obviously rolling in filth. She’s snort/laughing and she’s blushing. I’ve gotta rewatch this without the laugh track. Thanks for the information and keep up the good work.

[@GarageGear]

Haha give it another watch aresathena! Lol thanks for the positive feedback! 👍

[@johnnym6062]

My auger shaft does not look like that. I have a '90's Toro 824 and the "shaft" is inside a large "tube". I can see the bolt heads of the shear pins down inside, but I can't find any grease nipples. If you can find a Toro like that, would you be able to explain how to grease it? I also live in Lancaster!

[@GarageGear]

ROCK ON Johnny! You’re super close! If I come across one definitely will do! Thanks for watching neighbor! 👍

[@naedathoms3311]

Great video. I have never done that but will start now. Thanks. One tip i will add is that snowblower manufacturers recommend ear protection when running the machine. Helps reduce the chance of healing loss and hearing aid purchases in old age.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing my friend

[@programmingchicago]

What about the gears in the gear box? Should we do that as well? Just wondering. Thanks for the great video.

[@GarageGear]

I’ll be doing that in a separate video. Thanks for watching! You can do it, but I’ll do it in another video.

[@programmingchicago]

Great. I have seen a guy in Canada do it, and it looks pretty easy. I know there are places on the snowblowers you should use that dielectric grease??? But I don't remember where it should go. Spark plugs for sure, which I did, but I could have sworn I seen one once that did it in the handles as well. Not sure though.

[@michaelvachon1334]

Very thorough!

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for the positive feedback Michael !

[@wholespeed]

Great video! Always wondered what the guy looked like who does the voice for the monster truck promotional commercials. Very cool!

[@GarageGear]

Hahahahaha yep ya caught me lol! Thanks for watching!

[@l337pwnage]

Those newer machines just have little stub shafts, unless you get the commercial version, so they don't need as much grease. Mine's getting older so I'm thinking of adding zirks to all the bushings, as the factory grease has got to be pretty well gone by now. I miss my even older ones as that were made when they still used ball bearings.

[@GarageGear]

Adding zerks is not a bad idea! Thanks for being a cool fan pwnage!

[@darrenlind3088]

Thanks 🙏🏿 this is helping me a lot

[@GarageGear]

Rock on Darren! Thanks for watching

[@billconserva1461]

Ronco is looking for a new "pitchman", I vote for you !

[@GarageGear]

Hahaha I appreciate your vote! Thanks for watching!

[@michaelquigley1411]

You're the most likable snowblower maniac I've seen yet. I'm in.

[@GarageGear]

Hahaha glad you’re a fan of the channel Michael! Thanks for watching!

[@traceymcelrea9631]

Since the auger spins with the shaft and not on the shaft, why the excessive grease like it's spinning on the shaft? To then demonstrate smooth operation after the greasing when the greasing had nothing to do with smooth operation was pretty funny. I can see how greasing would make disassembly easier and shear pin shearing but even having to disassemble is only a remote possibility and we need not be so excessive with the grease. I am only objecting to the idea that greasing the shaft itself under the augers contributes to a smoother operating snowblower. I am a big fan, this surprised me and I think being clearly accurate would be the better choice. Not meant to offend anyone. Excellent channel, thanks for your help.

[@GarageGear]

Hey Tracey! The augers are meant to spin freely once the shear pins break if something were to get stuck. This prevents damage to your gearbox. If the augers were seized to the shaft you risk damage to your gearbox. Grease prevents them from sticking. Thanks for watching.👍

[@anthonymacneil2279]

Great video, but what about the ones without fittings? I have a 3X that doesn't. Cheers

[@GarageGear]

Hey Anthony try this HOW TO GREASE SNOWBLOWER AUGERS WITHOUT ZERKS kzbin.info/www/bejne/sIamlK2Nm6qkpMU thanks for watching!

[@anthonymacneil2279]

@@GarageGear Thank you for fast response

[@adriantomlin2902]

Excellent tips and info sir. Thanks.

[@GarageGear]

You got it bud!👍

[@jeffmilroy9345]

I have MTD one auger is seized and pb blaster aint getting it. Also zerk fittings are long since gone since tube is so thin (not enough material for zerk threads). Has anyone done an aftermarket video on welding on decent size zerk fitting collar over existing hole in tube? I guess I could operate without the shear pin in the seized auger - same break loose force? Does not matter anyway - if the auger jams and the steel worm gear eats the brass drive gear - then its recycle time anyway. (the brass drive gear, packing grease, and gasket is not that expensive but the auger would still be seized and labor is way too much). Bottom line is its way worth it to lube the augers.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing this Jeff!

[@Monty-bi6mf]

New Toro blowers no longer have shear pins. Is a few pumps on the grease fittings good enough ?

[@GarageGear]

Hey Rz5! A few pumps should be good enough! I’ll also be doing a video on no zerks really soon! Stay tuned my friend!

[@vic5885]

Do I do this to my new machine, or should I wait?

[@GarageGear]

Vic - I would do it to your new machine. Chances are it wasn’t done. Let me know how it goes.

[@cwinegarden6426]

Thanks!

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for watching

[@WoodstockG54]

The Toro super max doesn’t have any grease nips or sheer pins. ? What should I do?

[@GarageGear]

@@WoodstockG54 hey Woodstock! This video shows what to do HOW TO GREASE SNOWBLOWER AUGERS WITHOUT ZERKS kzbin.info/www/bejne/sIamlK2Nm6qkpMU

[@WoodstockG54]

@@GarageGear Thanks. Went for a walk with the mutt yesterday and the snow was 3/4 way down the mountain, yikes!

[@GarageGear]

@@WoodstockG54 it’s on its way

[@WoodstockG54]

@@GarageGear This is not an effective method on the Toro Power Max HD 1232 OHXE.

[@GarageGear]

@@WoodstockG54 guess you’ll have to take them apart, grease them and put them back together. Toro cheaped out and didn’t put grease fittings on them.

[@davidmccurley4306]

When 70's AM radio comes back I found the voice for it ...

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for watching

[@johnnywishbone932]

Thanks! I learned something new today ☺️

[@GarageGear]

Knowledge is power my friend! Thanks for watching!

[@felix.8891]

Thank you I think you’re one of the best with the information you provide. I have taken your advice.

[@GarageGear]

ROCK ON Felix! Thanks for being a cool fan of the channel! 👍

[@9455mike]

My old craftsman don’t have Grease fittings any Suggestions

[@GarageGear]

Hey Michael, you could try spraying fluid film with a thin stay in the shear pin holes between the augers and the shaft. Try spraying at the ends too if possible. Use the straw to get in there. Let me know if this works for you.

[@woofman4796]

what about using that red grease to grease my trailer tires/bearings ?? my trailers have rubber caps that pop out to expose the grease zirk on the end of the hub , is this red grease high temp ?? bearings can get pretty hot as you know

[@GarageGear]

That grease should work but they may have another high temp version. thanks for watching

[@woofman4796]

@@GarageGear i already have a tube of high temp in my grease gun already , i was just curious because i like lucas products , thank-you though , your driveway don't look that big , and you use a snow blower ? i live in west central florida , i grew up in north central maine , we had a gravel driveway , 4 times as long as your and twice as wide , we shoveled ours , you ever hit a rock with a shovel , a rock that is frozen to the ground ? talk about sudden stops

[@GarageGear]

@@woofman4796 oh ok! I have a standard 4 car driveway with a skirt at the bottom and a really long corner sidewalk. 👍

[@woofman4796]

@@GarageGear I grew up on 400 acres and no neighbors, we have neighbors here, Florida is growing fast

[@GarageGear]

@@woofman4796 thanks for sharing

[@RETSAMTV34]

winter almost done here in southeast SK 🍁, thank you so much for sharing these tips! keep spreading the vibe!

[@GarageGear]

We got about 2 months to go here Rets! Will do my friend! Thanks for being a cool fan!

[@rmar7081]

Awesome video!! Thank you.

[@GarageGear]

You got it R! Thanks for watching!