Fixing A Snowblower That Won't Move By Replacing The Friction Wheel

Fixing A Snowblower That Won't Move By Replacing The Friction Wheel
If your snowblower isn't moving and the wheels won't turn you probably need to replace the friction wheel. In this step by step video I show you exactly how to do this!
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Easy to follow and thorough step by step tutorials do it yourself (DIY) videos to help you with your broken lawn and garden equipment including snowblowers and zero turn mowers.
I do my best to teach you how to easily diagnose problems the fastest, quickest and most efficient way with real repairs beyond just replacing a spark plug. These tips are for both the homeowner and shop owner.
Whether it be a handheld, two stroke, two cycle engine like a chainsaw, weed eater, weed wacker, string trimmer, grass trimmer, line trimmer, hedge trimmer, strimmer, brush cutter, leaf blower, or four stroke, four cycle units like a lawnmower, wood splitter, lawn tractor, zero turn mower, snowblower, pressure washer, generator or a ride on mower that needs parts installed or replaced, I’m your go-to guy.
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I’ve been a small engine mechanic for many decades and also run my own repair shop so my videos are loaded with tips and tricks that I have learned and want to share with you. You will also find many tool and product reviews from top brands on my channel as well.
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Due to factors beyond the control of DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor”, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor” assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor” recommends safe practices when working with power tools, hand tools, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor”, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor".
#snowblower #donyboy73

[@baseball4697]

Don. Just have to say thank you for all your great videos. I’ve been watching for a number of years now. What makes your channel so great is the detailed, specific, easy to understand directions in a logical and sequential order. I’m just a homeowner, and while I don’t usually have the same equipment you show, you’ve given me enough general knowledge on small engine repair and therefore the confidence to work on basic problems with my equipment…and if I feel it’s beyond my ability, at least I have an understanding of most issues and the terminology that goes along with those to discuss it with a mechanic. Very much appreciate you.

[@donyboy73]

thanks buddy

[@dtom1145]

I really appreciate the fact you are willing to share your knowledge! Not everyone will undertake some of the jobs but having the knowledge helps people understand their machine and to hopefully not get taken when having it serviced by someone else. For me, I always do as much as I can on all my machines because I enjoy the work, it is satisfying and saves me money. I doubt you will go out of business by educating people so thanks for all the work you put into the videos. Keep them coming!

[@waynestefinashen239]

Likely the easiest snowblower around for changing the friction wheel, many of the others are way more difficult and time consuming especially if the tires are seized. Looking forward to your next video the OLD MAN over and out!

[@frankcastle5294]

Your blower vids are the absolute best, Don. Can't thank you enough for this one as I'm going to replace the drive rubber on my MTD this summer.

[@siropderable1]

Merci Don, Another great video. Your videos are efficient and easy to understand, thanks for always providing the part numbers.

[@donrobinson2156]

i don't do snowblowers here in southern california, and yet i watch all your videos... because 1. your presentation style is so xlnt, and 2. i seem to learn something that helps my "general mechanicking" in every one. i mostly work on garden tractors and only as a hobby. thanks for showing how to approach fixits AND general maintenance!

[@karlschwab6437]

As I look for information on getting an old John Deere TRS26 snowblower back in operation, I am finding that your videos on these various snowblowers and how they work, to be extremely useful! They can't be repaired if we don't know how they work. And your careful attention to all of the details, is what makes your videos so good! I would like to see a video specifically for the John Deere TRS26 snowblower and in particular, its drive belt linkage that drives the auger. Mine has a funny metal rod that has a nylon block attached to it, that somehow, guides this drive belt. Thanks for all you do.

[@michelpaulcote156]

Thanks. Din't plan to grease everything this year, just do a oil change, but you are sooo right. Back in my shop...your videos are the best.

[@brianbanks3044]

great job Don....it's all the little stuff you showed that will save trouble down the road...a little grease here, a little anti seize there, a little cleaning here....all points that make any future repairs way simpler.....I would even throw some grease in the fittings on the auger while I had it in the shop so that doesn't get stuck on the shaft...thanks

[@chrisrichard8194]

Thanks for another great video. I enjoy working on my own equipment. With all your tips and tricks it makes working on these more enjoyable. Thanks again

[@XenaTheQuadCamBikah]

I service snowblowers here in New England and I find that so many places selling new blowers don’t put any grease/anti seize on the wheel axles when they assemble them. Also people who brag about never having had their machine serviced after ten years usually end up with the headache of paying to have seized wheels removed when the tire gets a flat. Love your videos Dony, long time subscriber! ✌️

[@donyboy73]

yes i've noticed that too, wheels seize in 2 years here with salt

[@JW-rq1ik]

Your snow blower repair videos are excellent. Thank you.

[@joepace33]

As usual, excellent instructional video. Concise, to the point, but nothing left out. My go to channel for small engine repairs. Thank you sir.

[@donyboy73]

have a good weekend Joe!

[@TheStihl211]

Greatest explanation on that fix, anyone could it do with this video! Thank you Don!!

[@jhoody2000]

Thanks! I followed this guide today and replaced my Friction wheel. All your videos and tutorials have given me the confidence to tune up an old MTD/Mastercraft Snowblower that was given to me. Looking forward to more MTD Snowblower videos in the future.

[@donyboy73]

Thank you for your support!

[@josephrich6014]

Another super helpful vid on how to keep the equipment working and working well into the future. Thanks.

[@bellowsjeep3999]

I just replaced the friction wheel on my Ariens 1332 pro and I didn’t even have to remove the shaft. It was like a 3/4 shaft and I was able to just unbolt it and slide it off. Someone was really thinking when they designed that machine. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@robk5213]

Another great video! Always the perfect amount of detail. Thank you!

[@gardenjohn1]

Great video Don, When tipping machine up, You can take gas cap off and tightly put a plastic bag and install gas cap if you have alot of gas in tank.

[@HRDWRK]

Thanks Don, I repaired my cub cadet 726 tde with tracks today. Great info and very helpful.

[@robertwilliams6288]

Thank you Don for teaching us how to do this repair where alot of us would not know where to start you make it look so easy thank you for your time.

[@donyboy73]

You bet

[@ChuckD59]

Thanks Don. I'm just a lowly DIYer with a Cub Cadet 3x 30", but I have to say I think would've serviced or replaced the axle bearing while in there. I've pulled the seals off sealed bearings before and flushed and regreased them with great success. Thanks for all your videos. You're a great teacher.

[@MoeLarryTheCheese]

Great video, explained very clearly without the constant "go ahead and" every five words which makes me want to stick a fork in my eye. Nice job!

[@x21gokartracing]

Thank you for the tip, will be looking over my snow machine in the coming days

[@wf8933]

Great video with easy to follow instructions. Awesome job, thanks

[@thebradleysoncatbirdhill6849]

Great instructional video, Don! Thank you so much! 👍

[@ek8137]

Thank you Don. My cub’s wheels started to chatter and not turn consistently. Freaked me out so now I ordered a new ring. Appreciate the video on this. Wouldn’t be able to do it without you!

[@mikeseto6827]

Great how-to video! Just replaced my friction disc after watching your video. My blower was vibrating like crazy while running but the auger was fine when engaged. Turns out the rubber ring was worn down to the metal and there was metal shavings everywhere. Was given the 2003 Tecumseh snow blower from my bro in 2018 who never serviced it but thanks to your videos it has been running for 6 years now.

[@999thenewman]

Thank you for taking time to make another helpful video.

[@ltsnotspill6846]

Donyboy73, I love your videos. Thank you for what you do. Wish I could give this video 10 thumbs up. Exactly what I needed.

[@donyboy73]

thanks buddy

[@davidduvall4655]

I have to do this job on a 40 year old Roper snowblower. And believe me it won't be that easy. Roller chain drive etc. The belly pan on this beast is 3/16 steel. Enjoy you channel and learn a lot. Thanks have a great New year.

[@billstiles487]

I really enjoy this hobby. Some people like crossword puzzles etc. I like diagnosing engines. Thanks fo all of your guidance. I really appreciate your videos. Long time subscriber.

[@anaestereo810]

Thanks! I removed door mat late fall, first snow I made a snowblower pass....shudders and stalls..a door mat is stuck at the impeller, my wife had put it back w/o telling me. After removing the shredded pieces , the old Yard Machine won't go forward, took the last thread of rubber from the friction wheel, after that just free spinned....your video is all.i needed to fix it. Had to torch-heat the axel to remove the wheels...the antisieze is a great tip. Much detail, very well explained. 👌

[@djchopperd]

Nice video. It's exactly how I thought it would be. your video made me feel comfortable enough to do it myself

[@richardstrada212]

Another reason for subscribing. Great job and I learned a great deal.

[@JesusRodriguez-gy5eu]

Easier said than done, this guy I'm pretty sure he has been doing this a long time, and he makes it look easy.

[@donyboy73]

not the first one i do lol

[@henerker]

Thanks again for an excellent video, especially encouraging snowblower owners to “do it yourself at home”. I enjoyed watching this, especially the fine details of taking no shortcuts. Nice!

[@donyboy73]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@highqualityhomemaintenance7565]

@@donyboy73 I assume I need a new primer bulb. My symptoms are, 1- The bulb is rock hard while pushing. Could this be a clogged primer line? 2- The snowblower only runs on choke.

[@donyboy73]

@@highqualityhomemaintenance7565 primer line might be plugged or pinched. I would try a new line first. If it runs on choke you need to clean or replace the carb

[@highqualityhomemaintenance7565]

@@donyboy73 Got it. I figured it was going to be a simple job. I'll get to it.

[@highqualityhomemaintenance7565]

@@donyboy73 That was easy. Somehow the tip (where the hose/line connects) of the primer was clogged with a piece of debris. I removed it and voila. It runs perfectly.

[@danielrobert7181]

As always; clear, concise and complete instructions. Merci mon ami !

[@donyboy73]

bonne journée

[@richardaquino1640]

Thanks for all the great videos

[@cyberflow3391]

Love the video ! I'm a visual guy and it's easy to understand

[@paullemay3218]

Thank you for sharing this procedure. ❤️🇨🇦

[@scottfirman]

I told someone I could change one in my sleep and probably have. I worked 3rd shift at the Jr. High as a custodian and immediately after worked at a small engine shop. The owner taught me small engine repair as well as snowmobile repair. As I was not getting much sleep working 12-14 hours a day, I can say I probably did do a few of those in my sleep. Cleaning that friction plate is a BIG MUST. Many times, just cleaning that and the friction wheel will make the machine stop slipping, that and adjust the cable. As you state, after 5 years, it's a good bet that friction tire / wheel needs replaced.

[@patfitzgerald9287]

How do you clean that friction wheel and disc? Just dry paper towels? My machine drive is getting sluggish but the parts don't appear to be worn out?

[@knighthawk86855]

Awesome job as always, great to see ya

[@edinaldomanuel8329]

thanks to share this important information when duration of vortex wheatear come to town, I realize that my snow blower is very slow than before. Great video. Its Xmas time in Michigan, ill have launch and diving to my garage and find out the problem, big hug from a Canadian guy from GTA live in USA. Have a good holyday buddy.

[@georgesquiers6119]

I had that problem and I went to you first. Thank for the tips.

[@bushmaster2936]

Another great video, Donyboy !! Thank you. : )

[@supersoup5509]

Excellent video. Thanks!

[@rk22cc]

thanks, mine is getting close to needing replacement, now I can do it myself!

[@jamiecraswell9368]

Great advice!! Thank you!!

[@asadriaz2847]

Very helpful thank you

[@kenkee2011]

Really appreciate this video. Thanks!

[@jensenwilliam5434]

Thank you!!

[@chuckuu9294]

Fantastic job. Thank you very much. You made my job easier to do

[@kjell-richardlvdal373]

Very good info, i Will do this on my old snowblower, thanks again for Great stuff

[@donyboy73]

have a good weekend buddy!

[@arizflash]

Thanks for the video. My snow blower has trigger steering. The friction wheel replacement is different. I couldn't find a video for this in your list of videos. I'm hoping one comes into your shop and you can do a video.

[@Affordablebath_remodel]

nicely done video.

[@ericportschy1853]

Thank you...I learn So much.

[@andrewmantle7627]

Thanks Don.

[@garyclifton2180]

Not a tool we use in UK but very enjoyable to watch thanks

[@kman-mi7su]

This video is right on time! I have to pull out my Ariens snow blower and do some yearly preventative maintenance to it. I said I was going to do it back in the summer and never got to it. Its December and we haven't gotten any snow yet which is surprising. If I don't I can bet my left arm a snowstorm will hit and the thing won't start or run like crap just because. I got to find that video you have of the one that was running erratic the idle fluctuating, mine was doing that last year at the end of the season. BETTER GET MY AZZ IN GEAR! Do you still have that motorcycle you de-baffled a while back in a video? How's it running? I have a 2007 Yamaha Royal Star tour deluxe and its my distraction from that stuff, but hey I had a GREAT summer and fall riding! It was worth it!

[@mjg263]

Great tutorial! I have an ARIENS 8524, I wonder if the friction ring is similar or if the entire disc has to be replaced. I’ve never had any drive troubles but I don’t want to wait until the drive plate gets scored!

[@pashaghorashy9292]

Nice Video great detail.

[@markwray3905]

Good information. Thanks 👍

[@anthonygasparini1734]

Great video!

[@darenlausterer1214]

Best video i found so far 👍

[@leeedwards8859]

Thanks so much lots of great information. Do you have a video on or about replacing the friction plate?

[@joemcgeough1616]

Great videos!

[@AntonBuilds]

Great video as always.

[@jimtruex3143]

Do you have a video on the drive pulley that’s driving the the disk that the friction rubber disc runs up against? Love your videos very informative and helpful saved a lot of time getting to this point.

[@micheljauvin3536]

very well done

[@vanchuong8764]

good job thanks

[@troycummings5083]

That was awesome! Thanks

[@mikebadilla6970]

Thanks very much

[@PainterD54]

First thing I did after buying a used MTD blower was to remove the bottom cover (which was never removed before) the bolts were almost impossible to remove they were rusted on so bad. The rubber wheel was worn and had small pieces missing which confirmed the reason for it jerking when in gear. The rubber ring replacement is cheap ($8) so I ordered a couple so I'd have a spare on hand. The replacement is pretty easy if you know what you're doing. Just make sure the steel drive plate is clean and dry so the rubber wheel doesn't slip.

[@seanmcgillicuddy956]

Don A very nicely explained repair .. Thanks !

[@donyboy73]

Glad you liked it

[@effenfish661]

dang, my drive cable has been too tight since i bought it, now i know how to adjust it. thanks Don!

[@carlmiller1034]

Anti-seize for the win! Thanks for sharing Don!

[@donyboy73]

You got that right!

[@gbhrps]

THANK YOU!!!!

[@mauricegaudreau2073]

Hi Don, I have a 5 year old 24'' Yard Machine snowblower and I need your expert advice as to how to remove the weels. I don't know if they are seized or if they have lock pins that I can't see? Also, the machine works and turns perfectly on all the 6 forward gears but bearely moves in 2nd reverse and don't even budge in 1st reverse. Thanks for all your detailed videos.

[@marcmyers1465]

Excellent... 😎👍

[@jstylephotography]

Great video I need to look at mine the wheels do not turn when I squeeze the handle. It had a rubber burning smell then stopped turning.

[@mscir]

Beautiful work.

[@donyboy73]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@Michael-Homerepair76]

Awesome video, thank you for posting! Any specific video you can recommend to me to increase my throwing distance? I have a craftsman MTD 28 inch 9.5 hp, thanks again

[@BLKPNTR79]

Thx 👍👍

[@neilohanley8256]

Thank you! Anti-cease rules!

[@ksw501]

Great video, time to do the same service on my MTD machine. Any advice as to the best source for OEM parts? Thanks, Will

[@rightlanehog3151]

Thanks. We have a similar snowblower that is over 25 years old. At the start of the winter I give it a quick spray with a can of Krown Rustproofing. I would say it has about 2% of the rust seen on the one in this video.

[@donyboy73]

i spray mine with Krown as well

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@donyboy73 That is easy maintenance anyone can do!

[@SomeoneIsAlwaysMovingOnTheSurf]

Thanks, mine had some ice buildup on the metal plate wheel, damaged the former friction wheel by chipping at it.

[@cusomano76]

Don, thanks for the video. Question, is there any advantage to installing a whole new larger drive wheel assembly to an older snowblower that uses the smaller one?

[@Jamwcjconn]

Nice video

[@YardworkWithJohn]

I'll be doing this, this coming spring. But one question. If my blower has the larger ring, can I switch it, with the metal wheel too, to the smaller diameter one? Will the friction plate still be able to reach the smaller wheel and drive the machine? I ask because a smaller wheel should cause the wheels to spin faster in a given gear. And my machine is a tracked model with a very slow reverse. Painfully slow. I waste so much time backing my machine up. A smaller friction wheel would in theory boost my reverse speed, but it would also boost my forward speed which wouldn't be great in really deep snow.

[@michaelweatherhead9470]

Great video.

[@donyboy73]

Thanks!

[@patrickdaigneault4796]

Merci

[@mrerschroeder]

Hello, I have an older version of this MTD snow blower. I just did the predator engine replacement where you have to flip the transmission. Every is okay except the following. The revers high gear goes well and the low is so so, but the forward drive gears are a little off. for example 5th high gear is slow to go. I put it in 5th and it takes a while but slowly it gets up to speed. third seems to be the best gear... Im wondering what you think? Do you think it the friction ring?

[@bufford5483]

Great tutorial DonnyBoy. I have the same Toro machine. 12 years old and still kicking. Can you show us how to adjust the cable going that operates the plastic shute?

[@gasperajdnik5627]

Right on my friend 👍🔧🤝🔩

[@donyboy73]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@edwardcaissie1214]

Hi Don, I bought a new husqvarna 450 rancher yesterday the pull cord is extremely easy to pull, do you know if the pull starter is designed like that or is there some kind of auto decompressor, thanks in advance long time subscriber.

[@Peppermint1]

Modern Ariens friction discs are soft like chewing gum. Usually starts with slow reverse then loses completely the reverse. Also, for the wheel shaft SAND it off a little to increase the clearance between the shaft and the rim, just putting grease is not going to get it loose once the shaft starts surface oxidation (gets darker)

[@tihspidtherekciltilc5469]

Such a simple design compared to some I've worked on and not having the mouse nest option is nice too.

[@kenkee2011]

Mouse nest removal. Part of every pre season check. They sure do like that transmission space.

[@tihspidtherekciltilc5469]

@@kenkee2011 No doubt but it puts money in my pocket and I can help people that can't afford a new one get a machine cheap that I stand behind. I have 17 I'm working on now that were discarded for various easy to fix reasons.

[@giusepperomano1453]

Dony, is there anyway to vulcanize rubber onto the existing wheel like a tire retread? Any ideas? Because my old Gilson burns through these wheels. I have to replace every year.