How to install a auger drive belt Cub Cadet 524 snow thrower

Cub Cadet 524 Snow Thrower. How to install a auger drive belt and adjust on a cub cadet snow thrower.
www.Johnsonssmallengines.com for questions and business inquiries please use contact page on my web site.

[@patyorks8724]

Brad, What a GREAT instructional video, the best I've seen for a Club Cadet!!! Your detailed instructions, clear directions and handy hints are excellent! Thank you for sharing and posting your mechanical expertise. You're THE BEST!!! 👍

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Hi Pat, I’m glad you like the video and thank you so much for the kind comment. Please give this video a thumbs up to help my channel and tell a few friends. It would be greatly appreciated:)

[@mikeh934]

So I spent more time watching this video than it took me to repair my blower due to the clear, concise guidance and tips :) For me anyway, I almost blew through another belt after installing the new one. Turned out that after the last storm and using, a build-up of snow melted a bit and then froze over, causing the auger to be locked up frozen. My fault for not clearing out the chute after using but have had this for over 13 years and never had this issue in the past. Fortunately for me I saw the tip at the beginning of the video regarding the guide on the cover and mine too was worn smooth. I had ordered a new one but did not come as quickly as the belt. Such a great video where I am now a subscriber....Thanks!!!

[@mikeh934]

Just for clarification: I initially thought the belt blew out because of its age. It was not until I replaced it, started up the engine and engaged the auger that I saw smoke pouring out from the belt as the drive belt was turning but with the auger frozen and not turning, the new auger belt was on its way to being blown out as well. I realize the integrity of the belt is less now and will have to replace it sooner than I should but figure I will just order a back-up to have on-hand for the future. Thanks again!

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I’m glad you were able to figure it out and we all live and learn! Try using silicone spray in and around the augers and exhaust chute before using the machine to help with the snow sticking!! You do need to reapply every time out but it does help! Thank you for the nice words and thank you for subscribing!!

[@elpedrino01]

Just changed my belt based off of this quick video and it went very smoothly....thumbs up

[@user-kw8lz5jy5f]

Outstanding!!! Loved the multiple camera angles and detailed instructions. Off to the garage now confident that I got the knowledge now to do the job. Thanks again.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Thanks Rob, Glad to hear your tackling this product. Just remember, patience:). I’m glad this video was helpful and thank you for the kind comment. Please give this a like and tell your friends about my channel to help it grow. It would be greatly appreciated.

[@keithadams5611]

great video...perfectly explained that I can do this, easy but concise instructions that even I can do that...wonderful...keep these videos coming cause you are helping all of us mechanically declined nerds..awesome.....THANX

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Thanks Keith.

[@tommm369]

thanxs for this. I'll be doing this tomorrow morning. I have a cub cadet like this also. Right now the auger control is all the way on and nohting happens with the auger system. After watching this I'm thinking it's either the spring broke or the belt is trash. (when I first got blower i had to tighten the belt. I didn't use the adjuster on the back (didn't know about it), forgot what I did at the moment to be honest, but I know it was REALLY tight. think I wore it out. (thankfully it didn't die until I had finished the storm and was just cleaning up.) This video should be a great help. Thanks again!!

[@billlovett4256]

Good quick video. I like watching you work. Keep them coming. I hope to see some John Deere riding mowers in the spring if you get those in your area.

[@wollodge]

Thank you very much. I was just getting ready to buy a new snow thrower because my augers were not working well. I'll try the tension adjustment first and later try the belt replacement.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I hope this video will help you get going again. Let me know how you made out and what was the fix? Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@CYTVim]

OK, successfully changed belt today, with help of your amazing video. Thanks so much!

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Hi Calvin, I’m glad you were able to get your machine repaired with my help!! Thank you for watching, commenting and the kind comment. Please give this video a thumbs up, subscribe and tell your friends to help my channel grow. It would be greatly appreciated :)

[@daveshera4707]

Awesome video man. Gonna hope this makes my cub cadet throw snow more than 2 feet

[@durvalrebelo2624]

This guy is an inspiration. Great job

[@mrcyr5685]

THANK U VERY MUCH FOR THIS VIDEO... I believe I busted a belt or I hope its not major or costly like the drive or the gear box, The belt seems a little tricky but u explained it well so once I test out which one of the 3 things why my Auger and propel are not turning.. And im thinking its the belt, Then I thank u ahead and appreciate what u do to help others like me... Because I'll be most likely using this video to exchange the old for the new.. -Josh A. Cyr (From Maine)

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Thank you for watching and I hope you get everything straightened out! Make sure you have a properly adjusted belt and make sure you check your shear pins.

[@leosaucedo5263]

Great job illustrating and the detail!

[@Tholopotami]

Thanks for an in-depth video. I love it! I swapped out my 954-04195A belt with a Gates A27… night & day difference 🚀

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I’m glad all went good! Thank you for watching and the kind comment. Please give this video a like, subscribe and tell your friends to help my channel grow. It would be greatly appreciated!

[@GregHutton]

What's the difference with the Gates belt? Every replacement 04195A I get looks like it's too short. I can never just pop it on like the video and need to use pry bars to get the belt on.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Before you put the new belt on, you should back off all cable adjustments for the belt your installing so the belt will go on easier. Then re- adjust.

[@fanou101]

Thanks so much, you helped me with my problem! Didn't help that the auger pulley wheel was lose. Sure glad I spotted it, was probably the root cause of my issue.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I’m glad it was helpful! Yes, checking your shear pins is a must. Thank you for watching and the kind comment.

[@Amy_McFarland]

This was awesome! Getting ready to do this as soon as I get the new belt.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I’m glad it was helpful and I hope everything goes well when you get the belt! Thank you for the kind comment!

[@DIMITRIDK]

Very nice and informative. I wish I had watch this video before replacing the belt on my cab cadet three stage 3x HD. I split it in the middle then replace the belt.

[@naveedurrehman9393]

Yes just finished installing the belt. The last part is tricky when pulling the belt over the pulley. You just have to align it with the pulley grove and apply some force.

[@cgrscott]

Got it done. Thanks. There is a method to squeezing the new auger belt between the two large-pulley bolts and i figured out the method.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Good to hear!

[@deek49]

Video saved my butt. Thanks!!

[@AING099]

Thank you. This is by far the most concise and useful dyi video I've ever used.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Thanks! I'm glad it help you!

[@c3daldadband368]

Absolutely great instructions. Thank you!

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Your very welcome, I’m glad it was helpful. Thank you for the kind comment and for watching. Please give this video a thumbs up and tell your friends to help my channel grow. It would be greatly appreciated:)

[@glennmallette4260]

This is a great video, thanks for making it going to save me a lot of time.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Hi Glenn, I’m glad it was helpful. Please give this video a thumbs up, subscribe and tell your friends to help my channel grow. It would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for watching and commenting:)

[@kiddbrother3]

thank you for your help!! have a blessed day!! 🙏🙏🙏🙏!

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I’m glad it was helpful. Please give this video a thumbs up, and tell your friends to help my channel grow. It would be greatly appreciated. :)

[@danhunter8753]

Thank you very much this video was very useful for the repairs.🤠😁😇

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Hi Dan, I’m glad it was helpful. Please give the video a like and tell your friends about the channel to help it grow. It would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for watching.

[@crescentworks6855]

Awesome! Thanks for this, saved me a ton of money!

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I’m glad it was helpful and thank you for the kind comment. Please give this video a like and tell your friends about my channel to help it grow. It would be greatly appreciated!

[@crescentworks6855]

Hey Brad, question for you - cub cadet recommends taking off the whole front of the machine to replace the belt. Would that be another option? Seems like a ton of work.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I have tried it both ways but for me it is easier to perform while the machine is together. I found it to be quicker too. I would suggest trying it each way. Its personal preference and it may be the easiest way that Cub Cadet found to perform replacing the belt.

[@seamasrigh2162]

Man, this is sooooo helpful. Thanks

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I’m glad it was helpful and thank you for the kind comment. Please give this video a like and tell your friends about my channel to help it grow. It would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for watching :)

[@CYTVim]

Excellent camera work!

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Thank you. I’m glad it was helpful.

[@carsonlasalle1020]

Thanks, fantastic video

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I’m glad it was helpful and thank you for the kind comment. Please give this a like and tell your friends about my channel to help it grow! It would be greatly appreciated!

[@xhwl]

Great video. Thought my belt was running a little weird and opened up the bottom pan to discover the belt guide bolt was no longer there. Do you happen to have that part number?

[@chadjewell5786]

Very well explained!

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I’m glad it was helpful!

[@sandeepchopra3986]

thank you so much for this.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I’m glad it was helpful. Thank you for commenting. Please give this video a thumbs up, subscribe and tell your friends to help my channel grow. It would be greatly appreciated:)

[@riffafrank]

Thank you man

[@josephmcardle9637]

Hi Brad. Thank you for this excellent video on the 2C model Cub Cadet snow blower! I need to replace the auger drive belt of my Cub Cadet 3X 30 inch snow blower. Do you have a similar quality video for this model? Thanks Keep up the good work

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I do not.

[@mikdav6734]

To the point without a long conversation. Some people like hearing them self’s way to much.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Thanks Mik!

[@davidrayle3140]

Great video! I have the Craftsman version of this blower. When I adjust the belt similar to what you did the belt randomly grabs the pulley after I let go of the engagement lever for about 15-30 seconds and then eventually allows the drive pulley to freewheel without grabbing. I can't seem to find the sweet spot where the drive pulley can freewheel under the belt when its not under tension and having a enough tension to drive the auger with a load of snow when I press down the handle. Is my belt stretched? I live near St. Louis and we don't' get much snow so the blower doesn't have a lot of hours on it, but it is about 11 years old.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Yes, your belt is stretched and if you purchase a OEM “original equipment Manufacturer “ belt and install it, that should take care of the issue. **Tip** after you install a new belt. Spay silicone in and around the augers and up in the exhaust chute to help the snow from sticking. It will also help the belt from stretching. You must apply every time you start using the machine as it does wear off but it really helps the snow from sticking :) thanks for watching.

[@davidrayle3140]

@@JohnsonsSmallEngines thanks I really appreciate it!

[@karlwerner4355]

Hi. The video is great and it was easy to replace the belt. Unfortunately my auger just spins slowly when the handle is engaged. Do you know what I can check next? I’m hoping it doesn’t need a new gearbox. Thanks so much!

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Hard to diagnose without seeing machine. Check all shear pins. Make sure the large pulley on that turns the auger hasn’t sheared its key and is spinning on shaft only.

[@karlwerner4355]

All good now, thanks again!

[@mikdav6734]

Good video

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I'm glad it was helpful!

[@mikdav6734]

today I changed the belt watching your video. piece of cake.

[@stevechiquoine1857]

thanks for the great video....alas, I still have a problem! My OEM replacement cub drive belt is on, has some play in it (although it sure went on the drive pulley hard!) and the idler adjustment is at almost its loosest (although moving it doesnt change much!). Unfortunately, my auger turns without even touching the engagement handle.....I have checked to be sure the belt isnt hung up on something like the brake with no apparent issues. If I didnt know that the belt I got had the right part number and came from cub I'd think the belt might just be a click short. Any ideas would be appreciated...Also, in the beginning of your video you discuss the belt cover having a guyide built into it. I assume that other than safety considerations running this unit with and without the belt cover should have no impact on this slippage problem!?!

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

You may just need to put the cover on to make the belt stop turning the augers as the belt guard does play a role in keeping the belt in the correct place. Or you may need to unadjusted the tension on the adjustment.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I just saw that you did say the adjustment was at its least setting. See if you can possibly slide the idler pulley back. Some you could and some you could not. I know you said the belt is correct but I would double check that? Doesn’t happen very often that you get the incorrect belt but maybe you did? That should be all that’s left.

[@stevechiquoine1857]

@@JohnsonsSmallEngines thanks for your helpful and very fast responses...I wonder whether it may just be some residual friction with the new belt as it seems loose enough. We have some snow coming sunday and I will see what happens under load. I will report back! Have a great holiday!

[@dongifford5913]

I replaced my belt and the auger is moving even after I adjusted the cable. Could it just be a tight belt and will stretch over time?

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Take out some of the adjustment, you may have adjusted to tight. The auger should not spin when the handle is not pressed down

[@markfassbinder4342]

best ever

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Thank you, I hope all worked out for you! thank you for watching!

[@bmanh2355]

doesn't the cable adjust under the control deck @ top of snow blower?

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Some adjustments are different depending on the year the machine was made.

[@spectqlr]

Hey there... Just changed the auger belt on our club cadet and with it disengaged it seems loose. When we engage the auger handle it spins the blades. Should all the belts be spinning at the same time when auger is not engaged? You think I have to adjust the idler pulley? Long story short should the auger belt be tight when disengaged? Thank you Mike

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

The auger belt should be loose when the auger handle is up and the augers should not rotate until the auger handle is depressed. The transmission drive belt will always be turning when the engine is running. It sounds like you have it properly installed. The augers should never turn when the auger handle is in the up/off position. If you like the video please give it a thumbs up, subscribe and tell your friends about my channel to help it grow. It would be greatly appreciated.

[@spectqlr]

@@JohnsonsSmallEngines The shaft all turns for the belts so the belt for the auger should turn also? Or not turn untill the auger is engaged.

[@bumpnscore]

Hey, thanks for this video! I had to replace my auger belt on my 3X Cub Cadet but not sure if I messed something up because now auger blades engage once I start it up. Tried adjusting auger cables and still stays engaged. Belt seems a bit loose but tightens when I squeeze handle…but yeah I can’t get the auger drive to disengage and only engage when squeezing handle as normal…

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Make sure you have all adjustments out as far as they will go including the flat idler pulley. You may also have the incorrect belt? Did you buy a Genuine Cub Cadet/MTD belt? What is the model number off of the sticker on the machine? If you can give me the numbers, I will look up the correct belt for you so we can determine if that is the correct belt.

[@bumpnscore]

Thanks for the reply! Yes I ordered thru Home Depot an OEM Cub Cadet replacement auger belt #954-04195 (my plow says “A” on the end, on the replacement parts sticker, but no such # anywhere). This automatic auger engagement issue never occurred prior to my old belt failing, but another issue too is the throttle won’t stay all the way over to the fast (rabbit) setting, it kind of moves back towards the middle so engine isn’t running at full speed. We got a big storm coming and not sure I want to even try using it until it’s 100% operating right…I uploaded a video short showing my plow

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I did see the video but I cannot say by looking at the video. I can say, sometimes it does matter that the belt cover is on as a belt guide. I just saw the model on the bottom of video. It looks like your belt is the correct number.

[@bumpnscore]

Thanks! The model of my plow is #31AH5DVA756. I left the belt cover off as I figured I’d have to do further tinkering

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Check to make sure the auger cable from the handle down to the machine is adjusted properly. Loosen that adjustment if possible?

[@carmine712]

What would make the belt stretch out like that ?

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Heavy snow and too much volume of heavy snow. Improper belt adjustment.

[@bmanh2355]

you removed a notched belt and replaced with a V belt without notch. Is this correct?

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

The belts due change through the years. Replacing a cogged belt with a smooth belt is ok.

[@michaelguay7206]

It is normal that my brand new belt oem knock on the black cover when I engaged the blower ?

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

If the adjustment is to tight that can happen or the plastic cover has worn out the internal guides and the cover will need to be replaced unless you have guides coming off the engine that may need adjustment.

[@michaelguay7206]

@@JohnsonsSmallEngines thank I appreciated the fast answer !

[@kenrussell1033]

Cub cadet 527 would never buy one again , so far have had nothing but problems the springs for the tensioner on the auger belt broke after 1year, fixed the spring and the belt broke , the tensioner wobbles , will fix it but , it seems very cheaply constructed! The price outrageous for what you get

[@tommm369]

agreed, seems to be the point of failure on these. I miss my old MTD already!

[@walshdenr]

Excellent, excellent video. Made the job incredibly simple. The problem I am having appears to be belt related? I bought the actual Cub Cadet brand belt 954-04050- I got everything in place (thanks to your video), but as I pulled the belt up over the top pulley, it was almost "too easy" to get up and over (loose). Put everything back together... started and engaged auger: auger barely spins. Adjusted the tension as much as I could....still barely turns the auger. Is it possible that even though I went with the Cub Cadet brand, the belt is too big/bad belt? Any help you can give me would be appreciated!

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

(1)Maybe your have the wrong part #?, send me the model numbers from the sticker at the back of the machine and I will check your number to make sure it’s correct. (2)Sometimes you can move the flat idler pulley over one hole if your arm has two holes or it may just slide over after loosening the idler pulley bolt. Check to see if you have that adjustment. Some did and some did not.

[@walshdenr]

@@JohnsonsSmallEngines Model # 31BM53TR709; I bought from Home Depot the actual Cub Cadet brand belt, labelled: snow blower auger belt 951-04050. It does not appear that the pulley can be adjusted . I have pictures if you'd like to see them. Thanks again for replying and so quickly!

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Is there a year on the sticker. That model number ranges from 2009 to 2016. How long have you owned it?

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

It looks like the part number I get is 954-04050A. It should be 1/2x35. You may want to see if you can check your belt size. Also if it is a genuine MTD/CubCadet belt it will have the numbers printed on the belt.

[@walshdenr]

@@JohnsonsSmallEngines owned it since about 2010. It was a genuine Cub cadet belt from Cub cadet, yellow sleeve on belt. No A at the end of the part number on the sleeve.

[@ArTofRazor]

I have a proper belt but I can't get it over a top pulley. It seems to tight. Any suggestions?

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

If it is a OEM belt then it should be correct and sometimes they are a little tricky to get on make sure your belt tension adjustment is backed off all the way off before installing the belt.

[@ArTofRazor]

@@JohnsonsSmallEngines Thank you

[@ArTofRazor]

Was able to force on there seems to be running good so far. Thank You

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Nice! Glad to hear!

[@chrismanzi2307]

I own a 526 SWE Cub Cadet and my recent problem is it wont move. I replaced the friction wheel and belts are still good. The auger spins when the lever is pressed and the drive wheels turn ONLY if the brake triggers are pulled. How do I troubleshoot this? I dont quite understand how the brakes work with the planetary gears.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

It sounds like you may have frozen parts inside the gear boxes “one in each side down at the wheels” you most likely will need to disassemble the covers to the mechanism that controls the triggers. Hard to diagnose this without seeing it.

[@chrismanzi2307]

@@JohnsonsSmallEngines, thanks for such a speedy reply. I just finished breaking down the drive axle and planetary systems. One side pin roller bearings is frozen up. Now that I have torn it down I have a better idea of hiw it all works together. Thanks again!!

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

You were on the same page with me so I’m glad you found the issue!!

[@chrismanzi2307]

@@JohnsonsSmallEngines yes, thanks again. I am subscribingbto your station too. Huge help here.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Thank you!