HOW TO LUBRICATE AN AUGER GEARBOX ON A CRAFTSMAN, MTD OR CUB CADET SNOWBLOWER (Without A Drain Plug)

[@GarageGear]

Here are some LINKS to the Greases and Oils used in this video! Thank you for supporting the channel! 👍 👉”00"Grease (Tractor Supply Link) www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/super-s-cotton-picker-spindle-grease-00 👉Stens "00" Grease (Limited Availability) amzn.to/47oK7Jj 👉75W-90 Full Synthetic Gear Oil amzn.to/41P6yGh

[@richardc6932]

My Craftsman 27”/13.5 doesn’t have a filler plug on gearbox. Why, is it maintenance free or do they want you back for replacement parts?

[@GarageGear]

@@richardc6932 they most likely want to back for replacement parts.

[@TheNotimprezed]

I had to replace the worm gear on mine last year. You can buy the whole unit for about $325, but the worm gear itself was only $35. The unit comes apart easily with basic tools and even not knowing exactly what I was doing I was able to complete the repair in about 3 hours. There were several youtube video tutorials on how to. My unit had grease in it, and because it didn't flow well and was full of metal shaving from the stripped worm gear I cleaned it out and after getting it back together filled it with gear oil. The most confusing part of the job for me was installing the auger blades in the right orientation. I got it backwards the first time, which pushes the snow away from the impeller instead of into it. But at that point being familiar with how it came apart and went together only took 15 minutes to correct. I'll bet someone that's repaired a few of these could do the whole job in an hour.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing my friend !

[@37yearsofanythingisenough39]

I’ve used John Deere corn head grease in a number of blowers that had leaking seals and never had one come back. It has the consistency of room temperature butter. Gets people back in the snow rather than waiting for the right size seals saving frustration for them, and time for me. The old blowers had a cast iron gear case with both a fill and a check pipe plug which of course was threaded. This contributed to their weight over the auger which is what you want dealing with plow truck snow at the end of the driveway. The die cast aluminum housings found on most brands today are not in the same league and contribute to our throwaway society. I’ve seen blowers from the 60s and 70s still going strong.

[@GarageGear]

@@37yearsofanythingisenough39 this is awesome information my friend! Thanks again for sharing! 👍

[@PainterD54]

My point exactly. Grease will not flow tot he wear points on the gears which renders it useless. 89/90 weight gear grease it made just for that use, in gear boxes (like gear differentials on vehicles) and see how long they last!

[@davidplatt8915]

Here in the Heart Of The Rockies, we're expecting a big storm tomorrow. Using your dad's zip tie idea from your earlier Ariens gear box video and your suggested synthetic 75w90 gear oil, I topped off my 15 y.o. Craftsman's gear box just yesterday. Gotta thank ya, JB, for giving me the knowledge and confidence to use many of the maintenance tips you've provided on my snowthrower to keep it running smooth and extend it's working life. I learn something new or pick up some new tip or product idea for the garage (LOVE that flashlight w/magnetic base you use inside the auger housing to light it all up for us) with every video you upload! And, I was able to help a buddy with the same unit as mine go completely through his machine a few Saturdays ago. It was a 5 hour marathon in his garage and tired both of us 70-ish y.o. dudes out but what a great time it was. Really enjoyed showing him everything you had taught me and he (a life long shade tree auto mech.) enjoyed learning about his machine. Thanks, JB.

[@GarageGear]

Hey David! Glad you found these videos helpful and interesting! There is a lot of fun to be had with them! Thanks for being a cool fan! 👍

[@twilson377]

Just want to say thank you. I followed your snowblower summer storage tips last year. The first snow storm this winter I went out to the garage and guess what... my snowblower started up first pull like it was brand new. You're awesome and thanks again for simple tips on keeping products in top condition.

[@GarageGear]

You got it! I’m glad that video was helpful and it started up on the first pull! That’s exactly what every homeowner wants!

[@josephtee8911]

My snowblower is 20 yrs old and I never knew you had to do this! I will check it this weekend. Thanks for popping up in my feed.

[@GarageGear]

@@josephtee8911 RIGHT ON Joseph!

[@bwagner75]

Thank you for this video. I have never checked my gearbox. My machine is approximately 12 years old. I’m going to do this as soon as the temps get back above zero. Too cold in my garage right now. 🥶 FYI…this summer I installed a propeller kit. My Dad was a farmer and had an old belt from a round bailer. I cut my pads out of that belt. Holy crap! It works AMAZING! 🤩 Snow flies 60 feet or more. 👍 👍

[@GarageGear]

Makes a HUGE difference my friend! Thanks for sharing and watching!

[@neilmcd0417]

Thank you! I checked my 9 year old cub’s gearbox for the first time today. Still had plenty of grease per the rosco….zip tie dipstick! Will definitely add this to my maintenance schedule!

[@GarageGear]

You got it Neil! Thanks for watching!

[@DanSolo350]

This video is Gold. I think you are the only one to do a video on lubricating that style of gearbox. I have the same snowblower, so now I can confidently maintain the gearbox. Thanks!

[@GarageGear]

You got it 71! Not many vids out there! Thanks for watching!

[@nbpt1000]

Nice job on this video. Coincidentally I have done almost the same thing for many years. Anecdotally, I had a MTD snow blower with the same gear box and about 10 years ago took it all apart, cleaned and regreased it with Mobil 1 grease. Once a year I would add a squirt of of 80w-90 Gear oil to make up for any drying. I used that machine for 10 years on 3 or 4 drive ways per storm and it is still going strong. By the way, with an impellar kit. (Still has the Original impellar bearing). I have sold it. The new owner loves it and does ~10 driveways per storm with it. On other machines I have used the 00 (pronounce it as you wish) grease just as you described. I found it frustrating to get it in there and someitmes went to the gear oil because it is easier to get it in there. If a tiny amounts leaks out it is not a bad thing. It will lube the bronze bearings. Just top it off as needed. It should not be a lot. AS long as there is not noticeable play in the shafts you are good to go. The shafts should be tight. When they start to show play you are getting in to dangerous territory and I would replace the bronze bearings before your eat the gear. That repair is less expensive but still time consuming. I have played with the idea of adding a vent hole. If you are going to drill and tap a zerk? Why not add a 1/8 pipe plug. Obviously you would have to have it apart and likely would be rebuiding the guts of it at that point. Just Food for thought. As an aside, Some will say never use a GL5 gear oil with yellow metals, as they will get attacked. (unless it specifically says safe for yellow metals) That may be technically true but I never noticed a problem in 10 years. If you are concerned get a GL4 oil or a brand like AmesOil that says it is safe on yellow metals. I hope this is helpful.

[@GarageGear]

Definitely helpful nbpt! Thanks for sharing this information with the community!

[@frankie7508]

Excellent video and it's the first one that i've seen on these m t d gear boxes. They are also common on cub cadets. I called cub cadet and I asked them what type of grease. And they told me 00, But that it has to be compatible with yellow metal which is brass or bronze. I then purchased A Disposable large syringe. I filled it with the 00 grease And used the filled up Syringe To inject grease and fill the gearbox. Keeping the cap off I then ran the augers On the snow blower. I then refilled it a second time and repeated the drill. Once I was sure that I did not overfill it but that I had completely covered the worm gear with grease and then put the blue rivette back into the top of the gear box. I think the key to not overfilling. The gearbox is to run it with the blue rivet off. That way, any excess simply is pushed out of the top of the gearbox and does not put pressure on the worm gear seals. Thanks for this very important video and the novel idea on how to check the content of the gearbox. It would have saved me a ton of time Had I seen your video before? I figured out how to make sure the gear box was filled with grease. It's important to understand that the gearbox operates at extremely low revolutions per minute and so, Therefore in my opinion, you can fill the gear box up. It will not put undo stress on the seals. One can prevent overfilling by simply keeping the cap off. And then running it a few minutes after you fill the gearbox with grease. Why? Because any excess will simply come out through the top. I always enjoy your videos because they are smart, Practical, effective and you usually come up with great ideas. Thanks again! 👍👍👍

[@GarageGear]

Hey Frankie! Thanks for sharing this with the community! I appreciate your positive feedback too! 👍👍

[@bdo9114]

I JUST bought a new ariens snow blower , finely after 28 years my 8 horse mtd died i killed it ,lol like the maintenance tips makes a difference.

[@GarageGear]

Awesome, my friend. You won’t regret the purchase. Thanks for watching!

[@frankcastle5294]

Sir: I think this is the best vid you've ever posted up here. In several decades, I never checked any of these auger drive boxes for fluid or grease. Now I can because of this vid and know what to add. My first thought was 80W90 conventional gearlube. Thanks again. Awesome vid.

[@GarageGear]

You got it Frank! There’s not much good info out there on these gearboxes!

[@frankcastle5294]

That's for sure. Your info the absolute best as is the method for checking it. Brilliant!@@GarageGear

[@GarageGear]

@@frankcastle5294 hey it gets the job done my friend! Thanks for being a cool fan!

[@frankcastle5294]

My pleasure Sir and keep 'em comin'. @@GarageGear

[@ShihanmarkFilms]

I have the 28" Craftsman & 49 degrees in Lockport perfect time - Just did this and the auger shafts! Thanks for all these videos, btw it's only running great because of your how to clean the carb video. For years it needed a little choke to keep running ~ now runs perfect (on Non-ethanol gas), again didn't know about that until I watched your channel. **Tractor supply in lockport 00 was on back wall by dog food, must be a thing lol! Thanks again and Go Bills!

[@GarageGear]

Awesome my friend! Glad that video helped you out! Haha pretty funny that you found that 00 grease by the dog food lol GO BILLS

[@fjhare4061]

Thanks good video For us Canadian boys and girls, i bought some castrol 00 grease last fall at my local Napa store.

[@GarageGear]

Awesome my friend thanks for sharing

[@lukequigley121]

Yeah, thats mine.. Did the bearing n gears few yrs ago and found some straight 75 gear honey that here in N.H. is more flowier(i calll it a word) and works for me

[@GarageGear]

Glad to hear it's working out for you! Right on!

[@RGambler1]

Tip when putting fluid in auger gear: If you take a (small dia.) stirring straw used for stirring coffee and place it an inch or so in the filler hole it will work as an air vent and allow you to put the fluid in the remaining filler opening without getting air bubbles that slow down the filling process.

[@GarageGear]

@@RGambler1 great tip! 👍

[@stevedvorak6188]

Used the same 00 from TSC on a well used 28" Craftsman blower I refurbished back in '22. Still going strong.

[@GarageGear]

Awesome man! thanks for sharing!

[@john7017]

I bought a needle grease gun adapter on Amazon to grease the gearbox with a grease gun using Superlube teflon grease. Works well ,can also grease non greaseable ball joints thru the boot with this tool.

[@GarageGear]

Very cool thanks for sharing John! 👍

[@paulmysliborski4832]

Good stuff, JB! Although MTD does not mention it anywhere in their manuals, the factory grease they use is Alvania Grease. The MTD part # is 737-0168A

[@GarageGear]

Hey Paul! This is HUGE! Couldn’t find this info anywhere! Should have just asked my best friend! Lol! Appreciate you sharing this bud! Have an awesome weekend!

[@Grannyhauenstein]

@@GarageGear Yeah. And the Alvania grease is $35 per cup. That's $35 for 8oz. WHY the F is it so expensive and will this stuff from TSP work????

[@johnbelliveau4704]

Hey JB, Love the "dip stick" I was thinking a grease zerk into the case as well. I'm not that experienced with the tapping part, maybe a video?? Be well my friend.

[@GarageGear]

Hey John! I’ll see what I can do. I would have to find a suitable grease gun to hold this kinda grease because it doesn’t come in tune. It would make a Royal mess if I just dumped it in. Like the video idea though! Have an awesome weekend bud!

[@johnbelliveau4704]

You too. As always, it's a pleasure.@@GarageGear

[@BenNawrath]

More good tips. Gonna fire the Cub up tomorrow just to run it for the season and change the oil. We may actually get snow Tuesday!! I’ll check this while I’m at it.

[@GarageGear]

You’re on it Ben! Have an awesome weekend bud! 👍

[@peterliang1294]

Thanks for the video. Typically if its just a push plug like yours, its grease. If a threaded plug its gear oil.

[@GarageGear]

You got it Peter!

[@elrobo3568]

A will add a caution, I have been a jet mechanic on F-16's for many years and there is a problem with dissimilar greases reacting to each other and producing what is called "balling" this is where the chemicals react and cause the greases to sort of dry up. Unless you have owned the equipment since new you don't know what has been crammed in before you bought it. The 00 grease is the best bet but after running the blower for awhile do the dip test again and see if there are dry looking lumps on the zips if so the case needs to be cleaned out. Amazon has the worm gear and gasket for about $20 and the shaft seals for about $20 if you want to DIYerS. There is a fair amount of labor but doable in a morning. Very good video. Do you do videos on chain saws? if so please educate people about greasing the center of the sprocket drive bolt on some saws and how to change a Sthil engine baffle from winter to summer or vice-versa. I am also a sawyer & wildland firefighter with USFS and watch some of the people that say they they are "experts" that are not near your expertise or have your ability to teach, great job!

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing this robo and thanks for the positive feedback!

[@donaldallison]

January 13th haven't had my snowblower out this year yet in Southern Ontario.

[@GarageGear]

We’ll see what happens Donald! Maybe the winds will shift soon!

[@barrypettit3668]

Good video JB. We have 5 snow blowers in the family, 4 Hondas, two on tracks and my new Ariens 24'. We took the gearbox plugs out of two Honda's. One is 40 years old and the other is 20 years old. The gearbox oil looked like new, we changed it anyways and there was almost no metal filings. We are in a snow belt area like you so these units have done lots of work but are well taken care of. Keep the videos coming.

[@GarageGear]

Awesome Barry! You take great care of them! Thanks for sharing!

[@GrapJack]

You have tons of fantastic content covering the maintenance on dual stage snowblowers. Can you do a video or two geared towards specific instructions for single stage snowblowers?

[@GarageGear]

I’ll see what I can do! Gotta knab one! Lol

[@-chase-]

Weird thing is out of all the snowblowers including craftsman like mine .. like your green one my controlls are the opposite sides lol. Drive is on the left . Auger control is on the right

[@GarageGear]

@@-chase- hmm not sure why that is?!🤔

[@rk22cc]

Hey, thanks for the info. I wondering about that when I got it ready this season. I’ll check mine.

[@GarageGear]

Now you know what to do rk! Thanks for watching!

[@als7594]

Thanks for this very important video. I just did my Craftsman 24 in unit yesterday. I bought it in 2011 and when I checked the grease level and it was only filled about 25%. Filled it with 00 using a syringe, made it much easier to fill. Boy, did it quiet the auger down.

[@GarageGear]

Great, man! You just bought some more time with that machine!

[@Rebel9668]

I lubed my Ariens gearbox just this morning with 85W90. Good thing too. That 10M4's box was dry as a bone inside! I also tried putting in new sheer bolts as the previous owner just had plain bolts in it. I got the Ariens sheer bolts 5/16ths. I got one out and replaced it, but the other bolt broke off on BOTH ends. Guess I'll have to try drilling it out or something so I can get the new sheer bolt in. I tried taking a punch and driving it out, but I guess it's threaded in place because it wouldn't budge in any way, shape or form. Maybe try an easy out before I try drilling? I dunno. Also figured out the fuel shut off valve under the tank leaks when it's on, so have another one of those NOS from Tecumseh, new hose and new grommet ready to go. Also got a battery mount for a Craftsman 20V battery and a set of 18w LED lights for the thing. The battery mount/receptacle is actually for a battery powered kiddie car, but will work fine for this application.

[@GarageGear]

Thank for sharing this rebel! Sounds like you got a few little things to do here and there!

[@dand3975]

The 47" two-stage John Deere snowblower calls for 80-90 gear oil. When I tried synthetic 85-90 the rear seal leaked a little bit. I went back to conventional 80/90, the rear seal was a lot better although it did seep a minor amount of 80-90.

[@Rebel9668]

@@dand3975 I haven't tried any synthetic on mine. I'm sure the box is bone dry again now as it continued to leak all Spring through this Fall...and no longer leaks, so I assume it's all leaked out. I may see if I can add a bit of seal conditioner before I take the whole thing apart, as the closer I look at my old machine the more I find wrong with it. I'm going to need a machine shop to get the auger off the axle as I've tried everything I know how and still can't get that busted bolt out of it, lol.

[@dand3975]

@@Rebel9668 the seal conditioner is a good suggestion, I sure would try that too before tearing mine apart. Mine does the same thing too, leaks out all summer. I added like 5 oz of 80/90 a week ago don't seem to be leaking out in a cold shed.

[@danbelden7354]

Thanks JB, appreciate your info. I have a toro with the same type of gear box. itried to findthis greese at tractor supply but i couldnt find any even with the help of an associate.

[@GarageGear]

Hey Dan the link on the pinned comment should take you right to where you could get it online .👍

[@EzRay11]

Hey JB. Great tips Bud. I’ve always wondered where the grease goes if it’s not leaking?? Hmmm And yeah, owners manuals are useless when it comes to gear box lube and valve clearances and other important specs. Cheers

[@GarageGear]

It just gets pushed to the side mostly. Sometimes the owners manuals suck!

[@lpad9651]

Inside after removing the belly pan, I tried greasing all the gears. I replaced belts and friction disc. That main shaft is $400.00 + to replace alone.

[@GarageGear]

It isn’t cheap - that’s for sure!

[@davidmorrison7424]

So my 2004 Craftsman manual references 10 oz “grease” for the gear case. It also states the gear box is lubricated at the factory and should not need or require additional lubrication. I’ve never cracked the plug on it and it “seems” to be fine. Can/Should I top it off with 80W-90 Heavy Duty Gear Oil? Not sure if that’s the same thing as what’s currently left inside. There are no obvious leaks but I’m thinking it should be topped off with something.

[@GarageGear]

Hey David! I would check it just to be on the same side but if it’s got grease inside I would stick with grease not oil. You’ll just want it full to about 75%. Thanks for watching

[@davidmorrison7424]

I did and it looked like white (or off white color) grease that seemed pretty thick. That alone makes it much harder to gauge how full it, even with a zip tie. I have a tube of white lithium grease and will add some of that. I’m not certain, but am hoping that does the trick and won’t cause any issues.

[@GarageGear]

@@davidmorrison7424 should be good to go with that!

[@smallblock412]

OO grease is the go to lubricant when you're not sure what originally came in the gearbox. Another great vid. 👍

[@GarageGear]

You got it, Smallblock! What’s the plan for the weekend buddy? We are getting ready for a storm!

[@smallblock412]

@@GarageGear Big rain storm wrapping up as I type. Birthday party for my nephew tomorrow.

[@GarageGear]

@@smallblock412 👍enjoy the weekend bud!

[@dj1111s]

I've often wondered if I should do some maintenance on my snowblower's gearbox. It's a MTD 8hp heavy monster purchased in 1979 from Fleet Farm. Still going strong. I think I replaced the spark plug once and rebuilt the carb maybe twice. It's so big and heavy I tend to only use it for deep and/or wet heavy snow so sometimes I don't use it all winter. And it always starts every year with no problems. Usually on the first pull. Still has the original belts. In fact I've never even looked at them. Don't build them like they used to I guess.

[@GarageGear]

Sure don’t! Thanks for sharing dj

[@tinybubbles3724]

What do you use to lube Chute cables. Mine are slow and sticky when cold and completely stuck when the temp goes below 15f. Its a 90's yardman 724 with a snow king engine.

[@GarageGear]

Wd40 will get in those just fine! 👍

[@dougrobinson8602]

That zip tie measuring idea is genius! My new Ariens says gearbox oil level should be 1.6 to 1.9 inches from the top of the box. They tell you to use a small screwdriver as a dipstick. That makes it nearly impossible to determine the actual oil level accurately, and it's not a wide range of acceptable level. I'll give it a try when this polar air finally leaves.

[@GarageGear]

Can’t beat the simplicity of it! Thanks for watching Doug!

[@waynestefinashen239]

At Eliminator Performance in Canada we have had 6 quarts of 00 grease on back order from Oregon for at least 9 months now, good thing we have 16 ounces from Stens left (they stopped carrying it by the way)

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing this Wayne! Good to have a guy on the inside! Hope all is well with you guys!

[@ryry8210]

Great video! However installing a grease fitting on the gearbox could put metal shavings inside. This may result in increased wear or damage. It could be done if the gearbox is apart though.

[@GarageGear]

Yeah, you have to be careful if you do it.

[@toddjacobs5660]

Think im gona put some Lucas Heavy Duty Oil Stabilizer in mine,that should work good, if their is a leak that should keep it from leakin so fast .

[@GarageGear]

@@toddjacobs5660 thanks for sharing

[@ml9867]

DUUUUUUUUUDE!!! I had no idea that snow blowers even had this. I'll be checking this soon.

[@GarageGear]

@@ml9867 knowledge is power and now you have it! 👍

[@rternowski]

Hey JB. I have a 3 stage Craftsman snowblower. It doesn't have a plug. It has a metal plate with 4 screws on top of the gearbox. Am I to assume I need to remove this to grease? Thanks!

[@GarageGear]

Yes I would do that to check it!

[@SouthwestD313]

I wonder if that grease runs enough to go through a needle bottle. I have a bag of them for firearm oil.

[@GarageGear]

I think it would 👍

[@byronwoolfrey1039]

Years ago gear oil was used like in vehicles and outboard motors, i add a little marine gear oil with my grease. Works well

[@GarageGear]

Good to know! Thanks for sharing

[@georgesteffens7489]

This is a great tip! I’ve posted on your other videos about planning a Repower on my old Murray, and I am going to add this to the list when she goes under the knife this year. I know ours actually has a threaded fill plug on the front which I’ve checked and is so far greased up. It won’t hurt to top it off though.

[@GarageGear]

Add it to the list. Your snowblower will thank you.

[@stevenmendez9259]

Please allow me a question. I have replaced the round worm gear in the auger box 3 times. Every time I replace it it last about 3 minutes before it strips out again. Do you have any Idea why that would be happening?

[@GarageGear]

@@stevenmendez9259 hey Steve I’ve seen a similar issue before a while back but the problem was a really bad auger shaft bearing and the shaft was wobbling all over the place. This stripped out the gear because it wasn’t holding in place. If it continues to give you this much trouble I would just sell it for parts/fix and get a new snowblower

[@cboswall]

My old Bolens gear box doesn't have a plug, nor a bolt to let out the oil. Does that mean I have to take the auger shaft/box apart and then add oil?

[@GarageGear]

Sounds like you will have to do that. Hard to say without seeing it but it might be completely sealed.

[@cboswall]

@@GarageGear I would send a picture, but I apparently I can't reply with one on KZbin haha

[@GarageGear]

@@cboswall send me a pic to my email in the description

[@cboswall]

​@@GarageGearEmail sent. Thanks!

@@GarageGear Hello, What was the final answer to this question as I’m in the same boat with a completely sealed gear box.

[@merchantmariner6132]

Great video - thank you. Amazon sells disposable hypodermic needles (about the size of your thumb) which would be perfect to fill the case. Just a thought.

[@GarageGear]

Good to know! Thanks for sharing merchant!

[@frankie7508]

I purchased four large syringes at hobby lobby for $4.00.

[@blotafton]

I've never checked on my MTD! I just changed engine oil, it haven't run in 5 years and it started on the first pull with fresh gas, incredible.

[@GarageGear]

@@blotafton always a good idea to check this! 👍

[@NaeKid]

I'm gonna have to check my Husqvarna snowblower on tracks .. never thought to check the gearbox on it

[@GarageGear]

Let me know what you find out

[@ronpost587]

I have an Ariens snowblower I purchased in 2005 that calls for the OEM synthetic gear lube. Unfortunately the gear box now leaks, so I have to constantly add lube. Would this 00 grease be a good substitute or would it be too heavy? This is a great machine that I’ve maintained well, but I’m concerned I may run the gear box too low on oil and destroy the gears.

[@GarageGear]

@@ronpost587 I would try the 00 grease! Check it every now and again!

[@ronpost587]

Thanks for the reply.

[@KITLEVEY]

Stop with the bandaid on the broken arm approach. Split the case on the gear box, remove the old seal, clean the surfaces, apply a small bead of silicon to one surface, bolt the halves back together, and refill with OEM Worm Gear OIL.

[@ronpost587]

@@KITLEVEY If that was where it was leaking I would have done it years ago. It is leaking at the auger shaft. I've watched the video how to do it but it's more than i want to invest in a 20 year old machine.

[@GarageGear]

@@ronpost587 that’s a big job! Definitely time consuming. And on an older machine you have to weigh if it’s even worth pulling it out to fix it

[@iamalittlefarmer]

Where I live 00 grease like his is not available, so I have to use standard gear grease with needle application

[@GarageGear]

@@iamalittlefarmer whatever works! 👍

[@chriswagner6310]

I use white lithium grease. And it works great for me I've been using it for years

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing chris

[@chriswagner6310]

You're very welcome

[@OldJoe212]

I have an Ariens and I'd like to replace the gear oil. I use Royal Purple in my car's diffs so I was wondering if RP would be the equivalent of the Ariens gear oil? Thanks.

[@GarageGear]

@@OldJoe212 I dont think so. This is the first I’ve heard this even brought up.

[@weaverryanj]

Great video JB! Need to tune up my old Craftsman from ‘08 to give to a relative and this should help ensure it has a bit of life to it!

[@GarageGear]

You got it Ryan! This should definitely help preserve the life of the gearbox for sure! Have a great weekend my friend!

[@lpad9651]

What about Pennzoil Platinum 75W-90 Gear Oil? Would this be ok?

[@GarageGear]

Yeah that should be fine

[@PainterD54]

All the machines I worked on this past winter had a steel plug to drain and refill the gearbox (all Toros) which makes it nice to service. But as easy as it is to take care of, I don't think any of the previous owners off these machines EVER checked or serviced their gear boxes. One of them actually had grease forced into the plug hole (which did no good) I had to flush them all out and refill them. I used synthetic gear lube on all my machines so they last.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing painter!

[@shall2117]

CV axle grease also works well And so does 50/50 80w90 gear oil mixed with any grease

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing shall!

[@shall2117]

No problem at all son

[@Bostero79]

I have a 1 year old exactly Craftsman 208CC. I've probably used it 15 times between last winter and this winter. I bought it brand new in Jan 2023. How long do you think until I should check/add grease to the gear box?

[@GarageGear]

I always recommend checking things once a year. 👍

[@bradleyjones6269]

What would be another brand besides 00 grease. Can’t seem to find it in my area

[@GarageGear]

Hey Bradley, white lithium grease works well too. Heard good things about Superlube with Teflon as well! 👍

[@hmdwn]

Comment/Question... it appears that my gearbox has white lithium grease in it which just pushes away from the gears. Can I add some 85/140 thick gear oil to it?

[@GarageGear]

That probably won’t hurt anything. Or you could just add more white lithium grease up to the 3/4 mark or so. Then just check it once a season. That would work too!

[@hmdwn]

@@GarageGear ... not sure 'if' lithium and petroleum based lubes are compatible. Would be a bummer if it turned into a gel or coagulated.

[@GarageGear]

@@hmdwn then add some 00 grease in instead

[@scottfirman]

Most gears are made from an oiled bronze. This is a self lubicating metal. The grease adds insurance that the gear will be lubed. I would be careful using too much grease on anything. Displacement can exert pressures on seals causing them to fail. I have only had a few snow blowers with auger gear failure. Both times it was due to abuse. Using a regular bolt instead of a shear pin in your Auger is guarenteed going to destroy the gear box. Running the blower through hard ice chunks pushed from the road into your drive by the snow plow can and will break a shear pin. DO NOT replace with a regular bolt, even in a pinch. Purchase an extra set of pins and keep them available.

[@GarageGear]

Good tips. Thanks for sharing

[@excampopa]

My Cub Cadet has a zerk for the gear box. Can I use 00 in a grease gun or is it too runny?

[@GarageGear]

Should be good to go with that!

[@daleyounk8005]

Any alternatives to stens "00" grease? My auger gearbox has grease, but i can not locate stens "00" anywhere.

[@GarageGear]

@@daleyounk8005 this one should help you out amzn.to/4i65Mwm

[@sneak6654]

Thanks for making this video, I’ve had my Troy Built 24” Storm for 4 years and I have never greased the gearbox or knew how to do it. I ordered some 00 Grease and as soon as it gets here I’ll get it done. Thanks again and take care.

[@GarageGear]

Let me know how it works out for you my friend. Go for it!

[@PatTierney-f3c]

I think you should do a episode profiling what residential mower is the best in your opinion

[@PatTierney-f3c]

Of all-time

[@apexiumim2741]

Get a goat, you’ll be happy

[@GarageGear]

I’ll see what I can do! 👍

[@bobmcl2406]

Excellent video. Clear and well explained. My only problem is I can't find OO grease here in Canada. If anyone has a pointer for me, I am all ears. Thanks!

[@damoose62]

Try your John Deere dealership they sell corn head grease that's basically the same its 0/00 .I had to buy mine (00) in the states from Tractor Supply. The next stop would have been John Deere. It's marked corn head grease from Tractor Supply

[@GarageGear]

Hey Bob! Damoose has good info here ⬆️

[@The_Mace]

If things aren't properly lubricated, you're gonna have a bad time! 🤣 Good timing, JB! We're getting hit with snow this weekend.

[@GarageGear]

Proper lubrication is Key! 😉 nobody wants a bad time lol! Shooting plenty of content this weekend out there in the snow! Stay tuned! Have an awesome weekend bud!

[@TecumsehRulesbcserk]

I’ve had to replace auger motors on EGO 2 stage snowblowers and trust me, it is not fun. You have to take the entire machine apart just to get to that motor and it is a major job.

[@GarageGear]

Those Egos are far more work than we imagine.

[@MaMa-qh4dy]

I have same gearbox on my Cub Cadet. Poor (but intentional) design. It's like having a car with no oil dipstick or no "low oil" warning light. I filled mine with the TS 00 grease all the while squirting it in the top and pushing it down into the gearbox with the head of a nail. Good idea to weigh the bottle before you begin so that you know how much you have put in. I also intermittently ran the augers in order to "settle" the grease. My manual calls for approx. 2 oz. on a completely empty box. I think I overfilled mine, but I would rather have it overfilled and maybe pop off the cap rather than underfill and blow out the gears.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing this mama! Good tip with the nail!

[@donnovicki9771]

JB the Deluxe 28 still sits idle here in Erie Pa.. You getting hit up there?

[@GarageGear]

Hey Don! We’re getting hit here! Lots of wind blowing it around. 8 inches or so! Have a good weekend bud!

[@andy41417]

Use the OO Flowable grease on antique car steering boxes. 600w leaks out too fast.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing andy

[@georgegeyer3431]

My craftsman is about 20 yrs. Old. Ido regular maintenance. My manual says that the auger is filled and sealed .Should I remove the plug or leave well enough alone. I always do visual check and see no leaks.

[@GarageGear]

At 20 years I would give it a look and check!

[@georgegeyer3431]

@GarageGear I checked the box but they have no fill plug. I would have to split the case.

[@GarageGear]

@@georgegeyer3431 ok then if there is no plug I would leave it alone. Once you break that seal you may have issues with leaks in the future.

[@georgegeyer3431]

Thank you. My machine was made in 1996. The manual is very good. In the replacemant parts section it shows housing with fill. Thank you for your time.@@GarageGear

[@GarageGear]

@@georgegeyer3431 you got it my friend!

[@KITLEVEY]

Has anyone mentioned "Worm Gear Oil" yet? That's right, OIL. Grease gets hard in the winter and won't flow from the gear to the worm gear. The worm (drive) is usually made from brass, is soft, and wears quickly if it goes dry. The gear (driven) dips down into the OIL and carries it up to where the two gears meet and lubricates the brass worm gear, even in cold weather.

[@GarageGear]

@@KITLEVEY thanks for sharing

[@xballplayer4556]

The internal speed that the shaft and gear turn should be in the equation. Slow speed gearbox lubricant would be a Mobil 600W gear oil and high speed box might be best fitted with a spindle oil.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing

[@bacardyahoo]

What is the name of the auger grease please

[@GarageGear]

@@bacardyahoo it’s called 00 grease. Here is a link to some. amzn.to/4gNpdZ8

[@rogermartin404]

I'm old enough to remember equipment with grease zerts! 😀

[@GarageGear]

@@rogermartin404 those machines back then were great!

[@WoodstockG54]

I have a Toro power max 1232 that has no shear pins on grease nips on the axle. How do you grease them?

[@GarageGear]

@@WoodstockG54 hey woodstock! Whatever way you can basically with fluid film. Check out this video for more info HOW TO LUBRICATE CRAFTSMAN MTD CUB CADET SNOWBLOWER AUGERS (Seize Happens) kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJrXgql5l9F9ZqM

[@paulwalker6426]

I just put a grease nipple in and lubricate once a year with winter grease. No issues!

[@GarageGear]

Good thinking

[@dadgarage7966]

Using hypoid differential oil is unwise. It's better to use manual transmission lubricant (Royal Purple Synchromax, for example) because it doesn't have additives that can harm brass/bronze over time.

[@GarageGear]

@@dadgarage7966 thanks for sharing

[@panagdimi]

No link "down below in the description" on how to lubricate the auger shafts. 🤔

[@GarageGear]

Hey pana! Thanks for letting me know! They are in there now! 👍

[@DonStover]

Will the grease or oil already in the gearbox react with new grease or oil you add? If my gearbox has oil in it, what kind should I use? Thanks, Don

[@GarageGear]

The greases will be fine together! 75w-90 will work fine!

[@Anunnaki-z7i]

Thanks for the advice. I better do that to my machine; it is way overdue.

[@GarageGear]

You got it my friend!

[@chriswagner6310]

I have always used. White lithium grease. In my transmission. Am I snowblower

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing chris!

[@chriswagner6310]

You're welcome bro. Your number one in my book bro

[@GarageGear]

@@chriswagner6310 appreciate you bud

[@chriswagner6310]

I appreciate you bro

[@selador11]

If one is doing the work themselves, and just buying parts... Which gearbox is cheapest to replace or repair? Craftsman, or airens?

[@GarageGear]

I think craftsman are cheaper but ariens last longer.

[@selador11]

@@GarageGear Thank you very much! I suspected as much.

[@patricksquires77]

Snnnnnnnooooooowwwwww!!!! There is snow out there this morning!!!!!!! Finally!!!! Lets get 2024 started! Have a great year every one!

[@GarageGear]

ROCK ON Patrick! Thanks for watching!

[@bryan-q9h]

Or you could take off the augers and leave the gearbox by itself and start it up and rotate it You might get more in

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing Bryan!

[@rdumoulin1]

Hello there! So my auger box needs that "00" grease but as you mentioned, it's hard to find. Canada is dry of that stuff, can I use something heavier than 85w90, like 75w140 ?

[@GarageGear]

I would try the 85w90

[@xballplayer4556]

Mobil 600W gear oil

[@davidtrachtenberg7095]

Your link to the 00 grease at tractor supply brings up a white bottle…. Super S 1 qt. Cotton Picker Spindle Grease 00. Is it same?

[@GarageGear]

@@davidtrachtenberg7095 that’s the stuff! 👍

[@billmcmaster7909]

I have a fairly new Toro 8/26 that leaks. Talked to the dealer, they say they all leak, nice! So I just keep filling it. If it leaks it's not empty. I also have a 1996 Honda hss28, diff still full never leaked a drop. Say no more. Cheers

[@GarageGear]

Keep that Honda around! Thanks for sharing

[@joblow5372]

Easy way to put the grease inside the gearbox is using a descent size plastic syringe with a small Tygon tubing (fuel hose)that will fit loosely inside the gearbox hole. I remove the plunger, fill up the syringe cavity with the 00 grease then put the plunger back in...Try not to get any air bubbles inside the syringe while filling it with 00 grease, insert the tubing inside the gearbox hole and slowly press on the plunger.....Make sure that the hose is long enough so that it can be inserted deep enough so that the grease will not try to escape between the tubing and the gear box grease hole.... Once done you can refill and insert more grease as needed.... Note: make sure that the Tygon tube is long enough so that if ever it was to disconnect from the syringe that it will not fall inside the gearbox making it impossible to pull it out. If you plan on re-using the syringe, make sure to wipe clean the plunger as the rubber does not like grease, it will swell up after a while making it impossible to insert the plunger back into the syringe cavity... Been doing this for years.....

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing this Jo!

[@apexiumim2741]

Good morning JB! Dammnnn you up early lol Ok… I’m off to watch your vid with coffee in hand!

[@GarageGear]

Up early every day Apex! How about you? Looks like we’ll get hit pretty good! Let’s see how she stacks up! Have a good weekend bud!

[@apexiumim2741]

@@GarageGear Still snowing here. Heavy stuff, sand like texture… supposed to end within the hour, then it’s go time!!! Have fun buddy!

[@GarageGear]

@@apexiumim2741 you as well apex! 👍👍

[@apexiumim2741]

@@GarageGear It’s over 😢 Once again, almost zero effort with this glorious snow thrower. Had to tame the beast from not dumping snow on my neighbours property.. not kidding when I say it’s way over 40’ away. Crazy power this thing has… legit. Let me know if you’re gonna do an impeller mod…, don’t think you will 😂😂😂😂

[@GarageGear]

@@apexiumim2741 still getting pounded here with snow in Lancaster! I’m going to try to put impeller kits on both the ariens and the craftsman! Already have them sitting on my workbench

[@eddymumford4086]

i drill a a nother hole in the case to let the air out then just put a bolt in the hole with a seal

[@GarageGear]

@@eddymumford4086 thanks for sharing eddy

[@BigDaddysGarage]

Very useful information here. Thank you!

[@GarageGear]

You got it bud! Have an awesome week flint!

[@BigDaddysGarage]

You too!@@GarageGear

[@martindesmarais7158]

Hi JB, have to do it w serynge n it's not cool. If you can find a link to get it for here in Canada, would be rrreally appreciated (the only one I can find here like your 1st link is the Oregon at... 65$ the bottle loll Tnx again 4 your shares 😊

[@GarageGear]

I heard the price of this stuff get crazy in other places. Not sure why!

[@martindesmarais7158]

@@GarageGear Can you ship one to me, just gimme your mail and I'll pay you by advance, I'm willing to pay to you the price of product plus an amount for your trouble and plus ship fee n change rate of course...?!

[@patdennis3751]

Something to take note of when adding gear oil to a box that has a bronze gear is DO NOT use GL5 oil as the additive package eats bronze and brass alloy. This is why manual transmissions with bronze syncronizers spec nothing higher than a GL4 lube.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing Pat!

[@Chris-Carl]

For what it’s worth, I called Troy Bilt customer service and asked them what grease to use and the guy told me to use #2 grease. I asked him what kind and he said any #2 grease will do.

[@GarageGear]

Thank you for sharing this Chris!

[@jaybooth4815]

Great tips JB! You’d think someone would have invent an actual tool to check the grease level….hmmm I need to check my Troy-bilt as it’s been several years since I added grease to the gear box. Looks like we’ll have some snow blowing this weekend. Dang wind! Go Bills! Monday at 4:30 now. Have a great weekend my friend! Stay warm.

[@GarageGear]

Would be wise wouldnt it Jay! Some day a company will give one with its snowblower! Meantime we keep waiting lol! We’ll see how they play tomorrow! Have a good weekend bud!

[@davidmorrison7424]

My 2004 8 hp craftsman does not have a plug on the top. I suspect it may be the nut on the side but I’m not sure. My manual does state that “the auger gear box is lubricated at the factory and should not require additional lubrication. If for some reason the lubricant should leak out, have auger gear case checked by a competent repairman.”

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing david!