How do I Change the Auger in a Craftsman 9-Horsepower Snowblower?

Changing the auger on a Craftsman 9 horsepower snow thrower may be required if you have damaged the auger blades by repeated contact with immovable objects. The auger blade is normally protected from damage by 2 shear pins, which allow the auger to immediately stop rotating when an obstruction is hit. When an immovable object is struck, 2 shear pins will immediately break and allow the auger to halt. Always replace the shear pins when changing the auger blades as added protection from unintended auger damage.

Things You'll Need

• 1/2 inch box end wrench
• 9/16 inch box end wrench
• Pliers
• Phillips screwdriver
• Wooden handled hammer
• Clean rag
• Replacement auger and shear pins (2)

Instructions

1. Move the snow thower to a safe work environment. Remove the spark-plug wire from the spark plug to prevent the engine accidentally starting. If the snow thrower was in use at the time of auger failure, clear any accumulated snow and debris from inside the auger housing with a rag. This will allow you to see the shear pins and auger mounting bolts more easily.

2. Remove the belt safety cover, which is located directly behind the snow throw chute, by removing the three phillips screws that secure it in place. Turn the screws counterclockwise to remove them, then pull the belt cover free. Slide a wooden hammer handle into the auger blades between the housing, to keep it from rotating.

3. Remove the 1/2-inch bolt securing the belt-keeper bracket to the snow thrower frame, by twisting it counterclockwise with a 1/2-inch wrench. Remove the remaining 1/2-inch bolt at the far end of the bracket, then remove the belt-keeper bracket from the pulley.

4. Remove the hairpin clip inserted through the ferrule rod, which is positioned directly in front of the auger pulley. Remove the belt from the pulley by pushing it off with your fingers, then slowly rotating the pulley until the belt is free. You may leave the belt hanging free in this position.

5. Remove the four 9/16-inch bolts located on either side of the auger bucket that secure the auger bearings and auger mounting brackets in place. The entire auger assembly, including auger brackets, bearings and auger drive belt may now be removed as a single unit by pulling this auger assembly free from the auger housing. Pull it away from the machine until all components are clear of the housing and set it on the ground.

6. Remove both shear pins from the auger assembly by pulling the release clips free from the pins, then pulling the pins free from the auger shaft. Remove the auger brackets and bearings from the old auger assembly by sliding them from the auger shaft.

7. Slide the new augers onto the auger shaft. Follow the reverse of the auger removal instructions to reassemble the new auger assembly containing the new auger blades. Be sure to use new shear pins in the auger assembly, even if the old pins look fine. Tighten all components securely during reassembly.

Tips & Warnings

• Only use auger shear pins designed for a 9 horsepower Craftsman snow thrower. Any other pins may not shear at the correct stress point, and may cause extensive damage to the machine.

References

• Craftsman: 9 Horsepower 26 Inch Dual Stage Snow Thrower