Yes, you can do it yourself – learning how to change the belts on a Craftsman snowblower is a key repair skill. It saves you money and gets your machine running again fast.
When a belt breaks, your blower won’t move snow. The auger or wheels just stop turning. It’s a common problem after a few seasons of hard use.
I’ve changed many belts over the years. It seems tricky at first, but it’s a simple job once you know the steps. You just need basic tools and a bit of time.
This guide will walk you through the whole process. I’ll show you the easy way to swap out those worn belts.
What You Need to Know Before Starting
First, let’s talk about the belts themselves. Your Craftsman snowblower has two main drive belts.
One belt runs the auger that grabs the snow. The other belt powers the wheels that move the machine. You need to know which one is broken.
Check your owner’s manual for the exact belt numbers. You can also find this info on the Sears Parts Direct website. Having the right replacement part is key.
Gather your tools before you start. You’ll need a socket set, screwdrivers, and a pair of pliers. A work light helps you see inside the machine.
Make sure the engine is off and the spark plug wire is disconnected. Safety first when you learn how to change the belts on a Craftsman snowblower.
Find a flat, clean space to work. Lay down a tarp or cardboard to catch any small parts. This makes the job much easier.
Finding the Correct Replacement Belts
Getting the right belts is the most important step. Using the wrong size will cause more problems.
The model number of your snowblower is your best friend here. Look for a sticker or plate on the machine frame. It’s often near the engine or on the back.
Write down that model number. Then, visit the official Craftsman website parts lookup. Type in your number to see the exact belts you need.
You can also take the old belts to a hardware store. Match them by length and width. A belt that’s too tight will wear out fast.
I always buy two belts at once. It’s cheap insurance for next season. When you know how to change the belts on a Craftsman snowblower, having a spare is smart.
Consider getting a drive belt and an auger belt. They often wear out around the same time. Doing both repairs at once saves you work later.
Step-by-Step Guide to Belt Replacement
Now, let’s get to the actual repair. I’ll break it down into simple steps anyone can follow.
First, tip the snowblower back so it rests on its handle. You need clear access to the bottom of the machine. Put a block of wood under it for stability.
Locate the belt covers on the bottom. These are metal plates held by several bolts. Use your socket set to remove these bolts carefully.
Set the bolts and the cover aside in a safe place. Now you can see the belt system. Take a picture with your phone before you remove anything.
This picture is your map for reassembly. It shows how the belt routes around the pulleys. The process for how to change the belts on a Craftsman snowblower becomes clear.
Find the belt tension spring. This is a long spring that keeps the belt tight. Use your pliers to carefully unhook this spring from its anchor point.
With the spring off, the old belt will be loose. Slide it off the pulleys and out of the machine. Compare it to your new belt to make sure they match.
Installing the New Drive Belt
This is where your photo comes in handy. Route the new belt exactly like the old one was.
Start by looping the belt around the engine’s drive pulley. Then, thread it through the idler pulleys according to your picture. Take your time here.
A common mistake is missing a pulley. This will cause the belt to jump off when you start the engine. Double-check the routing before you move on.
Once the belt is on all the pulleys, reattach the tension spring. This is the trickiest part. The spring is strong and can be hard to hook back in place.
Use a long screwdriver as a lever. Hook one end of the spring, pull it to stretch it, and guide it onto its post. Wear safety glasses for this step.
With the spring on, the belt should feel snug. You should be able to press it down about half an inch with your finger. This is the right tension for how to change the belts on a Craftsman snowblower correctly.
Replacing the Auger Belt
The auger belt change is a similar process. But you usually access it from the top side of the machine.
Remove the plastic shroud covering the auger gearbox. This is held by clips or a few screws. Be gentle with the plastic parts.
You’ll see the auger drive pulley and the belt. There’s often a smaller tension spring here too. Use the same method to release it with your pliers.
Slide the old auger belt off. Notice how it sits in the pulley groove. The new belt must sit the same way.
Put the new belt on the pulley. Make sure it’s seated down in the groove all the way around. A belt riding up will slip and wear out fast.
Reconnect the tension spring. Replace the plastic shroud. You’ve now mastered how to change the belts on a Craftsman snowblower, both the drive and the auger.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I’ve seen a lot of errors over the years. Let me help you skip the headaches.
Never force a belt onto a pulley. If it won’t go on, check your routing. Forcing it can damage the belt cords inside.
Don’t forget to reinstall the belt guard covers. These protect the belts from snow and ice. Running without them will lead to a quick failure.
Avoid over-tightening the belt. A spring provides the right tension. If you add washers or shims, you’re doing it wrong. The belt needs a bit of give.
Mixing up the drive belt and auger belt is easy. They often look similar. Check your manual or parts list to be sure you’re using the right one in each spot.
Rushing the job causes problems. Set aside a good hour for your first time. When you learn how to change the belts on a Craftsman snowblower, patience pays off.
Forgetting to reconnect the spark plug wire is funny but true. You’ll pull and pull the starter rope with no result. Always reconnect that wire last.
Testing Your Repair Work
The job isn’t done until you test it. Do this safely in an open area.
Reconnect the spark plug wire. Make sure all covers and shields are back in place. Check that no tools are left inside the machine.
Start the engine and let it run for a minute. Listen for any unusual squealing or grinding sounds. A slight hum from the new belt is normal at first.
Engage the auger control lever. The auger should turn smoothly. If it doesn’t move, the belt may be off a pulley or too loose.
Try driving the machine forward and back. The wheels should engage without slipping. If they slip, the drive belt tension might need a small adjustment.
Turn off the engine and check the belts again. Look for any signs of misalignment. A belt running crooked will wear out on one edge.
This test confirms you learned how to change the belts on a Craftsman snowblower the right way. Now you’re ready for the next snowstorm.
When to Call a Professional
Most belt changes are a DIY job. But sometimes, you need to call for help.
If you see damaged pulleys, don’t just replace the belt. A bent or cracked pulley will ruin a new belt fast. This repair needs special tools.
Extensive rust on the frame or pulley bolts can be a problem. If bolts are frozen and won’t budge, you might strip them. A pro has tricks for this.
According to OSHA, using proper tools for repairs is important for safety. If you don’t have the right socket sizes, it’s better to get help.
If the belt broke because of a bigger gearbox issue, you need a mechanic. A loud grinding noise before the break is a clue. The Consumer Reports guide to small engine repair suggests a full check in these cases.
Your time is valuable too. If you’ve tried and feel stuck, a service call is worth it. They can finish the job and show you how to change the belts on a Craftsman snowblower for next time.
Remember, a pro can do the job in 30 minutes. If you’ve spent two hours fighting it, maybe it’s time to wave the white flag. There’s no shame in that.
Keeping Your Belts in Good Shape
Prevention is the best medicine. A few simple habits make your belts last longer.
Always clear wet, heavy snow in stages. Don’t force the auger through a huge pile. This puts a big strain on the belts and can snap them.
Store your snowblower in a dry place. Dampness can make belts rot and crack. A garage or shed is much better than an open carport.
At the end of the season, clean the machine well. Get all the packed snow and salt out from under the belt covers. This grit acts like sandpaper on the belts.
Check belt tension at the start of each winter. Look for cracks or fraying on the edges. A quick visual check takes two minutes.
The NSF International notes that proper upkeep of equipment is key for safety and performance. Your snowblower is no different.
Following these tips means you won’t need to know how to change the belts on a Craftsman snowblower as often. You’ll get many more seasons from each set.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I change the belts on my snowblower?
It depends on how much you use it. For most homeowners, belts last 3 to 5 seasons. Check them each fall for wear.
Can I use any V-belt as a replacement?
No, you need the exact size and type. Using the wrong belt can damage your machine’s pulleys and cause it to not work right.
My new belt is squealing. What did I do wrong?
It’s probably a bit too loose. The tension spring might not be hooked correctly. Check the routing and make sure the belt is fully seated in all the pulley grooves.
Do I need to adjust the belt tension after installing it?
Usually not. The spring provides automatic tension. If the belt slips, check that the spring is installed properly and hasn’t lost its strength.
Where is the best place to buy Craftsman snowblower belts?
Your local hardware store or lawn equipment dealer is good. You can also order them online from the official parts sites. Always have your model number ready.
Is learning how to change the belts on a Craftsman snowblower hard?
It’s not hard with good instructions. The first time takes about an
