How to Change an Ariens Drive Belt

The traction drive belt on an Ariens snow thrower keeps the machine moving forward as you attack the latest winter weather event. Over time, the traction drive belt can become cracked and worn. Most manufacturers, including Ariens, recommend checking the belt for wear and tear on an annual basis. Replacing the belt can be done with common, household tools in less than an hour. New belts can be found at most home improvement stores, including those that sell Ariens and Gravely products.

Replacement traction drive belt
Screwdriver
Sturdy gloves
Socket wrench

Instructions

- 1
  Place the machine on a level spot. Remove the spark plug wire. Remove the belt cover, which is next to the snow discharge chute. Detach the chute gear cover, found toward the top of the discharge chute. Move the discharge chute to the left side of the machine.
- 2
  Disconnect the hairpin connecting the discharge chute rod and the chute rotation knob. This will allow you to push the discharge chute forward to gain access to the belt system. You may have to disconnect the spring pin from the snow discharge chute crank to gain more room to work.
- 3
  Remove the attachment drive belt, which is located in the front of the belt assembly. This will allow you to remove the traction drive belt, which powers your snow thrower wheels. The traction drive belt is wound around pulleys located closest to the main engine block. Turning the main engine pulley may help in removing the old traction drive belt from the pulley assembly.
- 4
  Place the new traction drive belt around the engine pulleys in the reverse order in which you removed the discarded belt. Reattach the attachment drive belt and reconnect the discharge chute using the pins that were removed earlier.
- 5
  Replace the chute gear cover and belt cover. Re-attach the spark plug wire.

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