December 09, 2022

How to adjust the snowblower drive control cable video

How to adjust a snowblower drive control video.
How to adjust a snowblower drive control video.

You’ll typically need to adjust the snowblower ground drive control system when:

  • The snowblower doesn’t move as you engage the drive lever.

  • The drive slips—causing sluggish movement of the snowblower.

  • The snow blower creeps forward with the drive lever disengaged.

This video shows you how to test drive controls and adjust tension on the ground drive cable so the snowblower moves properly.

Testing the snowblower drive system

When you engage the ground drive lever, the ground drive cable pulls the drive wheel up to rub against the friction disc. The friction disc rotates the hex drive shaft which spins the gear and shaft that moves the tires (see the image to the right).

Diagram showing how the snowblower ground drive system works

Ground drive cable tension must be set correctly to properly move the friction wheel up and down to start and stop snowblower motion.

To test ground drive cable tension with the snowblower shut down, lift the auger housing up slightly and push the snowblower forward. The snowblower should roll freely because the spinning drive wheel isn’t touching the friction disc.

If the snowblower doesn’t roll freely with the drive lever disengaged, you’ll need to loosen the ground drive cable tension. That will release the drive wheel from the friction wheel so the snowblower doesn’t creep forward with the drive lever disengaged when the engine is running.

Next, engage the ground drive lever and see if the snowblower moves freely. The wheels should be locked up when the ground drive lever is engaged because the drive wheel should be up against the friction disc—preventing the wheels from turning.

If the wheels turn freely with the ground drive lever engaged, then you’ll need to tighten the ground drive cable tension because the cable isn’t pulling the drive wheel up far enough to engage the friction wheel.

How to adjust the ground drive cable

Follow these steps to adjust the ground drive cable:

  1. Loosen, but don’t remove, the lower hex bolt on the ground drive cable bracket.

  2. Loosen the top hex nut on the ground drive cable bracket if necessary. (The upper hex nut typically isn’t tightened on most snowblowers so the bracket will move up and down once you loosen the lower hex nut.)

  3. Move the ground drive cable bracket up to loosen cable tension or downward in increase cable tension.

  4. Tighten the lower hex nut while holding the bracket in the adjusted position.

Test the ground drive control system and continue to adjust the ground drive cable bracket if necessary to tension the ground drive cable properly.

If you prefer to have a Sears Technician adjust the drive cable, schedule service online at Sears Home Services.com.

Symptoms for gas snowblowers

Choose a symptom to see related snowblower repairs.

Main causes: broken shear pins, worn or loose auger drive belt, auger drive cable failure, damaged auger, bad gear case…

Main causes: clogged chute, snow build-up in auger housing, broken auger shear pins, auger drive belt needs adjustment, …

Main causes: stale gas, clogged carburetor, clogged or broken fuel line, dirty spark plug, bad rewind starter, incorrect…

Main causes: punctured tire, damaged rim…

Main causes: clogged chute, damaged auger blades, broken shear pins, worn auger belt, damaged gear case, engine problems…

Things to do: replace the spark plug, change the oil, rebuild the carburetor, adjust valve lash, adjust or replace the b…

Main causes: dirty carburetor, clogged fuel filter, dirty spark plug, incorrect valve lash, leaky engine gaskets…

Main causes: dirty carburetor, stale fuel…

Main causes: loose drive clutch cable, damaged drive clutch cable, worn friction disc, scraper blade scraping the ground…

Repair guides for gas snowblowers

These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your snowblower.

How to replace a snowblower fuel filter

How to replace a snowblower fuel filter

Replace the fuel filter on your snowblower if it's clogged or damaged.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to adjust snowblower skid shoes

How to adjust snowblower skid shoes

To prevent snowblower auger and shave plate damage, adjust the skid shoes regularly to keep the shave plate ¼-inch high.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to rebuild a snowblower carburetor

How to rebuild a snowblower carburetor

Rebuild the carburetor on your snowblower if the engine isn't getting fuel.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less

Articles and videos for gas snowblowers

Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your snowblower.

How to make your snowblower last longer

How to make your snowblower last longer

Learn the steps to take to adjust and maintain your snowblower so it lasts longer.…

Find the right carburetor assembly for a Craftsman snowblower, tiller or log splitter

Find the right carburetor assembly for a Craftsman snowblower, tiller or log splitter

This chart will help you find the right carburetor for your Craftsman snowblower, tiller or log splitter.…

Snowblower chute won't turn: troubleshooting chute control and gearbox problems video

Snowblower chute won't turn: troubleshooting chute control and gearbox problems video

Learn how to replace the chute control assembly and gearbox if the chute on your snowblower won't turn.…