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How to lubricate a snowblower drive hex shaft video

less than a minute readNov 12Lyle Weischwill

The drive hex shaft plays an important role in how your snowblower moves. It connects the friction wheel to the wheel axles, transferring engine power to the wheels when the friction wheel engages the spinning drive plate. Without regular lubrication, the shaft can corrode or stick, causing poor traction or drive issues.

To keep your snowblower running smoothly, lubricate the drive hex shaft at least once per season (or every 25 hours of use). This quick maintenance step helps prevent wear and ensures your snowblower drives forward easily, even in heavy snow.

Follow the steps in the video below to lubricate the drive hex shaft in a snowblower.

Before you begin

Before working on your snowblower, take these safety steps:

  1. Remove the key.

  2. Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it against the engine.

  3. Drain the fuel from the engine in a well-ventilated area.

  4. If your snowblower has drift cutters, move them into the storage position so they’re out of the way when you tilt the snowblower onto its auger housing. You can see how in our how to set up drift cutters on a snowblower video.

How to lubricate the hex drive shaft

Follow these steps to lubricate the drive hex shaft safely:

  1. Tilt the snowblower forward onto its auger housing.

  2. Remove the lower frame cover from the underside of the snowblower.

  3. Using a soft cloth, apply a thin coat of engine oil or 3-in-1 oil along the hex drive shaft. Avoid getting oil on the aluminum drive plate or friction wheel, as this can cause slipping.

  4. Wipe away any excess oil from the shaft and surrounding parts.

  5. Reinstall the lower frame cover.

  6. Tilt the snowblower upright.

If oil entered the cylinder while the snowblower was tilted, remove the spark plug and spin the engine briefly using the recoil or electric starter to clear it. Then reinstall the spark plug, reconnect the wire, and refill the fuel tank with fresh gasoline.

Reposition the drift cutters if necessary and test your snowblower to ensure smooth drive operation.

Keep your snowblower running like new

Regular lubrication is just one part of proper snowblower maintenance. Pair this step with a seasonal snowblower tune-up to extend engine life and prevent costly repairs.

If your drive belts look worn or your snowblower struggles to move forward, it may be time to adjust or replace the auger and ground drive belts.

Prefer to let a pro handle it? Schedule a Snowblower Tune-Up and Maintenance Service through Sears Home Services. A Sears Technician will check the ignition system, replace the oil, inspect the drive components, lubricate moving parts, and make any needed adjustments to keep your snowblower performing at its best.

Keeping your snowblower in top shape with routine care or professional service ensures you’re ready for whatever winter brings.