How to replace a snowblower chute control gearbox assembly

By Lyle Weischwill

This DIY repair guide gives instructions for replacing a snowblower chute control gearbox assembly. The chute control gearbox moves the discharge chute to the left or right as you move the joystick. If the chute control gearbox is damaged or stripped, the discharge chute won't move. Replace the chute control gearbox with the manufacturer-approved approved replacement part.

This procedure works for common Craftsman and MTD snowblowers.

Quick links

Video

Instructions

Tools required

Wrench set

Phillips screwdriver

Needle-nose pliers

Work gloves

Repair difficulty

Time required

30 minutes or less

Replacing the chute control gearbox on a snowblower

This video explains how to replace the chute control gearbox on a snowblower.

Instructions

01.
Disconnect the trigger cable
Remove the 3 screws from the snowblower joystick handle and separate the handle halves.
Disconnect the trigger cable and set the joystick handle, trigger and cable slide receiver aside.
Pull the trigger cable out of the control panel.
Release the trigger cable from the cable bracket on the muffler shroud.
Remove the screws.
Separate the handle.
Release the trigger cable.
02.
Remove the chute control gearbox
Remove the chute rod cotter pin and slide the chute rod out of the gearbox.
Remove the bolt that attaches the gearbox to the chute bracket.
Remove the wing nut from the bottom of the gearbox.
Pull the cotter pin out of the gearbox mounting pin.
Remove the gearbox mounting pin.
Lift the gearbox off the support bracket and chute.
Remove the cotter pin from the chute control shaft.
Release the chute rod.
Remove the bolt.
Remove the wing nut.
Remove the cotter pin.
Remove the pin.
Remove the gearbox.
03.
Connect the trigger cable
Route the new trigger cable through the cable bracket on the muffler shroud.
Push the trigger cable up through the oval opening in the bottom of the control panel, then up through the joystick opening.
Position the end of the cable in the cable slide receiver.
Place the cable slide in the right half of the trigger handle with the slot and cable ball facing the trigger.
Reinstall the trigger in the pivot hole on the right half of the trigger handle and slip the trigger tab into the cable slide receiver slot.
Insert the cable sleeve end into the bracket on the right half of the trigger handle.
Reinstall the left half of the trigger handle onto the right half of the trigger handle and slide the trigger handle onto the trigger shaft while holding the two halves together.
Reinstall the trigger mounting screws.
Route the cable through the bracket.
Push the cable into the control.
Position the cable in the handle.
Reinstall the trigger.
Reinstall the screws.
04.
Install the new gearbox assembly
Position the chute facing straight ahead.
Hold the new gearbox over the chute and align the flat sides of the gearbox shaft with the flat sides on the chute bracket receiver.
Push the gearbox shaft down into the chute bracket receiver and onto the chute support bracket.
Reinstall the mounting bolt through the gearbox and into the chute bracket.
Reinstall the mounting bolt through the gearbox and the chute support bracket and secure it with the wing nut.
Reinstall the pin through the chute support bracket and the bottom of the gearbox and secure it with the cotter pin.
Center the trigger on the control panel and make sure that the chute is still facing straight ahead to align the trigger control.
Insert the end of the chute rod into the new gearbox.
Align the holes in the chute rod with the holes in the gearbox drive shaft receiver and reinstall the cotter pin.
Install the new gearbox.
Reinstall the mounting bolt.
Reinstall the wing nut.
Reinstall the pin.
Insert the chute rod.
Reinstall the cotter pin.

Warning: Undertaking repairs or maintenance to appliances or power equipment can be hazardous. Should you choose to undertake repairs or maintenance, you are assuming the risk of injury to your person or property. In an effort to reduce the risk, use the proper tools and safety equipment noted in the applicable guide and follow all instructions. Do not proceed until you are confident that you understand all of the steps and are capable of completing the repair. Some repairs or maintenance, however, should only be performed by a qualified technician.