January 20, 2015

How to replace a snowblower shear pin

How to replace a snowblower shear pin

This step-by-step repair guide shows how to replace a snowblower shear pin. If hard-packed snow or a foreign object jams the auger, the snowblower shear pin breaks to protect the engine from damage. Once the shear pin breaks, the auger is no longer attached to the snowblower drive shaft and won’t rotate. Replace the broken shear pin with a manufacturer-approved snowblower part.

You can use the steps in this guide to replace broken shear pins on Craftsman, Husqvarna, Troybilt, Murry, MTD, Toro, Poulan, Ariens and Cub Cadet snowblowers.

Quick links
Tools required
1/2-inch wrench
Hammer
Nail
Repair difficulty
Time required
15 minutes or less
Repair difficulty
Time required
15 minutes or less
How to replace a snowblower shear pin

How to replace a snowblower shear pin

Instructions

  1. 01.

    Disconnect the spark plug wire.

    Pull the wire straight up and off of the plug. 

  2. 02.

    Remove the broken shear pin

    Remove the broken shear pin, using a hammer and nail to completely clear the hole of any pieces.

  3. 03.

    Insert the new shear pin

    Realign the holes in the auger and the shaft. Insert the new shear pin and secure it with the bow tie pin.

    PHOTO: Insert the new shear pin.

    PHOTO: Insert the new shear pin.

    PHOTO: Secure the shear pin with the bow tie pin.

    PHOTO: Secure the shear pin with the bow tie pin.

  4. 04.

    Test the auger

    Reconnect the spark plug wire. Start the engine and test the operation of the auger.

Warning: Undertaking repairs to appliances can be hazardous. Use the proper tools and safety equipment noted in the 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 should only be performed by a qualified technician.

Symptoms for gas snowblowers

Choose a symptom to see related snowblower repairs.

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, engine problems
Main causes: punctured tire, damaged rim
Main causes: broken shear pins, worn or loose auger drive belt, auger drive cable failure, damaged auger, bad gear case
Main causes: stale gas, clogged carburetor, clogged or broken fuel line, dirty spark plug, bad rewind starter, incorrect valve lash
Main causes: clogged chute, snow build-up in auger housing, broken auger shear pins, auger drive belt needs adjustment, auger cable problems
Things to do: replace the spark plug, change the oil, rebuild the carburetor, adjust valve lash, adjust or replace the belts
Main causes: clogged chute, damaged auger blades, broken shear pins, worn auger belt, damaged gear case, engine problems

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

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

To prevent snowblower auger and shave plate damage, adjust the skid shoes regularly to keep the shave plate ¼-inch high. It's an easy adjustment that you can handle yourself.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
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 common to all snowblowers

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