How-To Guides
How to Replace a Shear Pin on Snow Blower
AAZparts Team
Updated on June 24, 2025
7 min read
If your snow blower suddenly stops working or the auger stops spinning, a broken shear pin could be the culprit. This small safety component is designed to protect the engine and drive system when the machine hits a hard object. In this article, AZParts will learn how to identify the problem and safely replace the shear pin - getting your snow blower back up and running efficiently during the harsh winter season.
1. Tools and Materials Needed to Replace Snow Blower Shear Pin
Before starting the process of replacing the shear pin, it's essential to gather all the necessary tools and materials to ensure the procedure is smooth, quick, and safe. Proper preparation not only saves time but also reduces the risk of damaging the machine or causing injury during the replacement.
- Replacement Shear Pin : This is the most critical component to prepare. When replacing the shear pin, ensure it is compatible with your snowblower model. Using a low-quality or incorrect size shear pin can cause the machine to operate improperly or lead to significant damage to the auger and transmission.
A reliable choice is the shear pins from AZParts, known for their durability, precise design, and excellent protection for your equipment. For example, the 303160355P 303160355 Snow Blower Shear Pins and Nuts, which includes 4 shear pins and nuts, is compatible with Powersmart snowblower models:
- Durable design, resistant to impact, providing protection for the machine when encountering obstacles like rocks, ice, or sticks.
- Easy to install, even for non-professional users.
- Replacement time: Approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
- A dependable solution for maintaining your machine's performance during winter.
303160355P 303160355 Snow Blower Shear Pins and Nuts (Source: AZParts)
- Tool Set (Wrenches, Socket Set, Screwdrivers) : These tools are necessary for removing the broken shear pin and installing the new one. Depending on your snowblower model, make sure to use the appropriate tools to prevent damage to the bolts or shaft.
- Pliers : Useful for gripping and removing any leftover pieces of the broken shear pin stuck in the auger shaft. Needle-nose pliers are especially helpful for precise work in tight spaces.
- Protective Gloves : Protect your hands from cold temperatures and avoid cuts or abrasions from sharp metal parts during the repair process.
- Flashlight or Headlamp : If the area you're working in is poorly lit, make sure to have a light source for better visibility, especially when working in small, hard-to-reach spaces.
- Cloth or Small Brush : Use these to clean the area around the auger before replacing the shear pin. Removing snow, ice, and debris will help ensure a clean working environment and prevent rust build-up.
- Lubricant (Optional) : While not necessary, if the auger shaft is rusty or the old shear pin is difficult to remove, you can use lubricant to loosen the parts, making the process smoother.
Having all of these materials prepared in advance is the first crucial step to ensure the shear pin replacement is done correctly, allowing your snowblower to operate safely, efficiently, and extend its lifespan.
Tools and Materials Needed to Replace Snow Blower Shear Pin (Source: AZParts)
Read more: Why Is My Snow Blower Auger Not Turning?
2. How to Replace a Shear Pin on Snow Blower
The shear pin is a crucial part that protects the snowblower’s transmission system, especially the auger, from damage when hitting hard objects like rocks or wood. In snow blower troubleshooting, a broken shear pin is a common issue. Replace it promptly to keep the machine running safely. Below is a step-by-step guide:
2.1. Step 1. Ensure the Engine Cannot Start Accidentally
Before starting the repair, make sure to disconnect the spark plug wire from the engine to prevent the machine from accidentally starting during the process. This step is crucial to ensure complete safety for the user.
Ensure the Engine Cannot Start Accidentally (Source: Freepik)
2.2. Step 2. Remove Any Debris from the Auger Area
Inspect and remove any snow, ice, or foreign objects trapped in the auger area. Cleaning this area not only makes the task easier but also helps prevent further damage to other components when installing the new shear pin.
Inspect and remove any snow, ice, or foreign objects trapped in the auger area (Source: AZParts)
2.3. Step 3. Remove the Broken Shear Pins
Use a wrench or the appropriate tool to remove the broken shear pin from the auger shaft. If the pin is stuck, you can use pliers to pull out the remaining piece. Make sure the shaft hole is clean and free of any debris before installing the new shear pin.
2.4. Step 4. Install the New Shear Pins
After cleaning the shaft hole, align the auger and shaft holes to ensure they are properly aligned for the correct placement of the shear pin. Next, insert the new shear pin and secure it tightly using the accompanying nuts to ensure it stays firmly in place.
It is recommended to use genuine shear pins from AZParts, particularly the 303160355P / 303160355 Shear Pins and Nuts set. These products are specifically designed for Powersmart snow blowers, offering easy installation, high durability, and effective protection for the auger and transmission system during harsh winter conditions.
After cleaning the shaft hole, aligned for the correct placement of the shear pin (Source: AZParts)
2.5. Step 5. Manually Check the Auger’s Function
Gently rotate the auger by hand to ensure it moves smoothly. If the auger turns freely without any obstructions or unusual noises, it means the shear pin has been installed correctly and is functioning properly.
2.6. Step 6. Reconnect the Spark Plug Wire and Test the Snowblower
Reconnect the spark plug wire to the engine, then start the snowblower and observe its operation. Ensure the auger rotates smoothly without any unusual vibrations and that the machine is running steadily as it should.
3. FAQs about Replacing Snow Blower Shear Pin
3.1. How to change a shear pin on a snow blower?
First, turn off the machine and disconnect the spark plug wire for safety. Then, remove the broken shear pin from the auger shaft and install the new shear pin following the instructions, ensuring it's securely tightened with the included nut. Don't forget to manually check the auger before restarting the machine.
3.2. What happens when the shear pin breaks on a snowblower?
The shear pin is designed as a safety feature: when the auger encounters a hard obstruction (such as a stone or piece of wood), the pin breaks to disconnect the auger from the drive shaft. This prevents damage to the engine and other critical components.
3.3 Will an auger turn with a broken shear pin?
No. When the shear pin breaks, the auger will stop spinning because it’s no longer receiving power from the engine. However, the engine itself can still start and run normally, it just won’t be able to move or throw snow until the shear pin is replaced.
Replacing a broken shear pin on your snow blower is a quick and simple task when done correctly. To ensure a smooth fix, just prepare the necessary tools, follow basic safety precautions, and choose high-quality replacement parts from AZParts to help restore your machine’s performance and extend its lifespan through tough winter conditions.
Additionally, AZParts offers a wide range of snow blower parts, including shear pins, drive belts, spark plugs, scraper blades, and transmission components, carefully selected for compatibility and optimal performance with many popular snow blower models.
Don’t let a small part interrupt your snow-clearing routine. Be proactive with maintenance and timely part replacements to keep your machine running at its best. Explore premium snow blower replacement parts at AZParts today and stay ready for any snowfall!
Contact Information:
8 The Green, Ste A, Dover, Delaware 19901-3618, United States
Snowblower
- 1. Tools and Materials Needed to Replace Snow Blower Shear Pin
- 2. How to Replace a Shear Pin on Snow Blower
- 2.1. Step 1. Ensure the Engine Cannot Start Accidentally
- 2.2. Step 2. Remove Any Debris from the Auger Area
- 2.3. Step 3. Remove the Broken Shear Pins
- 2.4. Step 4. Install the New Shear Pins
- 2.5. Step 5. Manually Check the Auger’s Function
- 2.6. Step 6. Reconnect the Spark Plug Wire and Test the Snowblower
- 3. FAQs about Replacing Snow Blower Shear Pin
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