5.Carefully remove the hex nut which secures the hex shaft to the snow thrower frame and lightly tap the shaft’s end to dislodge the ball bearing from the right side of the frame.

See Figure 7-9.

NOTE: Be careful not to damage the threads on the shaft.

Figure 7-9

6.Carefully position the hex shaft downward and to the left before carefully sliding the friction wheel assembly off the shaft. See Figure 7-10.

Figure 7-10

NOTE: If you’re replacing the friction wheel assembly as a whole, discard the worn part and slide the new part onto the hex shaft.

7.Follow the previous steps in reverse order to reassemble components.

8.Perform the Drive Control test on page 23 in the Maintenance and Adjustments section.

If you’re disassembling the friction wheel and replacing only the rubber ring, proceed as follows:

1.Remove the four screws which secure the friction wheel’s side plates together. See Figure 7-11.

Figure 7-11

2.Remove the rubber ring from between the plates.

3.Reassemble the side plates with a new rubber ring.

NOTE: When reassembling the friction wheel assembly, make sure that the rubber ring is centered and seated properly between the side plates. Tighten each screw only one rotation before turning the wheel clockwise and proceeding with the next screw. Repeat this process several times to ensure the plates are secured with equal force (between 6 ft-lbs and 9 ft-lbs).

NOTE: Make sure the shift lever pin is in place in the bearing housing. See Figure 7-9 inset.

4.Slide the friction wheel assembly back onto the hex shaft and follow the steps above in reverse order to reassemble components.

5.After replacing the friction wheel, perform the Drive Control test on page 23 in the Maintenance and Adjustments section.

28Section 7 — Service