When your snowblower chute won’t turn, clearing snow becomes a lot more difficult. The chute directs where the snow is thrown, and if it locks up, your machine can’t do its job. Fortunately, most chute problems are easy to identify and fix. This guide walks you through the most common causes and solutions so you can get back to battling winter storms.
How the Chute Mechanism Works
Before you can solve the problem, it helps to understand how the chute is designed to function. Knowing the basics will make troubleshooting much easier.
- The chute is the tall, adjustable tube on the front of a snowblower that throws snow in the direction you choose.
- The chute rotates on a vertical axis to redirect the snow.
- Manual chutes are controlled by a crank or lever that connects to the chute through rods and linkages.
- Powered chutes use a motor or actuator, controlled by buttons or switches on the snowblower’s panel.
- The gearbox in a manual chute or the motor in a powered chute drives the rotation.
- Lubrication is needed to reduce friction and keep the chute moving smoothly.
Common Reasons a Chute Won’t Turn
When a chute stops turning, it usually comes down to a handful of typical issues. Here are the most frequent culprits to look out for.
- Clogs or blockages – Ice, snow, or debris may freeze around the chute, preventing movement.
- Poor lubrication – Dry or ungreased parts create friction and make turning difficult.
- Misaligned, damaged, or loose parts – Worn or shifted linkages stop the chute from responding to controls.
- Wrong cable tension – Cables may stretch or loosen over time, reducing control in cable-based systems.
- Gearbox or motor issues – Worn gears, stripped parts, or electrical failures can lock the chute.
- Broken shear pin – On some models, a broken pin disconnects the chute from the gearbox, leaving it stuck.
Safety Precautions
Working on a snowblower can be hazardous if you’re not careful. Follow these safety steps before attempting any repair.
- Wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and slip-resistant footwear.
- Disconnect the spark plug to prevent accidental starts.
- Work in a well-ventilated space if indoors.
- Let the engine cool before touching any parts.
- Keep the snowblower on a stable, level surface while making repairs.
Tools and Supplies You’ll Need
Having the right tools on hand will make the troubleshooting process quicker and safer. Here’s what you should gather before getting started.
- Safety glasses or goggles
- Hearing protection
- Work gloves
- Proper footwear with traction
- Wrench set
- Screwdrivers
- Pliers
- Locking pliers
- Socket set with ratchet
- Lubricating oil or grease
- Spray lubricant
- Digital multimeter (for powered chutes)
- Replacement shear pins
- Cable adjustment tools
- Hydraulic fluid and container (for hydraulic systems)
How to Fix a Snowblower Chute That Won’t Turn
Follow these steps to troubleshoot and repair a snowblower chute that won’t rotate properly.
Clear Blockages
- Turn off and power down the snowblower before inspecting
- Inspect the chute for blockages such as snow, ice, or debris
- Remove obstructions by hand or with a tool, taking care not to damage the chute or auger
- Rotate the chute manually to see if it moves freely
Check the Auger
- Locate the auger at the front of the snowblower behind the intake opening
- Inspect the auger for cracks, bends, or breaks and replace if damaged
- Check the auger’s pitch against the owner’s manual and adjust if necessary
- Rotate the auger to confirm it moves smoothly
- Inspect the bearings and auger shaft for wear or damage if the auger does not rotate properly
- Confirm the auger has enough clearance to rotate without hitting other parts
- Clean the auger blades and the surrounding area with a soft brush or cloth
Inspect the Impeller
- Locate the impeller near the auger housing
- Inspect the impeller for cracks, dents, rust, or broken blades, and replace it if damaged
- Clean off snow, ice, or debris stuck to the impeller blades
- Check that the impeller blades are properly aligned
- Inspect the impeller housing for cracks or leaks and replace it if damaged
- Replace the impeller if it does not work after cleaning
Check the Bearings
- Locate the bearings in the auger housing near the impeller blades
- Listen for unusual noises or vibrations while the snowblower is running
- Inspect the bearing surfaces with a flashlight for scratches, dents, or rust
- Test the bearings for looseness or excessive play with a wrench or pliers
- Check lubrication levels and replace bearings if worn or damaged
Inspect the Belts
- Locate the belts in the auger housing near the impeller blades
- Inspect belts for cracks, frays, or wear
- Check for loose or missing parts on the belts
- Inspect the belt pulleys for wear or damage and replace if needed
- Replace damaged or worn belts following the manufacturer’s instructions
Check the Gearbox
- Locate the gearbox at the bottom of the snowblower near the ground
- Listen for unusual noises from the gearbox area when the snowblower is running
- Check the gearbox oil level and condition, and change it if low or dirty
- Inspect the gearbox for oil or fluid leaks and replace if leaking
Final Step
- Consult the owner’s manual for additional troubleshooting steps if the chute still does not turn
- Contact a professional technician if the problem remains unresolved
What’s Next?
Getting a snowblower chute moving again usually comes down to a few straightforward fixes. Whether it’s clearing out packed snow, adding a little lubrication, or tightening up parts that have loosened over time, most of these issues can be handled without too much hassle. If things still don’t improve, that’s when the owner’s manual or a professional technician can step in. Taking the time to check through these steps will save frustration and keep your machine ready when the next big snowfall hits.