How to Replace a Snow Blower's Tire

Not everyone lives in a region that receives consistent yearly snowfall, but many areas are prone to cold winter weather that can produce a surprise snowy day. Snow blowers carefully stored for years will need to be dusted off and powered on. However, many owners will find that one of their snow blower tires will just not hold any air. In these cases, the tire needs to be replaced. Careful attention to the tire's attachment point will guide you to a successful snow blower repair.


1. Unscrew the gas cap from the snow blower. Lay a piece of plastic wrap across the open gas orifice. Carefully screw the gas cap back on. This plastic wrap will prevent any harmful fuel spills during tire replacement.


2. Choose a sturdy surface to work on the snow blower, such as within a garage or on a concrete driveway. Lay a tarp down to protect the surface from any damage from the auger blades or dropped tools.


3. Tilt the snow blower up onto its auger by pushing the handlebar forward. If the snow blower is too heavy for you to tilt, ask a friend to help with the pushing process.


4. Examine the snow blower's bad tire connection to the snow blower. Each manufacturer has a different attachment design to the axle. The connecting screw should be on the center of the exterior wheel assembly or behind the wheel on the axle rod.


5. Detach the connecting screw from the blower with a screwdriver or socket driver. Fasteners may differ between manufacturers; consult the blower's specific manual for particular fastener types. Slide any washers off of the connection point and place aside.


6. Slide the wheel and tire assembly off of the blower's axle. Place a new tire and wheel assembly onto the blower's axle.


7. Place any necessary washers onto the connection point. Insert the fastener onto the connection point and tighten with the screwdriver or socket driver. If your blower model has a screw torque specification, use a torque driver to tighten the fastener to the manufacturer's value listed in the owner's manual.


8. Tilt the snow blower back down into its normal ground position carefully. Remove the plastic wrap from the gas cap. Tighten the gas cap back down onto the snow blower.


9. Test the snow blower's new tire by rolling it across the garage or driveway. The movement should be smooth and bump-free.