Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

I have a chance to purchase a used 9400 series Ariens 8-24 at a good price but it has a broken auger gearbox.

 I don't know what the exact damage is, but after some quick research, these parts seem to be in short supply or you have to buy the shaft & the gear as a set ($$$). Is there a place where I can source replacement parts cheaply & does the gear normally slide on & off the rake shaft easily?

Thanks

Go to ariens.com and look up your serial and model number on the parts radar.  I would recommend replacing the entire gearbox and to not just try and rebuild it.  Chances are you have other worn parts in there which could cause it to fail again.  If you do decide to rebuild it, look at all the parts in there and if any show signs of wear, replace them as well.  You will have to also replace the oil seals on each side of the auger shaft. Don't forget to replace the oil seal on the shaft that goes to the impeller.  The seals are very thin so be sure not to cut them when you slide them onto the shaft.  If they tear they will leak.  That is why I suggest replacing the entire assembly.  The auger shaft rusts and becomes pitted which makes it very diffucult to replace the oil seals without damaging them.  Let me know how it goes.

The seals can be installed on a buffed out shaft if you use a seal protector or a piece of old micrfiche as a protector.....

Also sometime a better seal can be installed than the unit came with,  A good industrial bearing supply house can fix you up with "very good seals" if you can show them the old one..   

....Just something you may want to try..

Good Luck,

Friiy

Thanks for all the info guys. I'm sorry to cause problems with these non-specific questions. I saw this machine on sale on Kijiji and just wanted a general idea what Issues I might expect with a gear box repair/replacement for Ariens. I'll try to be more specific in the future. Again, I appreciate all your help.

Cheers