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

I have a Simplicity I75246E snowblower. I was using it today and the auger drive belt came off. When I went to put the belt back on the pulley, I noticed that there was about 1/2" of play in the pulley. By this, I mean that I can move the whole assembly (pulley, impeller, and shaft to auger gear box) back to front horizontally a good 1/2". The worm shaft actually slides in/out of the auger gear box. All of the bolts seem to be tight. The belt/pulley has worn a small groove in the plastic belt cover, so I'm assuming that something is worn or broken. Any suggestions on what parts or adjustments I should be looking at? Sorry if my terminology and descriptions are confusing. I'm mechanically inclined, but have very limited experience with snowblowers. Thanks

Parts are ordered. Thank you so much for your assistance. I really appreciate it!

Every snowblower I service if the diff has gear oil I added gear oil IF IT HAS GREASE I ADD GEAR OIL to soften the grease. I see this all the time The grease has cupped or hardened and you have stripped gears. Very stupid idea putting grease vs gear oil in the diff. Just another way our manufactures got lazy and cheap. Oh you better use the proper grease or you will be doing the diff again in a few years. Next time it will take you half the time to do the diff.

I've always just used 90W gear lube and never had a problem. It box might ooze a little around the seals in the summer when it's hot out. But never had a problem when is get cold.
I've never really understood how any type of grease is supposed to work in a gear box that is exposed to freezing cold temperatures and sometimes surrounded by snow and ice.
It just doesn't seem like it could be anywhere near fluid enough in those conditions to keep the gears and shafts properly lubricated.