Toyotiac

Followup: A new friction disc (it was worn more than I had guessed) and some elbow grease with a Scotch Brite pad on the drive plate has eliminated all slippage.

samdog: No noise. When I had the bottom cover off, the belt, pulleys, idler, friction disc, and drive plate were all clean and dry. We have some snow in the forecast for tomorrow, so I'll see if it's going to be a problem.
Snowmann:Thanks for the (non) interchangeability info. I had seen you mention in one of your previous posts the major improvements in 2005 or 2006. How can you tell when a friction disc should be replaced? I've noticed they're not terribly expensive.

Hello!
   I'm new here, and couldn't find this information in a search, so here I go: I have a couple of questions for anyone familiar with Ariens' late model compact snow throwers. I recently bought a used 5520 that I believe is a 2004 model. In testing it at home , I found that I can stop it's forward movement (wheels stop turning) by holding back on the handlebar. Not easy to do , but I can. Opened it up, checked belts and their adjustment, and condition and adjustment of the friction disc; all OK. Doesn't appear to affect operation, just wondering if this is normal. Second question: Is the newer 3 blade, 12" impeller/bucket ass'y a direct replacement? (Mine is 4 blade, 10") I've added a home made impeller kit, but am waiting for the next snow to see if it can do as well as my son's 2009 compact 20. Thanks.