High-pitched noise on snowblower

haz33 · 12-09-2008, 06:27 AM

Hi, I have a Sears snowblower, model #536.881501. When I start up the snowblower, there's no problem. But when I squeeze the handle to rotate the blades, they emit a constant, very high-pitched noise. The snowblower still works just fine but I'm wondering what to do to get rid of the high-pitched squealing. Should it be a concern? Thanks in advance!

**K-B** · 12-09-2008, 08:24 AM

Sounds like a bearing is beginning to lock up. If that's the case, eventually it will probably seize completely and you would risk burning the belt up.

MrChooks · 12-09-2008, 01:44 PM

I agree with KB - if the noise is basically continuous and has a screaming / roar about it - it is almost certainly a bearing well and truly on its way out - and needs replacing pretty smartly as if it seizes - it will likely badly score the shaft or bearing carrier.

Just as as an add - on - if the noise is a really high pitched squeal and the sound oscillates a bit - have a look for a slipping belt - Slipping belt noise is usually worst at start up / belt drive engagement; but then dies down after a little while.

Either way - your machine needs some maintenance pretty quick - 'cause loud (unusual) noises are a warning that some serious further damage is likely if it is left unattended

gmiles · 12-20-2008, 10:38 AM

Hi, I had the same problem last season and I found that somehow the drive belt got above the brake wire (#17 on pg. 31 of the manual). It squealed every time I engaged the auger. You can remove the oil fill access panel and see the belt and brake wire. The wire should be on the outside (above) of the belt so it is lifted away from the belt when the auger is engaged. Mine was on the inside of the belt, so when the drive lever was pulled, the brake wire pressed up against the belt and caused the squeal. You may be able to flip things back through the oil access opening, but I had already removed the side cover to find the broblem.

MrChooks · 12-20-2008, 01:14 PM

Gmiles - A very well done on the diagnosis & repair and Tks for that input - this sort of feed back & advice is very helpful

12-09-2008, 06:27 AM	#1 (permalink)
haz33 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 1 OS: XP Home	High-pitched noise on snowblower Hi, I have a Sears snowblower, model #536.881501. When I start up the snowblower, there's no problem. But when I squeeze the handle to rotate the blades, they emit a constant, very high-pitched noise. The snowblower still works just fine but I'm wondering what to do to get rid of the high-pitched squealing. Should it be a concern? Thanks in advance!

12-09-2008, 08:24 AM	#2 (permalink)
K-B Mod. Linux, Wrench Turner Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: NY Posts: 2,884 OS: Vista, Ubuntu My System	Re: High-pitched noise on snowblower Sounds like a bearing is beginning to lock up. If that's the case, eventually it will probably seize completely and you would risk burning the belt up. __________________

12-09-2008, 01:44 PM	#3 (permalink)
MrChooks Gearhead Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 613 OS: Windows XP Home SP 3 My System	Re: High-pitched noise on snowblower I agree with KB - if the noise is basically continuous and has a screaming / roar about it - it is almost certainly a bearing well and truly on its way out - and needs replacing pretty smartly as if it seizes - it will likely badly score the shaft or bearing carrier. Just as as an add - on - if the noise is a really high pitched squeal and the sound oscillates a bit - have a look for a slipping belt - Slipping belt noise is usually worst at start up / belt drive engagement; but then dies down after a little while. Either way - your machine needs some maintenance pretty quick - 'cause loud (unusual) noises are a warning that some serious further damage is likely if it is left unattended

12-20-2008, 10:38 AM	#4 (permalink)
gmiles Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 1 OS: WinXP	Re: High-pitched noise on snowblower Hi, I had the same problem last season and I found that somehow the drive belt got above the brake wire (#17 on pg. 31 of the manual). It squealed every time I engaged the auger. You can remove the oil fill access panel and see the belt and brake wire. The wire should be on the outside (above) of the belt so it is lifted away from the belt when the auger is engaged. Mine was on the inside of the belt, so when the drive lever was pulled, the brake wire pressed up against the belt and caused the squeal. You may be able to flip things back through the oil access opening, but I had already removed the side cover to find the broblem.

12-20-2008, 01:14 PM	#5 (permalink)
MrChooks Gearhead Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 613 OS: Windows XP Home SP 3 My System	Re: High-pitched noise on snowblower Gmiles - A very well done on the diagnosis & repair and Tks for that input - this sort of feed back & advice is very helpful