Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): replacing auger belt, drive shaft, snow thrower

Question
QUESTION: I have a Craftsman 9 HP snow thrower,model 536.887995.  It appears the auger drive belt needs to be replaced but when I follow the operator manual, it appears to missing key steps as to how to remove as the drive shaft w/o cutting the old belt off.  Am I supposed to take the auger housing off since there appears to be no way to snake the old belt off and put on the new one - there is a shaft that connects to the engine pulley that connects to the engine pulley or is there an easier way?

ANSWER: Hello Sue:

>>On this Model the Auger Housing has to be Moved in Order to Replace this Belt.
>>To View a Breakdown of this Unit Go to this Site Addy, http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/index.action?sid=PSHx20080114x00001 and Enter the Model Numbers and Click Search. From this Page you can View Diagrams and Parts Lists for you Equipment Using the "View Sub Components" Section Near the Bottom Left. Use the Sub Component File Required to Assist in the Disassembly and Assembly of the Unit.  
>>Please, Do Not Hesitate, If you Hit a Snag, if I Missed Something or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

>>PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I found the sub component list for the auger housing.  My next question is do I have to take all the parts off the auger housing itself or is there a way to at least detach the piece that connects to the engine pulley to allow enough of an opening so that I can pull out the old auger belt and replace with a new one through the bottom of panel beneath the engine pulley itself?

Answer
Hello Again Sue:

>>Usually you have to Unbolt the Auger Assy from the Frame and Seperate the Frame from the Auger Assy enough for the Replacement of this Belt.
>>Please, Do Not Hesitate, If you Hit a Snag, if I Missed Something or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

>>PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John