What's your model number? Why would you put it in from the bottom?

 

My 824 is a Model 932100. I don't know how other snowblowers work but on this one, you have to separate the auger housing from the rest of the machine to replace the auger belt. There is no other way to gain enough clearance. It's kind of a pain, you have to remove the rotating chute, the belly pan, the belt cover and separate the entire unit in half. All that is fine I suppose, except when you have to do it twice because there is a MISTAKE in the owner's manual

Step 7 for replacing the belt: Separate housing from unit. Lower handlebar on floor.

 

Well my Auger belt rant continues.

I ordered a STENS 266-014 belt which STENS claims is 38.25 inch long but it measures 39.0 inches! It's supposedly a cross reference for Ariens 07234000 but there is no way it will fit my machine! WTF?

I would have ordered the Ariens belt but it takes another 10 days for delivery and my blower is in pieces in the driveway

So my owner's manual lists an incorrect Ariens PN and the belt length specified by STENS does not match the actual STENS belt!

 

Visit/call your local Ariens dealer and give them the model and serial # of your machine.

They will be able to supply the correct belt, either from their stock or they may have to order one, which hopefully only takes a few days.

I recommend keeping a spare belt on hand for your snow blower, so you may want to order 2.

 

According to Ariens website, that belt number you are using does not fit the ST824 model 932100

 

According to Ariens, your machine takes an 07234000 belt for the Auger.

 

Most sites claim that belt is 1/2 x 38.25 ......

 

Most sites claim that belt is 1/2 x 38.25 ......



View attachment 242019

EXACTLY. I saw those sites that claim 1/2 X 38.25" which is why I ordered that belt which was delivered overnight. I have proof the spec is wrong and there are amazon one star reviews that agree the STENS spec is WRONG for the 266-014 belt. I measured closer to 39 inches just like the amazon reviewers.

I wonder if its a counterfeit belt from Amazon?

View attachment 242018

 

Thank you The specification for 07234000 is 38.00 inches long which matches closely to the 38.25" that came out of the machine with the worn out part number.

I figured that was the correct PN but was trying to avoid a distant trip to the Ariens dealer oh well.

Next stop: Ariens

 

 

I called Stens and they could not confirm or deny if the belt was counterfeit but they are going to elevate the problem to their Product Team and check their inventory.

I called a local Ariens dealer who informed me they no longer sell or carry Ariens

 

The former Ariens dealer was kind enough to cross the belt over to Gates 6838 which is the correct size but it's not RAW EDGE like OEM. It's wrapped.

 

I purchased Ariens 07234000 directly from a local Ariens dealer today who confirmed it's the right part.
The belt unfortunately measured 38.5" (measured by the dealer) which does not agree with the 38.0" spec shown in the Belt Guide on this snowblowerforum. Like I said earlier, the belt that came out of the machine measured 38.25" so I'm hoping this new one is close enough and works.

38.75 inches wasn't even close to working, it was way too long.