Snowblower Pulls to One Side? 7 Reasons Why & How to Fix It

You’re ready to tackle the winter storm, but your snowblower has other plans. Instead of clearing a straight path, it stubbornly veers to the left or right, forcing you into a frustrating wrestling match. A snowblower that pulls to one side is not just annoying; it’s inefficient and can be a safety hazard.

This common problem can turn a simple chore into an exhausting battle against the machine. Fortunately, the causes are often straightforward, and the solutions are well within the reach of a determined owner. This guide will walk you through the seven most common reasons your snowblower won’t go straight and provide clear, step-by-step instructions to get it running true again.

1. Uneven Tire Pressure: The Simplest Fix

Before diving into more complex mechanical issues, always start with the basics. Uneven tire pressure is the number one cause of a snowblower pulling to one side. A tire with lower pressure has a smaller circumference, causing it to rotate more times over the same distance than the properly inflated tire, which forces the machine to veer toward the underinflated side.

Cold weather naturally causes tire pressure to drop, so it’s a frequent issue during winter. Checking and adjusting the pressure is a quick and easy diagnostic step that often solves the problem immediately.

How to Check and Adjust Tire Pressure

First, ensure you have a low-pressure tire gauge, as the gauges used for cars are not accurate for the lower PSI (pounds per square inch) requirements of snowblower tires. Most snowblower tires should be inflated to a pressure between 15 and 20 PSI, but always consult your owner’s manual for the specific recommendation.

To fix this, park your snowblower on a level surface. Use the gauge to check the pressure in both tires and inflate the lower one until both have equal pressure. A portable air compressor or even a bicycle pump can handle this task effectively.

2. Worn, Damaged, or Mismatched Tires

If the tire pressure is correct, the next logical step is to inspect the tires themselves. Over time, the tread on one tire can wear down more than the other, especially if the machine has been pulling to that side for a while. This difference in diameter creates the same pulling effect as uneven pressure.

Look for signs of cracking, significant tread wear, or any visible damage. Also, ensure both tires are the same model and size. A previous owner might have replaced one with an incorrect tire, leading to a permanent imbalance.

Inspecting and Replacing Tires

Examine both tires closely. If you notice one is visibly more worn than the other, or if you find cracks or damage, it’s time for a replacement. It is highly recommended to replace both tires at the same time to ensure they are perfectly matched in size and tread pattern, providing a stable foundation for straight operation.

3. Uneven Skid Shoe Adjustment

Skid shoes are adjustable plates on either side of the auger housing that control the height of the scraper blade from the ground. If one skid shoe is set lower than the other, that side of the housing will dig into the snow more aggressively, causing the machine to pull in that direction.

This is a very common issue, as the bolts can loosen over time from vibration, or they may have been set incorrectly after maintenance. Proper adjustment ensures the snowblower glides smoothly over the surface.

How to Adjust Skid Shoes Correctly

To set your skid shoes, you’ll need a flat, level surface like a garage floor. Place a thin piece of wood, sturdy cardboard, or a few stacked paint stirrers (about 1/8 inch thick) under the scraper blade across the full width of the auger housing. This creates the recommended clearance for paved surfaces.

Loosen the bolts on both skid shoes until they can slide freely. Let them drop so they are resting flat on the ground. Once they are both flat on the surface, tighten the bolts securely. This process ensures both sides are perfectly even, allowing the scraper blade to do its job without causing a pull.

4. Worn or Damaged Scraper Blade

The scraper blade, or shave plate, is the long bar at the bottom of the auger housing that clears the last layer of snow. If this blade wears unevenly, it can create the same effect as poorly adjusted skid shoes. The more worn section will cause that side to sit lower and drag, pulling the snowblower off its straight course.

This is particularly common if you frequently clear uneven surfaces or have consistently had one side adjusted lower than the other. Inspecting the scraper blade is a critical step in diagnosing steering problems.

Inspecting and Replacing the Scraper Blade

With the snowblower tilted back (and the spark plug disconnected for safety), examine the entire length of the scraper blade. Look for excessive wear in one area. If you can see a noticeable difference in thickness from one side to the other, the blade needs to be replaced.

Replacing a scraper blade is a simple task involving just a few bolts. A new, straight blade will provide a consistent clearing height and eliminate any pulling caused by uneven wear.

5. Drive System and Axle Issues

If the external adjustments don’t solve the problem, the cause may lie within the drive system. Several components related to the axle and wheels can cause pulling if they are worn or malfunctioning.

These issues are more mechanical but are often manageable for a handy owner. A systematic check of the axle components can reveal the root cause.

Key Axle Components to Inspect

Start by checking the wheel lock pins or clips. On many models, one wheel can be unlocked from the axle to make turning easier. If one wheel is not properly locked to the axle, only one wheel will be driving the machine, causing a definite pull.

Next, check for a malfunctioning differential. Some snowblowers have a differential that allows the wheels to turn at different speeds. If the locking pin or mechanism is stuck, it might force both wheels to turn at the same rate, making steering difficult, or it could fail to engage one wheel properly. Finally, inspect for worn axle bushings. These small parts support the axle, and if one wears out, it can create excessive play, leading to wheel misalignment and pulling.

6. Auger and Impeller Imbalance

A less common but significant cause of pulling can be an issue with the auger itself. The spinning motion of the augers and impeller creates a powerful force, and any imbalance can translate into a sideways pull, especially when under the load of heavy snow.

This is often the result of hitting a hard object like a rock, curb, or frozen newspaper, which can cause subtle damage that isn’t immediately obvious.

Checking for Auger Damage

For safety, first disconnect the spark plug. Carefully rotate the auger by hand and watch the blades. Look for any bent auger blades; even a slight bend on one side can create an imbalance. Also, check for foreign objects like ropes, wires, or frozen debris wrapped around one side of the auger shaft, which can create drag and cause a pull.

While a severely bent auger may need professional repair or replacement, minor bends can sometimes be carefully straightened. Removing any tangled debris is an easy fix that can immediately resolve the issue.

7. Frame and Housing Misalignment

In rare cases, usually after a significant impact, the snowblower’s frame or auger housing itself can become slightly twisted or bent. This structural misalignment is the most difficult cause to diagnose and fix, as it throws off the geometry of the entire machine.

If you’ve exhausted all other possibilities and know the machine took a hard hit, it’s worth considering frame alignment as the culprit.

How to Spot Frame Damage

Place the snowblower on a perfectly level surface and step back. Look at the machine from the front and sides. Does the auger housing appear square with the wheels? Is one side visibly higher or lower than the other? You can use a level and measuring tape to check for symmetry between the wheels, housing, and frame.

Fixing a bent frame is often a job for a professional repair shop, as it may require specialized tools to straighten correctly without causing further damage.

Troubleshooting Quick Guide

To help you systematically diagnose the problem, here is a table summarizing the causes and solutions.

Cause	Symptom	Difficulty to Fix	Solution
Uneven Tire Pressure	Pulls consistently to the side with the lower pressure.	Easy	Check pressure with a low-PSI gauge and inflate both tires to the same, recommended level.
Worn/Damaged Tires	Pulls to the side with the more worn tire.	Easy	Inspect tires for wear and damage. Replace both tires for best results.
Uneven Skid Shoes	Pulls to the side with the lower skid shoe setting.	Easy	Adjust skid shoes on a level surface with a spacer under the scraper blade.
Worn Scraper Blade	Pulls to the side where the blade is most worn.	Medium	Inspect the blade for uneven wear and replace if necessary.
Drive/Axle Issues	Inconsistent pulling or one wheel not engaging properly.	Medium	Check wheel lock pins, differential, and axle bushings for wear or damage.
Auger Imbalance	Pulling is more noticeable under heavy snow load.	Medium	Inspect auger for bent blades or foreign objects.
Frame Misalignment	Persistent pulling after all other causes are ruled out.	Difficult	Visually inspect the frame for bends. May require professional repair.

Preventative Maintenance for Smooth Operation

The best way to deal with steering problems is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Regular maintenance not only extends the life of your snowblower but also ensures it operates safely and efficiently when you need it most. Before each season, perform a thorough check of the key components mentioned above.

Keeping your equipment in top shape is part of overall property maintenance. Just as you might need to know about proper drainage for outdoor projects like learning if you need gravel for solid drain pipe installation, maintaining your snowblower prevents bigger headaches later. A clean storage area is also key; you wouldn’t want to find pests making a home in your equipment, much like dealing with ants in a garbage can requires prompt action. Regular checks can also prevent unexpected failures, similar to how a routine inspection can stop a plumbing issue before your sink won’t drain after cleaning the p-trap.

Conclusion: Regain Control of Your Snowblower

A snowblower that pulls to one side is a fixable problem. By following a logical troubleshooting sequence, starting with the simplest and most common causes like tire pressure and skid shoes, you can identify and correct the issue. Most of these fixes require only basic tools and a little bit of time.

Don’t let a stubborn machine win the battle against winter weather. Taking the time to diagnose and repair the pulling issue will result in a smoother, more efficient, and safer snow clearing experience. A straight-running snowblower allows you to work smarter, not harder, and get back to the warmth of your home sooner.