Snowblower friction drive wheel replacement

[andyvh1959]

Just replaced the friction drive wheel on my 2008 Ariens 924 snowblower. Found the original wheel was near down to the steel, so a $45 replacement OEM wheel from ACE hardware went in, done. But my frugal Dutch brain (nice way to say I'm cheap) is looking at the origianl wheel thinking I could bond on a section of old motorcycle tire (got some old tires laying around). I could easily cut a slice out of the sidewall of an old motorcycle tire and bond it onto the OEM friction wheel disc.

 

[rlitman]

It would be pretty tough to cut out a perfect circle from a sidewall (are motorcycle sidewalls even this wide), just so you can get a section without a seam. Then bond it onto the wheel and use a toolpost grinder on a lathe to get the OD just right? Seems like a lot of work, when the last time I bought a friction disc, it was around $15, though they look to have doubled in price now. I bought my replacement disc when I bought my snowblower, but still haven't worn the original measurably, though the one in the drawer wears at the same rate as the one installed in the snowblower sitting around in my garage loft.

If you got 17 years out of a $45 snowblower part in Wisconsin, I'd think you're doing pretty well.

 

[Wrench-Polisher]

What happens if it lets go?
How much time tools and material will it cost you vs paying 45 for some peace and security?
Are you ok with that wheel letting go in the middle of a snow storm?

 

[andyvh1959]

Yeah, I agree, like I said my cheapo Dutch mind got me thinking of a project just to feed my curiousity. Got that from my dad who could fanagle just about anything to work, but he spents hours and hours on it. Sometimes its just better to pony up the bucks and get it done.