I have an older (10yrs) MTD Yard-Man 10hp/28" snoblower that I just put a new engine on. Everything worked fine except the last few times I've used it, the drive wheels are not turning as they should.

1st gear was working fine, but in higher gears the wheels would stop turning as soon as any resistance whatsoever is put on them.

The last time, 1st gear started doing the same thing. I had to "push" it manually for most of the job!

I had it apart and noticed black marks on the friction wheel disc, so I cleaned that off with brake cleaner.

I'm assuming since this blower sat for a good 5 years that the rubber on the friction wheel is dryrotted or just worn out.

Anything else to check before shelling out the huge $11 on the rubber? :-)