By Jamie Edwards (Jamie642) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

I have an 03 Bigfoot. This weekend I found an unseen stump while going pretty fast. When I hit the stump, I came to an immediate halt. I saw the tire was torn badly so I ordered a new one. I went to replace the tire this morning and saw damage. The casing around the end of the axle is cracked......it is the metal part where the grease fittings are located. In addition, the axel is pushed rearward about a quarter of an inch. I hate going to the dealer for repairs. Is this something that I can repair myself? Can anyone tell me how to go about assessing the amount of damage? I removed the bolts from the axel housing, but it won't move? Is the axel pressed in....how do I remove it? Thanks. Jamie

By David Keeso (Argomag) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Jamie, as long as you aren't hurt (other than pride maybe) thats all that matters. The ARGO is resiliant, it will still work after its repaired. IF the axle is bent, their is a way to bend it back- I think its dave3rrrd that developed this method (don't quote me on this) but he can give you the proper method. As far as other damage, I would take it to the dealer and get them to assess the damage, just make sure that you see it so they don't get you for something that isn't necessary. If its the piece that screws or bolts into the body, the square piece, you should be able to order that (I think) without having to replace the entire thing but again, IM not totally sure. I wouldn't go into the water until you have that fixed though as it will likely leak now. You may want to check the inside of the ARGO as well around the sprockets and chains just to make sure that no internal damage was done. We all have our little incidents with these machines, some more than others (me for example) but we lean from our mistakes. Don't worry about it, you'll be back in there soon enough

By fred on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Jamie, It sounds like you have cracked the bearing extension (must have been some stump) if you have a parts manual, the picture will show you how everything is bolted in. If you do not have a manual, look inside your machine and unbolt the axle from the frame, loosen the set screws on the axle, it should come out.

By liflod (Liflod) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Argo posts their service manuals or at least operators manuals on their web site. I would be nice if everybody did that.

By bigkodiak on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Jamie
You must have nailed it hard. The axle and the bearing extension is relatively easy to repair. If you have never replaced anything like this, set at least 4 hours aside for this project.
The bearings attach to the axle using allen screws. At the end of the axle there is a bolt in the end of the axle as well.
Depending on which side the damage is on, you may have to remove the battery as well.
You WILL need the modified vice grips as described in your manual in order to get the chains reinstalled.
That's the long and short of it. Follow your exploded parts manual and you should be fine.
Russ