By timl on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Any one have information and/or drawings from a shop manual regarding the changing of axle bearings on Argo vanguard? I believe I need to change inner and outer bearings on outside wheels.

Also, I understand these bearings may be available from other than Argo for significantly less. Any specs appreciated.

Thanks,

Timl

By tpike on Unrecorded Date: Edit

I replaced all the bearings on an 96 Argo. My guess is that it is an identical setup on a vanguard. If you want to get an other than argo bearing I would take one out and bring it to you local bearing shop. I was able to source one for $17 Can without the grease channels (argo was $24). It is a fairly straight forward proceedure. The problems I had was the previous guy had put locktight between the shaft and the bearing and I had to hit it harder than
I was comfortable with with a small sledge hammer to get some of the axles out. In retrospect I should have used a little more heat to melt the locktight but it had penetrated deep into the sleeve. The other problem was some bearing set screws that were stripped because of the same locktight issue. I ended up drilling several out (no fun). If I remember right I removed the chains and loosened the sprocket and bearing set screws and removed the bold and washer from the inner end of the axel then I put a short bolt into inner end of the axle to protect the threads and used a hammer and brass peg to hammer the axle out. Let set screws soak for a while in WD40 and apply a little head before taking them out. Before hitting the end of the axel I applied some WD40 on the around the bearings and applied a bit of heat with a propane torch to the inner end. Of coarse the vehicle was jacked up and the tire removed. Be careful with the heat. I'm told that once the body catches fire it is hard to put it out (so have some fire extinguishers handy). Take you time and think it through. The last thing you want is to hammer away with something not detached. When you put it back together make sure the hull is clean where the cork gaskets go. I found it was worth buying new external collars since the 2 seals are nearly as expensive as a new collar with sleeves and you can easily damage the seal putting it in.

By diggs on Unrecorded Date: Edit

I have a question. Do not laugh too hard! lol I just replaced an inside axle bearing on my Argo 8x8. I installed the bearing dry...thinking that it was a sealed bearing...am I incorrect...should I have packed it with grease first? It is an older model and the inside flanges do not have grease zerks. I also noted that I have to do an outboard bearing on a different axle. Does this bearing get packed with grease?? OK...after y'all stop laughing...please answer the question. THANKS!

By argogeru on Unrecorded Date: Edit

diggs,
the older argos had sealed bearings and no grease was used except on the outside bearing housing to keep water away from the bearing and to lube the seal. you shouldn't of had to pack any of these bearings.

By Ray Carriere on Unrecorded Date: Edit

I too have an older argo 8*8 and grease my outer
bearings on a regular basis.The inner ones are sealed to my knowledge,at least the ones i have are.I would say just grease the outer ones unless you see an inner zerk fitting.

By diggs on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Thanks for the replies. So...guess I did know what a sealed bearing is after all! I also have a single zerk on each outboard flange. I give them a couple pumps of grease a few times a year. I bought a couple replacement outboard flanges...and they have two zerks each!! Now I just have to get an outboard bearing replaced on the second axle. Is there an easier way to do this job other than pulling the entire axle?

By argogeru on Unrecorded Date: Edit

diggs,
You half to pull the axle. If I were you, I would upgrade to the greasable bearings when you put on those new outer flanges with two grease zerks, the one on the top is what will put grease into the race of the upgraded bearing. make sure to line up the little hole on the top of the race with the grease zerk so the grease will shoot right into the bearing.

By diggs on Unrecorded Date: Edit

sounds like sound advice. Not sure that I have the "upgraded bearing". What would it look like? Will the old bearing work until with the new flanges until I can get the new bearing? I live more than 3.5 hours from closest dealer. And I guess the new bearing will have to be packed with grease. What is the process for installing this type of bearing? Thanks again.

By argogeru on Unrecorded Date: Edit

the old bearings will work with the new outer flange. you do not have to pack any bearing for an argo, just grease them through the zerk. instalation is the same. the upgraded bearing is not sealed, it has a hole on the top part of the race that you line up with the grease zerk on the top of the flange so fresh grease can be put inside the bearing on regular intervals. Make sure to get the set screws on the bearing set good and tight and use the red locktight on the set screw so they do not vibrate loose. when you replace a bearing I would also replace the metal flange that goes on the backside of the bearing, they are only a couple bucks a piece, they can sometimes get worn by a bad bearing that hasn't been changed.
the new flanges will have two grease zerks and two rubber seals, keeping good grease in the flange will give you alot of bearing life. I have 350 hours on my bigfoot and just changed my first two bearings. considering how I ride, that is 100 hours more than I thought I would get.