Bearings and Disc Brake Questions

[TimZ]

2007 Argo Frontier.

Question I have pulled tires and chains and am replacing bearings on one axle, although I noticed a couple other axles have a little movement (aprox. 1/32 or so) should these be replaced now?? Or am I missing a way to adjust axles??

Question Can the 2 disc brakes on side of transmission be turned down on lathe or is replacement my only option??

[Newfieguy]

Hi,

Check your grub screws in the bearings and ensure they are not causing the movement. Thats very little movement you have, I would regrease and see if that helps, then make a decision. You can go a looong time with some slop in the bearing, just make sure to grease at regular intervals.

I would look at the cost of replacement vs. turning. May not be a big difference. Are they warped? A bad warp may have to have too much material removed to get any reliability out of them. Thinner they get the lees heat dissipation you have and will only warp easier the next time you get the brakes hot. Money down the drain then.

Food for thought.

[TimZ]

Thanks for the information. Seemed like the new disc were around $100 each so I may try to turn them down since they are not to bad.

[Rock Doctor]

A rule of thumb that I use for the bearings.
If you have slop in the bearings, grease them. If the slop is taken up by the grease, you are good for now. If the grease does not take up the slop, you have a bearing on the way out.

RD

[TimZ]

That's what I did and bearings still felt loose. I think I will change them.

Thanks

[Noel Woods]

You may want to try the new synthetic bearings that Adair Argo is selling. They have had really positive results so far. If I needed a bearing(s) I'd for sure give them a try. They are made of thick UHMW and can be had with or without a grease fitting. I'd get the one with the fitting as R.D.'s post underscores.

[TimZ]

Yea just looked at those. Looks interesting.

[jwiereng]

synthetic bearings



Link to Synthetic bearings


Does any one have any experience using these bearings?

[kghills]

Link to Synthetic bearings


Does any one have any experience using these bearings?

I have used them on my Argo bigfoot. Work great and don't leak a drop off water. Just be careful and re-torque the unit before you grease it the first time so it doesn't push out the cork gasket.

Keith.

[jwiereng]

Thanks Keith,

I am having some difficulty understanding on how they work? Is there any rolling parts? Does is employ any sort of seal or is it all one integrated part? Does any part clamp on to the axle?

[Rock Doctor]

Thanks Keith,

I am having some difficulty understanding on how they work? Is there any rolling parts? Does is employ any sort of seal or is it all one integrated part? Does any part clamp on to the axle?

I'm interested in more info as well.

RD

[locolouie]

do you have to do any mods to use these bearings

[jwiereng]

Hi Jason,

They are made from solid blocks of UHMW and they are pretty well proven on older Argos with out axle bearing extensions. In those locations there is enough axles exposed that the bearings can be stacked 3" or more inches thick which not only provides a very durable bearing surface, but also helps to support and protect the axle from being bent.

You can see pictures of a test machine on our website that was done 2 years ago with only 2" thick bearings and is holding up very well

Tim

Sent from my iPhone

On Nov 13, 2012, at 9:44 AM, J@gmail.com> wrote:

Please provide me with more information on synthetic Argo bearings. Will they work with the old single lip seal flanges?

Sent

[kghills]

Thanks Keith,

I am having some difficulty understanding on how they work? Is there any rolling parts? Does is employ any sort of seal or is it all one integrated part? Does any part clamp on to the axle?

Sorry for the late reply to your question. The synthetic bearing is a solid piece of UHMW that replaces the roller bearing on the axles not equiped with bearing extensions on an Argo. Mine were 4" long and the same outer diameter as the outer aluminum seal cap. You simply remove the old bearing and place the synthetic bearing between the aluminum seal cap and the body with longer carage bolts. The axle is greased the same way as you greased the old bearings but requires little attention. The axle is held very snug by the bearing and allows the seal to really do it's job. Mine never leaked a drop of water even after hours in the pond. I plan to make caps for the Argo seals and use these bearings on my Max IV the next time I have it all apart.

Hope this helps, Keith.

[thebuggyman1]

Sorry for the late reply to your question. The synthetic bearing is a solid piece of UHMW that replaces the roller bearing on the axles not equiped with bearing extensions on an Argo. Mine were 4" long and the same outer diameter as the outer aluminum seal cap. You simply remove the old bearing and place the synthetic bearing between the aluminum seal cap and the body with longer carage bolts. The axle is greased the same way as you greased the old bearings but requires little attention. The axle is held very snug by the bearing and allows the seal to really do it's job. Mine never leaked a drop of water even after hours in the pond. I plan to make caps for the Argo seals and use these bearings on my Max IV the next time I have it all apart.

Hope this helps, Keith.

I thought a lot about this design after it was first discussed....My final thought was the axle should have a stainless sleeve for a perfect surface that the bearing and seal can ride on. A slightly rusty surface could act like sandpaper. A dab of silicone would make sure the sleeve didn't move.