New (broke) Argo owner,

[gkp]

I just Bought a 2005 Argo Bigfoot yesterday, and I broke it in the woods today. After going through a swamp and up a hill I noticed the handbrake and cable was flopping. I drove it a about an hour after that and lost all left steering, then it started smoking and smelled like oil. It looks like the rod snapped going into the right hand master cylinder.
What did I do wrong? Any ideas?

r/Greg

[Mike]

Hi Greg, welcome to the site. Are you sure that the rod snapped or did it just come out of the cylinder? I believe the rod just sits in a cup shaped part of the plunger of the master cylinder. If the cable was flopping, the rod could have come loose and that is why you lost the brake on that side. I'm going from a (bad) memory here but I believe that could have allowed the plunger to come out of the cylinder and spray fluid on your brakes, causing them to smoke.

I've only messed with Argo brakes a couple of times several years ago so I could be wrong but at least that gives you one theory to investigate.

[gkp]

Yup, broke in two. I bought the argo after having a Max many years ago, so far I'm not an argo fan.

[Rusty-Gunn]

New rods are not very expensive. Buy a spare while you're at it. These are adjustable for length and should be set correctly.
In my limited experience they are a bit differcult to install, almost as if you need a third hand.
I did get mine in though.
Another thing to check is the way the handle bar turns left/right. The tabs tend to bend when the handle bar is turned too far. These tabs should be straight. If one side is bent then bend it back.
Both plungers should be flush with the housing if I remember correctly.
Of course, others can correct me if I'm wrong.
www.argoadventure.com is where I bought spare parts from.

[eddieb1965]

I just Bought a 2005 Argo Bigfoot yesterday, and I broke it in the woods today. After going through a swamp and up a hill I noticed the handbrake and cable was flopping. I drove it a about an hour after that and lost all left steering, then it started smoking and smelled like oil. It looks like the rod snapped going into the right hand master cylinder.
What did I do wrong? Any ideas?

r/Greg

Obviously pulling-pushing to hard on the steering lever,maybe to compensate for worn brakes,air in system,or glazed pads.It should not take much effort to get a steering change,if it does there is something wrong.Service the brake system and see if that doesnt reduce the arm pressure you are using to get your machine to steer in the direction you want.

[gkp]

Thanx for the tip on Argo Adventure Rusty-Gunn. I'm back on the road (er trail). I ordered two new master cylinders, two new rods and a upgraded hold brake kit. I installed it all today added dot 5 fluid and bled the brakes. Turns out the brake fan wasn't running either, I'm betting that could have been part of my problem. It runs like it's supposed to, except for the loud exhaust. I'm planning on putting a small car muffler on top of the hood to cut down on some of that noise. Anyone know where to get a long grease gun hose?

[Rusty-Gunn]

Its good you got your machine on the trail again. These aatvs are fun to drive.

As to a long hose, I don't know. I just use the one that came with the grease gun. A longer one would be nice though.

[eddieb1965]

Most definitely the brake fan will cause the brakes to heat up very quickly and fade badly especially on a Bigfoot.This happened to me one time at Turkey Bay and I was barely able to drive it back to the parking lot,had to stop several times to let brakes cool down,took hood off and used brakes as sparingly as possible.It didnt take any time to heat them up and when this happens it will not turn...

[prailleraide]

hi Gkp, you can join two normal grease hose with a 1/8 npt female nipple and you're set !