How bearings work?

[curtisbyrne]

Someone explain to me how the two bearings on an Argo axles hole it in place from moving in and out? What way does the inner flange supposed to go?

[ve1sar]

The axles on Argo's have bearings and a chain sprocket. The bearings and sprockets are held in place by a set screws. The axles have flats machined on them for the sets screws to tighten on. These set screw's do not hold the axle from moving. They are to hold the bearing and sprocket from moving. The inner end of the axle has a hole drilled in it for a bolt. This is bolt holds the axle in place. All Argo axles have these holes. When you put the axle in there is a washer that goes against the inside thrust bearing and then tighten the bolt into the end of the axle this will hold the axle in place. If there is no hole in the end of the axle you may not have a Argo axle. Check the other axles and see if they have bolts in the inner end of the axles. Hope this info helps. Paul

[curtisbyrne]

So do you absolutely need thrust bolts? I don't have them on any of my axles although there are holes there for them.

[ve1sar]

Hi, Yes you need thrust bolts and washer on all the axles in your Argo. That is what holds the axle from moving. Good luck Paul.

[curtisbyrne]

Can I make up my own out of old bolts? What size and what washer?

[ve1sar]

Hi, You will need 3/8 x 1 inch grade 8 bolts. That means strong bolts. You will have to have to go to a bolt supplier that sells these bolts. Measure the bolt length by sticking something in the axle shaft hole just to make sure of length. These are the recommended type of bolt that is in the parts manual for Argo's. You can use what ever bolts you have lying around, that is your call. The washers need to have an outside diameter bigger than the bearing face and must have a 3/8 inch hole in the center. These washers would be available at your bolt supplier. The washer goes up against the bearing face then put in the bolts.You need the washers so you don't tighten the bolts against the bearing face. Hope this helps. Paul

[Dan67]

You will need to double up the washers and they need to be big enough in diameter to fit fully against the inner sleeve of the bearing. Argo sells high-carbon grade 8 washers for about $1 each. 2 per axle x 8 axles.. adds up quick. But I'd do it because a cheap alternative will cause more troubles then its worth. When I upgraded my hustler from stock to whipper made splined axles, I had to get new bolts and washers to fit. for washers I got mine from McMaster-Carr. Black-oxide 3/8" bolt 1-5/8" outside diameter doubled up. works great.


McMaster-Carr