Ooops, bent front axle on bigfoot

[derekhonda]

Well, went camping last night with the boys as usual, one friend had another friend down and he kept beggin for a ride so we loaded up about 3 am to go cruise. Got a little too over confident, smacked a tree 3/4 throttle in low gear, not real fast but fast enough to bend my front left axle. Everyone was fine which was the most important (the tree actually put us up and over on our side. Argo started right back up with a little extra smoke for the first minute or so (im guessing because the oil was sloshing around while it was on its side?) but then the smoke subsided and we drove home. I took the gravel road cause my pride was a little hurt and avoided the trails and it started pulling left just a little and I pretty much knew right away I had a bent rim or axle.

So anyways, thats the story. Now how do I fix it! Front axles look a little trickier than the other 4. So here is my list of questions I guess:

1. Can I straighten it with it still on the machine?
2. If not, Can I take it off and straighten it in a press?
3. If not, where can I buy a new one and how much money should an axle go for?

Thanks guys!

[evil8x8]

I have a bent axle on my Argo also. It was slightly bent (not bad enough to replace right away) when I bought it. At the Ledges it bent even more. I ordered a new one from Leo's ASV. I was told that if I just straightened it, it would bend again.

[Roger S]

I've straightened them before off the argo. However, if you bent a front one badly with a bearing extension, I'd think it'd be a pretty severe bend.

[derekhonda]

Well, with it jacked up and the tire spinning. The tire weaves about an inch each way back and forth at the knob of the tire (if that made any sense).

Any ways, I found this thread that had a bent axle on a Max. Guy suggested doing this.

"Lift the bent side off the ground and rotate the tires, you'll see the bent one. Also you can use a floor jack, a 4x4 post and some chain.

Keep machine jacked up place 4x4 parallel under bent axle
Place jack on top of 4x4 with jack pad under the bend in the axle.
Wrap chain from end of axle near the hub under the 4x4.
Operate the jack.

This will push up on the bend in the axle and the chain will hold the axle in place."

Theoretically that makes sense, but the bearing extension is going to make this impossible. So I guess any other suggestions? It probably isn't severe enough to be replaced but Im just worried about trashing those bearings so I would like to fix it asap. Who could I call about new axles, what size are these going to be, and how much should I expect to pay? (or any other suggestions as far as fixing it?)

Thanks guys, I appreciate it.

[derekhonda]

Just called richard, sounds like 80 bucks gets me a new axle, I think I will just purchase a new one. Thanks all. Any tips on getting this sucker out? 4 out of the 6 axles seem easy (easier at least), front two seem like a pain! Any help will be appreciated.

[MaxRules]

You'll probably want to get the outer bearing and seals with your new axle. Call Gene at 319-658-2315. Argo's prices are very reasonable on these parts and he will have what you need, along with the advise you need on how to change it out.

[derekhonda]

Got the axle out and a new one ordered.

[Rock Doctor]

Got the axle out and a new one ordered.

Hey, Just a thought. If you havn't already done it, put a set of all the tools you used to remove your axle, into your Argo. Keep doing this as you perform maintenance and eventually you will have everything you need, to do almost anything to your machine (or a friends), at any time.

I use a "Dewalt" plastic case, from a cordless drill. It holds almost everything I need and fits perfectly into the hollow of the front floorboard in my Conquest.

[derekhonda]

Thanks. 99 % of the time we ride on the same land never more than a 15 minute walk to the truck, and there are other riders out there on quads, and the guy who owns the land is a real close friend and never more than a cell call away, so I am covered. I do pack tools when we hit unknown territory, but that is a really good tip.