Argo Axle Repair

[Bw6]

Ok, besides replacing a bent axle, we usually replace an axle because the Argo seals have worn a grove(s) in the axle causing excessive leakage. Well I found a fairly inexpensive repair. The Argo dealers may not like this, however there are 2 products which are used industry wide to extend the life of an axle many times.

The 2 products are called "Speedi-Sleeves" and "Redi-Sleeves", these are precision stainless steel sleeves which are installed over the grooves for a permanent repair. They cost around $35.00 for a 1 1/4" axle, attached are a couple of links that explain the products.

http://www.skfmarcomms.co.uk/focus/i...edi-Sleeve.pdf

http://www.timken.com/EN-US/products/seals/industrial/products/Documents/Seal%20brochure%20FINAL.pdf

[tracmaster]

Have used those before and work very well but they can be a bear to get on...and if it does'nt go then its $70 bucks..sometimes just reversing the seal will make it seat in a different place ... there are also single and double lip seals available...but in my opion axles are still cheap from argo ..i think $58....the bearings are the expensive part.. still to this day i don;t understand why not use tapered or neddle bearings.. those balls they use suck...And there is nobody on this planet that can tell me the bearings argo uses are greaseable..Its impossible to get grease in that tiny pinhole on the bearing before it squirts out of the flange..the reason we all replace bearings so often is because they can;t really be greased! bearing on a car or truck can easily get 30,000-50,000 before needing grease again.. If the outer bearings could be greased then they would last as long as the inner bearings.

later

Tracmaster

[Roger S]

what tracmaster said.

The sleeves are good, but do they have to be so expensive.

I use a normal oil seal, with a garter spring and a wiper seal on a worn axle. Smooth the groove with emery or scotch brite.. the seal will still fit tight on a grooved axle.

Another idea I had is to make a spacer to move the outer bearing assy outward onto good axle surface.

[Maniac]

Yes roller bearing are better than ball bearings. Support way more weight etc. However it still comes down to seals and maintenance. Dirt and water will destroy a roller bearing as quick as a ball bearing, ball bearing are cheaper to replace.

[Bw6]

All Good Ideas

I hoped this would spark some good feedback so others could benefit. I change out the Argo seals with double lip/garter spring as well, and have relocated axles up to the front so seals/grooves are in a different position when you use a bearing extension.

Tracmaster, I agree totally regarding the bearings, they usually don't get any grease and fail prematurely. I also wonder why a ball.

Roger, yes they are overpriced it seems. I've got some alternatives in the works I'll let you know how I make out.

Hope others contribute, suggesting some cost savings ideas as well.

[tracmaster]

maybe argo will read this and let us know if any grease at all reaches the bearings..I say 0% ..before it squirts out the flanges.. we have been let on to grease every 10 hrs..what a pain in the ass when all that's needed is a better seal system...and if we were able to just remove the wheel and hub and just slip a new seal in over the axle without removing the whole axle... ahh syit that makes thing to easy why would anyone think of that! .. Argo must sell a ton of bearings.

Think i am getting granky!

Tracmaster

[Roger S]

I'm going to start sealing the inner flange to bearing with silicone, as has been discussed recently. Let dry overnight before greasing.

[thomas nipper]

argo save $ on repaire

sand the axle mix up jb weld (fast drying) put it on bad spot let dry take a long pc of sand paper sand it like you would shine a shoe until flush paint it ,will look and feel new works 4 me

[kberg]

maybe argo will read this and let us know if any grease at all reaches the bearings..I say 0% ..before it squirts out the flanges.. we have been let on to grease every 10 hrs..what a pain in the ass when all that's needed is a better seal system...and if we were able to just remove the wheel and hub and just slip a new seal in over the axle without removing the whole axle... ahh syit that makes thing to easy why would anyone think of that! .. Argo must sell a ton of bearings.

Think i am getting granky!

Tracmaster

You can buy outer axel bearings, part #uc206-20 from sas bearings, inc in florida. They are under $6.00 each! phone #1-888-800-6203 Give them a call. Hope this helps.

[thomas nipper]

sas bearings inc

thanks Kberg 4 the info i just bought 3 'total with shipping was under 28.00$ thomas nipper

[ontario026]

I would not bother trying to fix grooved axles with speed sleeves, as a previous poster stated, why spend 35$ (or $70 if you screw up and have to use a second sleeve) when it is barely over 50 for a new axle? seems like false economy to me....

[mike bar]

I did the same thing as thomas, so far so good.

[spits]

I made six new axles for under $75.00 out of 1 1/4 ground shafting material. I also am fortunate enough to own a lathe, bandsaw, and a mig welder and enough knowledge on the basics of their use. Drilling the pin holes was the worst part. I cut the wheel flange off flush and then drilled out the old axle to one inch. After cutting the axle to length I turned the end of the axle to a press fit for the flange, got the flange running true and then ran a bead of weld around the outside where the axle and flange met. I had the axle protrude 1/16 to 1/8 in so as to get good weld. easy if you have the tools. If you don't..........?

[whipper-ag]

All your problems are because the axles are to soft. Just mild steel. That's why they are only $58. Put in better axles and those seal problems may go away. What's that old saying.( Pay me now or pay me later.) Then you can do more riding and less maintenence.

Whipper

[ontario026]

and where does one source a better axle?

matthew