Unable to remove bearing on front axle

[Jigsy]

Hi folks,

just bought me a 2000 Argo Response.

Front right sprocket has missing teeth so I figured I'd replace it.
I got all the hardware off as per the service manual, got the set screws off from the bearing flange but I can't get the axle to slide out.

Any and all suggestions will be greatly appreciated........

[mustangwagz]

not sure what bearings the argo uses, but i kno with my bearings, the flange that the set screws go into, you need to tap it one way or the other..and it'll come loose from the bearing. then theoreticaly, they'll come off the axle..mine work like an eccentric to "Lock" the axle in the bearing. id VERIFY this with other users before attempting it though. Hope MAYBE my info will help?

-WagZ-

[trevorakm1]

make sure the bearing set screws are loosened and try heat, penetrating oil, both, you name it. i just finished a full bearing and chain refurbish on my bigfoot. i had to finally resort to cutting some bearings. i used a dremel tool and cutting discs. i found that cutting across the inner collar of the bearing once exposed generates enough heat to free it from the axle. make sure you use never seize when reassemling. the dremel works well and i had to cut the inner bearing off the left front and had plenty of room inside the engine compartment to do the job. took about 10 minutes to do it carefully and 2 cutting disks. hope this helps. sure is nice though when done and there's no wiggle on the axles.
trevor

[Rock Doctor]

Just make sure you have a fire extinguisher, or maybe a garden hose ready to go if you are using an open flame for heat, or something that generates a lot of sparks, like the dremel with the cutting disk. I only know of one Argo that was burnt up like that, and hope that your's will not be the second.

Cheers

RD

[muskwa]

i had to cut the right front bearing off of the machine i have and like rock doctor says make sure to have a fire extinguiser on hand. also before you start cutting with either the cut off or heat with axe make sure you clean the chain troughs or at very least throw some water in there.

[Jigsy]

Thanx for the replies.

Ended up using a slide hammer.

Worked really well.