Axle bearing sounds

[wheeler]

Alright, this is a tough one. I have nobody around me with six wheelers so I have to make a lot of decisions based on previous knowledge of other mechanical things. When I run my wheeler I have no way of knowing if the bearings are bad or going bad other than the typical grinding sound of course. When you guys and gals are riding six wheelers and are around other people who own them, you become attuned to what they sound like. Other than the engine noise, I don't know how to tell if my bearings are starting to go or not. The greasing issue is something that I take great heed in and I grease my bearing until I see grease coming out. That said other than a bearing starting to grind is there any way to know if the bearings are going. I would think heat is one way to tell but I'm wondering about the way a wheeler sounds. I get sort of a higher pitch whirrrrr sound when I'm riding and wonder if that is the bearings making that sound. I know it's hard to tell me on here but remember I don't have anybody else with sixes around to compare. What do you guys and gals think? Videos don't really do justice because the audio needs to be done from down in the tub and with the machine running to get some idea of what a new machine sounds like. Ideas, thoughts.

[Mike]

I would think you were probably just hearing the chains moving at higher speeds. If you think it could be the bearings, just jack the machine up off the ground and check for play in the axles. If all of them are tight, rotate the tires while listening for a grinding noise. See if there are any spots that you can feel in the bearing when turning everything. It should be smooth and not catch on anything while you are turning it. If everything appears to be fine, run it.

[wheeler]

Thanks Mike. I'm gonna do just that as I am going to do some greasing of the bearings anyway.

[LarryW]

I was reading an attex manual and they recommend greasing the axle bearings every 10-15 hrs or if immersed in water for a long period of time.

[Toys4Me]

I try to grease my bearings and chains after each ride.

[liflod]

I've found more bad bearings by filling the machine with water up to the axles and looking where the water leaks. Sometimes a bearing that has just a little play leaks a lot of water. If water comes out, sand and grit gets in and the bearing fails shortly after

[ARGOJIM]

I've found more bad bearings by filling the machine with water up to the axles and looking where the water leaks. Sometimes a bearing that has just a little play leaks a lot of water. If water comes out, sand and grit gets in and the bearing fails shortly after

Do you do that with the Argo also?

[2014SE]

Copied from the owners manual from my new ARGO 8X8 750 HDI Special Edition

6.4.6 Outer Axle Bearing Lubrication
DO NOT USE HIGH PRESSURE PNEUMATIC GREASING EQUIPMENT
Each outer axle flange is equipped with one grease nipple. This grease nipple supplies grease directly to the outer axle bearing. It requires re-greasing every 25 hours of operation or before the vehicle is taken out of service for any extended period. Use a pistol grip type grease gun to avoid dislocating the bearing seals due to excessive grease pressure. Figure 6-10.

Couldn't copy and paste the picture but it showed a bearing with grease coming out of it.

For years I owned and operated a saw mill, saw mills are made out of sealed bearings, belts, sprockets and chains. I know from expearance a under greased bearing will outlast a over greased bearing. A bearing that is over greased till grease comes out will have had the seal compromised and where the grease come out the seal may let water and Grit in.... Using a hand held pistol grip grease gun you should give the bearing just a shot or 2 of grease and if you feel any pressure STOP!! You can buy a mechanics stethoscope for less than what one bearing cost and they work very well. Jack and block your machine so all your wheels are off the garage floor and run your machine so the wheels are rolling slowly and listen to each bearing. You must be very carefull when working around moving chains and belts but if your repairing your own axle bearings you probably already know of the danger involved. With the stethoscope you will be able to hear any growling the individual bearing may be making and if there is noise and movement you found a winner!! You may also find it interesting to listen to the engine and trany in diffrent locations and hear the diffrent sounds you can't hear by ear alone. I am a firm bealiver in if one bearing is run out change them all but that is up to you and your time available as well as your funds available at the time.


keep the Camo side up and the rubber side down.

[liflod]

Quote Originally Posted by liflod View Post
I've found more bad bearings by filling the machine with water up to the axles and looking where the water leaks. Sometimes a bearing that has just a little play leaks a lot of water. If water comes out, sand and grit gets in and the bearing fails shortly after

Do you do that with the Argo also?

The Argo didn't leak any water and I never had to change a bearing while I owned it!