Snaping noise when turning

[Lazyrider]

Just bought a "88 Argo 8 wheel Magnum (with 18" tracks)- this is my first machine - when I try and turn I get a snapping cracking noise - it doesn't do it all the time - just when I pull hard on the stick ( happens on either side) checked all chain tensions and they seem to be tight. Any help would be appreciated - Thanks in advance

[Rock Doctor]

Possibly "Chain Windeup"
When running tracks, you need to be particular about tire pressures. In particular, the diameter of your tires at a given pressure. If your tires are not the same diameter, then "Larger" ones will want to "Spinn Out" inside the tracks, and "Smaller" ones will want to "Drag" in the tracks. This condition "LOADS" the chains, so when the chain loads up enough, it will make the tire Spin or drag in the track causing the chains/sprockets to "CRACK/SNAP" with released tension.

RD

[Lazyrider]

The tires are all new and the same size - how would I remedy the snapping noise

[Rock Doctor]

Sorry, I meant circumference. New tires are not all the same. 24" Frontiers are particularly bad.
Put 5psi in all of them, measure circumference, then I believe the manual says to mount the tires with the 2 smallest at the front, 2 second smallest at the back and the larger tires on the middle axles.
Track Tuners on the Center axles will also help.

RD

[Lazyrider]

Sorry Doc but all the tires are new and the same make and size "DURO 22x10x8" -not sure what to do now? Like I said new to these types of machines. I do appreciate all your help - keep the ideas coming

[trevorakm1]

I had a similar noise when I first got mine. If it's not chain wind up then pull the tracks and lift and check the bearings. Mine was a destroyed right front inner bearing that allowed the axel to wiggle in sharp turns and the chain was jumping on the front axel sprocket. I replaced all the bearings after this and found another destroyed outer idler shaft bearing. Get the machine jacked off the ground and try to move the tires up and down, if any movement then the bearings are starting to wear out.

[JoeMeg]

Just because they are all the same trade size dosen't mean they are all the same circumference at the same pressure. They have to be measured with a tape. You would be surprised how much they can vary in circ wit the same psi in all.

Joe.

[mightymaxIV]

looks like your popping noise could be coming from those tracks touching (hitting your tub). The clearance on your machine looks awful tight. Have a friend or family member stand outside your machine and do some slow tight turns and have then try to isolate the sound. It could be chain wind up or it could be those tracks contacting the body.

[Lazyrider]

Thanks for the info - I'll use the info and try and figure this out - Again thank you

[Lazyrider]

Watched the tires running on the tracks and they seem alright - you can feel the snapping/cracking in the joysticks when turning. Thinking like others that it may be chain slack - will figure how to remedy this using info off forums- Thanks for info -newbie to ARGOing

[Lazyrider]

As I said new to Argos and forum - so what is chain wind up? - I'm thinking when the slack in chain causes the chain to jump on the gears? Am I getting warm?

[Lazyrider]

When you use the track tuners do you need anything else with them? What I mean is the difference in the tuner would set the wheel out further. Do I need spacers for the front and back tires? Thanks for help

[olargo]

Hi Lazyrider

The 'snapping' sound may be a worn bearing/loose flange on the idler shafts. Check the bearing furthest from the transmission. Both used argos that I purchased last year had worn bearings on one or both shafts and made a snapping sound when turning.

Olargo

[JoeMeg]

Verify that the large sprocket on the idler shafts and the front axle sprockets are free to float between the retaining rings on the shafts.

Joe.