Argo ATV: Axles, Bearings & Chains

[@robertcary435]

I'm in the process of replacing my chains bearings and gaskets. Very helpful video! Thanks 👍

[@RaisedinAlaska]

Thank you. When I first started putting out Argo videos I looked to get help for myself and couldn’t find anything. Thank you for watching.

[@charlieellis9673]

Thanks for the great video, very informative and easy to follow.

[@RaisedinAlaska]

Thank you for the kind words.

[@sourcelee3539]

this is totally what i need, you are such a great guy, thank you! please do more argo serivce videos if you can, they are so hard to find and so expensive to service! many ppl will appreciate and learn from you

[@RaisedinAlaska]

Thank you. When I originally made the three Argo service videos, I didn’t really think anyone would watch them. They are much different than my normal Alaskan adventure videos, some of which are driving the Argo. I primarily made the videos because I could not find any videos to help me and, as you said, they are expensive to have them worked on. I am very lucky to have a certified Argo mechanic who willingly gives me advice. That said, I will likely make a few more Argo repair videos. Thank you for the kind words.

[@spencerhugh9275]

instaBlaster...

[@BrushCommando]

Great videos! I recently got the exact model Argo and it needs bearing work. Your videos gave me the confidence to tackle the job on my own, thanks for taking the time to make them! Your other content is enjoyable too. take care

[@RaisedinAlaska]

Thank you, I’m glad they were helpful.

[@bpratt68]

Excellent video thank you so much for posting. Explained everything I needed exactly.

[@RaisedinAlaska]

I’m super happy about that, good luck on your project.

[@rumbleseat1]

One of the best "How To" videos I ever watched. You certainly helped me decide on whether or not I want one of these vehicles. My decision is I do NOT. Thanks

[@RaisedinAlaska]

Thank you for the kind words. An Argo will go where other machines cannot go, but they do require maintenance.

[@stevenandrews6627]

A really informative and useful post. Thank you for taking the time to put it together. Well done!

[@RaisedinAlaska]

Thank you very much.

[@Alan-cw8vy]

A shop one can only dream of. Just awesome. Thanks.

[@RaisedinAlaska]

It’s a family shop. Thanks.

[@nvgun40]

Great video. Love the pace and near step by step instruction.

[@RaisedinAlaska]

Thank you. When I first undertook this project, I looked on KZbin and could not find any good instructions. So I conferred with a certified Argo mechanic in each step of the process and thought I would share with the Argo community to make our chores easier.

[@raypeters9767]

Very informative, step by step process, do you have a video on replacing the very front drive chain…looks impossible… thanks

[@RaisedinAlaska]

I don’t think I have a video specifically on that. It is, kind of, in a couple videos. I have found there’s not really enough room to get a camera and both my fat hands up there. That said, I like to have no chains on the drive sprocket when I do the front chain. This way I can put the chain over the front sprocket and have the connecting link back near the second sprocket where you can reach it. By having no chains on the second sprocket, I can turn that tire and make adjustments. Having a pair of vise grips that are ground to fit the chains is really imperative on this front sprocket. Additionally, you want the connecting link clip to be on the outside that way if it comes off the connecting link works it’s way toward the center of the machine and not toward the tub.

[@NorthernBCFlyGuy]

on the outer axle bearing i think you lined up the grease fitting on the housing with a set screw detent on the bearing. the big hole in the outer race is a detent for a setscrew. the four smaller holes are the grease holes. you can line two of them up with the grease fitting, but it isn't necessary.

[@RaisedinAlaska]

I hope to squeeze the water out of the bearing after each outing.

[@OutdoorsandCountryLiving]

Good work. Should be ready to roll for the next adventure. Stay safe.

[@RaisedinAlaska]

Thanks. These 3 videos are not very adventurous, I made them because I could not find any videos to help me when I needed to fix my machine. I suspect they will get few views, but I hope they help other Argo owners.

[@rfdave3980]

I am glad you didn't use WD40 as penetrating oil. WD40 is not. I have sprayed Liquid Wrench on anything rusty and day or two before I worked on it. Oh man it works Nuts and Bolts loosen up. Nice work.

[@RaisedinAlaska]

Thank you.😁

[@Zircon_215]

Great informative video. To do this do you have to have a bearing press. Pretty specialized piece of equipment.

[@RaisedinAlaska]

Sometimes it does not require a press, but when it does a press makes things much easier.

[@Zircon_215]

That was a fast reply! 😀Thanks. I think I have to replace a bearing on my Argo Avenger 750 EFI. There’s a banging noise when I’m running. If I take off the rear chain (second one from the back) the noise disappears. Put it back on and it comes back. Chain seems to jump a little when the noise happens.@@RaisedinAlaska

[@RaisedinAlaska]

@Zircon_215 If you run the tire in front the axle in question up on a block it will suspend the axle in question up in the air. Then loosen the chain tightness and you can check the bearing by wiggling the tire up and down and in and out. I have a video detailing this process if my description does it make since. I think the video is entitled bearing inspection and can be viewed at kzbin.info/www/bejne/hmWxXpdpj7R-qZYsi=IzJp6wGpmc7dziYe. Good luck. 🔧

[@danpekrul4331]

Another GREAT video, thanks! BTW, every guy should have an airplane parked next to his argo :-)

[@alcopower5710]

I had my eye on the FJ40......

[@mrxlh]

Excellent video, I have an inner bearing that I need to change in the field. What tools specifically are needed to change 1 them. Allen wrench set and 9/16” socket/wrench?

[@RaisedinAlaska]

I think it depends: If it’s a front, inside bearing you’ll likely have to take the axle out so you will have room to change the inner bearing. If it’s not a front bearing then frequently you can just change the bearing without removing the axle. That said, if you’re putting together a kit so that you’re prepared, I would also be prepared to pull the whole axle. If that’s the case, I would also include: vice grips that are ground to grip the chain, a 90° pick to assist in removing the master link off the chain, a strip emery cloth, needle nose pliers, 9/16 wrench and socket, a 3/4 lug wrench, Allen wrenches, nitrate gloves and the necessary parts. Of course, if you’re putting together a kit you might want tools for other breakdowns. Finally, if I replace the inner bearing in the field when I got out of the field I would inspect the outside bearing: if the inner bearing was completely blown out, then the whole axle would be flopping around in there and it would be hard on the outer bearing as well. The other thing I would check is the axle. That may sound crazy, but I blew out an inside bearing last year and in the process of limping it out of the field I bent the axle.

[@mrxlh]

@@RaisedinAlaska Thanks, it’s the rear right in a 6X6, so probably the easiest to get to. I think I shelled it out on the last trip out of the swamp working on my stand this summer. I found it when greasing bearings/lubing the chains. I watched it while moving it to spray the chains and it wasn’t noticeably wobbling. I just need it to drag out 1 possibly 2 deer then bring it back home and go through all 6 axles and bearings, as I have a water leak into the tub I wasn’t able to visually locate, thinking it’s an axle seal.

[@RaisedinAlaska]

@@mrxlh It’ll be a project, but when you’re done you’ll know what you have and the confidence to go anywhere. Good luck with your task.

[@mrxlh]

Swapped the bearing out in an hour, MAPP torch is a must when you have a seized bearing on the shaft. I heated what was left of the bearing for about 2-3 minutes, bearing popped loose with just a screwdriver. Thanks again for the tool list!!!

[@RaisedinAlaska]

@@mrxlh You bet. I used a torch on a couple, but I don’t think I shared that on any videos.

[@Ist_Geheim]

That's a great video, thank you very much for sharing your knowledge. After how much workhours would you say is such a maintanance on the bearings of an Argo nessecary?

[@RaisedinAlaska]

It was not necessary to do all 16. I ended up replacing 2 bearings and one of them wasn’t that bad. The crew at the Argo store told me it was overkill, but I had one blow out on me and I had plans for a trip this fall that would take me 20 miles off the trailhead and I wanted to know what I had. For my own piece of mind it was good, but mechanically it wasn’t necessary.

[@Ist_Geheim]

@@RaisedinAlaska Thank you very much for your reply!

[@michaeljansen978]

my right front wheel is clunking around because the inner bearing is totally shot-axle moves 3 to 4 inches inside machine. in your experience, can you replace that inner bearing WITHOUT removing the radiator above it? i'm about to tear into it this week and can't tell how hard it will be to access everything. Thanks to your help to fellow ARGO owners.

[@RaisedinAlaska]

I changed both front inner bearing on mine from below. It is a tight space, but I was able to do it on my HDI. That said, I pulled the whole axle out when I did mine.

[@houseplantfern]

Excellent job!

[@RaisedinAlaska]

Thank you.

[@orangecapchannel9272]

How did you repair the front axle/bearings? Did you get the engine out of the way first? It's very cramped with the motor in the way. You'll have to show us how you did that. :)

[@RaisedinAlaska]

It was a pain. Once the chain is off the axle comes out and then you can replace the bearings.

[@robertlafleur6499]

this video was very useful, thanks...

[@RaisedinAlaska]

I’m glad to hear that. Good luck on your project.

[@youngblood2]

My Dad had one of these, and believe me when I say that it's a huge mistake to take them through deep enough water to submerge the bearings. They will get wet eventually, then they will rust, and then you will have to replace the bearings again.

[@RaisedinAlaska]

Yup, that is going to happen.👍🏽

[@johnhouston9834]

Hey got a similar problem. First corner I’m attempting 😩inner bearing is seized. All else came off. Set screws to sprocket. Set screws on both bearings. Beat that Fucker 50 times with same slide hammer. How many times you hit it? Not sure if I gotta try heat next. But on there pretty tight. Cheers J.

[@RaisedinAlaska]

I used heat on one of mine, I didn’t show it because it was a long project and I got most of the little tips and tricks in, but I did skip that one.

[@ljjackson7106]

More coffee while watching! ☕️

[@RaisedinAlaska]

Thanks. These three videos are not my normal genre. I could not find any helpful Argo repair videos when I needed help, so I thought they may be helpful for other Argo users.

[@mudlifejunkiepr3937]

I got a 2007 Argo 8x8 adventure EFI my machine when I rabbit it starts to smoke a lot and starts popping but when I'm just cruising at like quarter throttle have throttle it's fine you think I just have to clean the EFI system fuel injectors

[@RaisedinAlaska]

I’d start cheap: New gas, injector cleaner and reset the computer. Additionally, I’d pull the spark plugs and look at them.

[@RaisedinAlaska]

I’d also check the air cleaner and change the fuel filter - probably not fuel filter, but they are cheap.

[@RaisedinAlaska]

Is the smoke black or blue?

[@mudlifejunkiepr3937]

@@RaisedinAlaska it will drive a quarter throttle to have throttle and then all of a sudden a whole bunch of white smoke comes out I let go the gas let it sit there for a couple of seconds the smoke clears away and then I can drive it again at quarter throttle half throttle with no smoke and then if I go over half a blows out white smoke and it pops the bike has been sitting for a while I just put in two new spark plugs I put in fresh gas filled to the top I didn't change the filters but when I took the air box off when I looked in the butterfly there was oil in there all on the butterfly

[@mudlifejunkiepr3937]

@@RaisedinAlaska the weird thing is I can start it and it will idle perfect with no smoking and run fine no noises no nothing that's what I don't understand but it has been sitting for a while

[@stevelevesque3274]

what year is it, do they eat bearings

[@RaisedinAlaska]

@@stevelevesque3274 This is a 2014. The exterior bearings are constantly exposed to the elements. I frequent swampy areas so the water is an issue. I grease all the outer bearing every time I take it out but water causes problems with the bearings.

[@stevelevesque3274]

@@RaisedinAlaska thank you

[@NinjaTroll21]

What year Argo is yours? I’m thinking about getting one

[@RaisedinAlaska]

I bought it new in 2014.

[@k9psychologist]

excellent video

[@RaisedinAlaska]

Thank you.

[@wildmanargo]

You do very good work.👍

[@RaisedinAlaska]

Thank you very kindly.

[@richardshaules3981]

Thanks so much for posting this - just bought our first Argo (2016 Frontier 8x8) and this helps give me an idea of what I need to do to keep in on the road. Just curious- how important do you think a bilge pump install would be for me?

[@RaisedinAlaska]

Thank you. I generally do fun in Alaska videos, but when I needed to work on my Argo I found very little information to assist me. So I thought I’d give a hand to folks like me. Bilge pump: I do not have one on my machine. I cross streams, but I do not spend time crossing large bodies of water or sitting in the water (like duck hunting or fishing). Argo’s, without an outboard motor, are very slow in the water. In my stream crossing experience, I may take on a little water, but nothing a cannot clear out when I reach the next bank. I would say it depends on how long you plan to be in the water and how much water you take on in that time. Sorry for the non-answer.

[@richardshaules3981]

@@RaisedinAlaska Makes sense- I realise it's a difficult answer to give a definitive answer to. Appreciate you answering it at all :)

[@fredschwartz5172]

I would add the bilge pump. They are cheap and easy to install. I also cross streams and rivers with my Mudd-Ox, but, because none of these machines are good swimmers against a strong current , I sometimes spend more time in the river than intended. Plus, you will have a little insurance if you forget that the drain plug has been removed.

[@destinationxterra]

Great video, After how many hours you need to do that maintenance?

[@RaisedinAlaska]

I have about 130 hours on my machine. The summer prior, I lost one bearing and it made me paranoid, so I thought I would tear them all down and check every single one. There was only one other bearing that wasn’t in exceptional shape. That said, it gave me the peace of mind to go where I want to go.

[@destinationxterra]

@@RaisedinAlaska I always curious about them, few guys I know did have some 6x6 and 8x8 but always problems , I was always scarde to invest in one

[@RaisedinAlaska]

@@destinationxterra They are expensive, but an Argo will go places that are scary.

[@sartainja]

I was curious about the same number of hours as well. Though, I think you go through some of the worst terrain in the Alaskan outback.

[@JamesBuell88]

Always wanted one of those

[@RaisedinAlaska]

Argos are amazing little machines, but like any “toy” they have a niche where they excel and they have drawbacks. That said, they will go where other machines cannot venture.

[@cooperb8068]

How many hours on that machine when that needs done , I just bought a new 1

[@RaisedinAlaska]

I scuttled a bearing at 130 hours. I had a big trip planned so I took all 16 bearings out to check and replace anything that was not perfect. Other than the one I had scuttled, only one other bearing wasn’t perfect. The next time I will just check each one independently, without taking everything apart.

[@cooperb8068]

@@RaisedinAlaska I just looked at mine after I saw your video, mine has 10.5 hours on it , 51 miles , I bought it new in December

[@cooperb8068]

@@RaisedinAlaska at 10 hours I took the floor pans out and the tires off and greased everything with Napa marine grease , all I've ever run out of mine is 100 octane aircraft fuel I'm very happy with it

[@RaisedinAlaska]

@@cooperb8068 I do grease it after every outing. Not the it necessarily needs grease, but that pushes any water out of the bearing.

[@cooperb8068]

@@RaisedinAlaska good idea

[@Aurorawebcam]

How many hours on the machine before the rebuild. Thinking of buying one and trying to figure out how often I’ll need to do this. I’m based in Fairbanks. Love the videos. Keep up the good work.

[@RaisedinAlaska]

They say a two-stroke snowmachine generally last between 10,000 - 20,000 miles before it needs rebuilt. I suspect a four stroke would last longer.

[@Aurorawebcam]

@@RaisedinAlaska sorry I mean how often do you rebuild your axels? Of everything you took out how much of it did you have to replace with new?

[@RaisedinAlaska]

Sorry about that, I was talking snow machines. Let’s talk Argos: I have 130 hours on my machine. Each axle has an inner and an outer bearing (16 on the machine). The outer bearings do get exposure to the elements so they do not last as long. I am told that outer bearing go apx 200 hours and inner bearings 400-500 hours. I took all mine out, cleaned them up and put them back in. I replaced two outer bearings that were rough enough feeling that I couldn’t justify using them again. I’m sure they would have continued working, and maybe even polished up and ran fine, but I was in there so I replaced them.

[@NewfieCRF]

They are high maintenance !!! But I love them. I can also tell you. Knowing how to operate them smoothly is key !!! Snapping the throttle, turning in the wrong areas, etc etc etc plays a role in reliability. I cringe at how some operate Argos !!! Keeping a steady throttle helps. Not jarring actions !!! Tire pressures are critical, & if you are running tracks many other considerations come into play !!!

[@RaisedinAlaska]

I totally agree. Unfortunately, most of what I’ve learned about my machine has been from my own mistakes.😂

[@tiennguyenjptv7356]

Bạn chia sẻ video hay thực tế

[@denislosieroutdoors]

Great video there eh! Just picked up an older 1999 argo conquest, I just learned lot's by watching this video... checking out the bearings and axles will be next. 1st, have to investigate the clutch for some reason, so we won't engage and move the machine... going to subscribe to ur channel and check out to see if u show this also... I'm in Southeast Canada. Have a small channel. Check it out when you can there eh! Thanks

[@RaisedinAlaska]

I have a lot of Argo repair videos, but I do not have one a clutch. I’ll check out your channel as well.👍🏽

[@RaisedinAlaska]

@@denislosieroutdoors I found your channel and subscribed.👍🏽

[@denislosieroutdoors]

@@RaisedinAlaska thanks

[@denislosieroutdoors]

@RaisedinAlaska that's awesome thanks for subscribing there eh!

[@viktor-jj7ym7dv9r]

Можно было лодку сделать из алюминия а верх из пластика

[@2artactical55]

I just did a MX Handlebar conversion on my 2000 Argo Conquest 8x8 and put the bigger Frontier 24" tires on mine. It's like driving a new machine now. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGesna2YpLt2Y7s

[@RaisedinAlaska]

I’m checking it out right now.

[@2artactical55]

@RaisedinAlaska You have the Argo I really wanted. I live the body style on your Argo. I don't much care for the look of the new Argo Aurora. My favorite Argo I'd love to have is a 2015 Argo 750 HDI 8x8. I came across my yellow 2000 Conquest with only 96 hours on it 2 years ago in perfect condition for only $5000. I've put another $3000 into it for the new tires and MX Handlebar steering conversion last week. I love watching your videos, man! You guys have a lot more places to run your Argo in Alaska than I do in Arkansas.

[@RaisedinAlaska]

@@2artactical55Thank you for watching Very soon I’ll be back in the mud.