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sierrajb · 08-16-2010, 09:53 AM

Great info on this thread! Thanks so much.

However, I'm looking for the thread that gives a very detailed explanation of how to remove, repack, and replace all the bearings and seals. I believe that thread was complete with pics. I'll keep looking.

Can I purchase new bearings & seals from somewhere around the Dallas-Fort Worth area, or will I need to wait on the parts guru in California again? Any insight?

**Action** · 08-16-2010, 10:05 AM

Moved from a different thread. He is looking for support.

>>>>>>>Action

Gene · 08-16-2010, 10:07 AM

The bearings and seals on ours are common and easy to get in an auto parts store. The problem is knowing what the numbers are. You can call Airstream, look on their website, or call a dealer to find out. When I had a bearing failure on the road, the nearest parts store had no idea how to find out the right numbers, so that's when I called Airstream. Once I got the right numbers, I had the parts the next morning.

Gene

sierrajb · 08-16-2010, 11:27 AM

Thanks, Gene. I'm guessing Airstream would have the exact numbers for my 75 Argo, even if it's 35 years old...right?

Gene · 08-16-2010, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sierrajb

I'm guessing Airstream would have the exact numbers for my 75 Argo, even if it's 35 years old...right?

Maybe. If you call the service center, you may have to leave a message as the phone is always busy. Customer service is easier to get through to, but they may not have the information. You can send an e-mail to them. Also check the website.

But, if the running gear has been changed in the past 35 years, the specs may be different. A slightly different hub can require different bearings and seals. Newer axles may have come with different specs. Then you will have to do some more investigating to match bearings and seals.

Gene

Splitrock · 08-16-2010, 12:37 PM

My old bearings and seals were Timken brand and had the numbers right on the side in easy to read print. Auto parts store had exact OEM bearings and seals right on the shelf.

Gene · 08-16-2010, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Splitrock

My old bearings and seals were Timken brand and had the numbers right on the side in easy to read print.

That's much too easy.

Gene

sierrajb · 08-16-2010, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrawfordGene

The bearings and seals on ours are common and easy to get in an auto parts store. The problem is knowing what the numbers are. You can call Airstream, look on their website, or call a dealer to find out. When I had a bearing failure on the road, the nearest parts store had no idea how to find out the right numbers, so that's when I called Airstream. Once I got the right numbers, I had the parts the next morning.

Gene

Gene, I followed your lead. My local AS dealer wasn't much help on my older model. Said I needed to bring it in for $500. HA! Next, I called Airstream in Ohio 937-596-6111 to ask for correct numbers. Waiting to hear back from them.

Another post mentioned the possibility of these bearings being different from original if I've ever had the axles replaced. Well, I have the original axles (which, contrary to popular belief) are STILL in good shape and show no signs of stiffening. So, I'm expecting AS numbers to match without any problems.

Thanks!

sierrajb · 08-16-2010, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Splitrock

My old bearings and seals were Timken brand and had the numbers right on the side in easy to read print. Auto parts store had exact OEM bearings and seals right on the shelf.

I was hoping to have replacements lined up BEFORE taking them off just in case it would leave my trailer inoperable too long. The AS dealer here said I would need to take off my seals and bearings, take them to NAPA for sizing, then hope they had them in stock. If not, the Argo would remain on the stands. Yuck!

I think the only way I can be sure Timkens will work is if I have an AS number(s) I can cross reference. Still waiting to hear from AS. Thanks!

Inland RV Center, In · 08-16-2010, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sierrajb

I was hoping to have replacements lined up BEFORE taking them off just in case it would leave my trailer inoperable too long. The AS dealer here said I would need to take off my seals and bearings, take them to NAPA for sizing, then hope they had them in stock. If not, the Argo would remain on the stands. Yuck!

I think the only way I can be sure Timkens will work is if I have an AS number(s) I can cross reference. Still waiting to hear from AS. Thanks!

Some Argosy trailer records, are not very clear.

For the 10 inch Argosy trailer brakes, the bearings are L68149 and L44649.

The grease seal number is 58846.

Andy

TG Twinkie · 08-16-2010, 04:07 PM

Take one set off, go to NAPA or Carquest. If they don't have them in stock, most stores can get them the next day. Be sure to take both inner and outer races on both outside and inside bearings as well as the seal. Are you sure the ones you have are bad? Perhaps you can just repack them, but you will need a new seal for each one, no matter what.

TG Twinkie · 08-16-2010, 04:20 PM

Type " How to repack wheel bearings" into Google. There are many videos and much info on this subject.

sierrajb · 08-16-2010, 04:22 PM

Andy, thanks for those numbers. Can I take those to a local automotive shop and expect them to cross reference them? I've never had the drums off to check the size of brake shoes, but I'll inspect those, too, when I repack the bearings. I'm guessing Inland has everything I need if I can't find them (seals, bearings, etc.) at a local store, right?

Twinkie, I don't think any of my bearings are "bad", but I'm trying to prepare for what I might discover when I disassemble them. I will definitely replace the seals after cleaning and repacking. Thanks for chiming in with the rest who have come to my rescue!

sierrajb · 08-16-2010, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TG Twinkie

Type " How to repack wheel bearings" into Google. There are many videos and much info on this subject.

Wow! You must have read my mind, Twinkie! I just watched a couple on You Tube, but it made me wonder if my Argo setup was much different. Probably not. Thanks so much!