Re: [A/S] '72 Argosy Wheel bearings and brake help needed

[Charlie/Betty Burke <cbburke@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Chris,

The brake/bearing assemblies on your Argosy are fairly common. They are 12 in diameter 
with a 2" brake shoe width, commonly referred to as a 12x2 brake. The brake shoe and 
operating mechanism are mounted on a backing plate that is bolted to a flange on the 
Duro Torque axle. The brake drum, commonly referred to as a hub and drum is sandwiched 
between the wheel the spindle. To access the brakes you need to first remove the 
wheel. Next you remove the bearing dust cap, cotter pin (don't reuse it), castle nut, 
thrust washer, and outer bearing. The least destructive way to remove the inner
bearing and the grease seal is as follows. Reinstall the thrust washer and castle nut 
for several turns on the spindle. Give the hub and drum a wiggle as you pull it toward 
you. As it comes off the thrust washer comes in contact with the inner bearing. When 
you feel that happen, push the hub and drum back away from you a short distance. Then 
sharply pull toward you. This will normally force the inner bearing evenly against the 
grease seal forcing it out intact. The hub and drum can be hard to pull loose and may 
require some encouragement.

Charlie