Re: Repacking Friction Bearings

Jeff Taylor Wrote:
=======================================================
> So is the wool waste just the stringy fibers waded
> up and packed into the journal? Or do you put it
> in something?

No. It has to be soaked in oil for a period of time (the railroads had dedicated tubs for this) and then it is twisted into ropes, and packed in a very specific manner. There is a specified ramming tool and hook that the railroads used to do the job.
>
> Do you have problems with the wool finding its way
> up between the axle and bearing?

Yes. That is why the manner of packing needs to be followed. It sometimes happened anyway. That is called as "waste grab" and it caused hot boxes.
>
> Also what weight oil do you all use?

There are many vendors for former AAR Specification M-963, “All Year Journal Box Lubricating Oil” such as Shell Cyprina Oil 963, Conoco/Phillips AAR 963 Oil, or Chevron Journaltex HD 57. Most of my career I used Jouraltex. If you can get what the big railroads call motor support bearing oil, it is usually the same spec.
>
> At the farm we have old car wash mittens in some
> and used socks with more socks stuffed inside.
> Some of this stuff is near replacement and I have
> been looking for an alternative. We tried mop
> heads, but that gave us problems.

Take a look at this page from an Army TM

[armytransportation.tpub.com]

Steve