TM 55-203
Figure 4-21. Gage to be used in measuring length of worn journals on class
A to F axles, inclusive.
wedge is held in place by projections provided for this
purpose in the cast-steel journal box top The lugs are
released when the journal box is jacked up a few inches.
d. Journal Box. The journal box packing contained in
the journal box bottom is an important part of the
bearing assembly Whether it consists of commercial
spring-type lubricating pads or cotton and/or wool waste,
when packed in the prescribed manner, it acts as a wick
and feeds lubricant to the bearing. The use of waste
packing has been discontinued on most commercial
railroads in the continental United States (CONUS),
present practice being to use AAR-approved lubricator
pads. There is increasing use of the roller bearing
journals for freight service also. Most Department of the
Army (DA)-owned rolling stock overseas has the waste-
type journals. Details concerning proper packing of
journal boxes are contained in paragraphs 4-12 through
4-18.
Figure 4-22. Typical journal box assembly.
e. Box Lid. The journal box lid closes the front of the
journal box and keeps out dust, dirt, and other foreign
built to meet specifications and are fabricated of either
matter detrimental to the operation of the journal
bronze or a .special iron. They are also provided with a
bearing. Although the lid is hung so that it will remain
babbitt metal lining, which is poured cast to face the
closed during movement of the car, it is made to open
bearing back and become an integral part of it. This
easily for servicing and inspection. The lid is hinged
combination of metals has long been considered the
from the top of the box and is spring-loaded to insure
best for solid-bearing construction. The babbit is soft,
tight closure. An attachment is provided to keep the lid
although tough and durable, and provides a highly
open when servicing operations are in progress. On
efficient bearing surface. The iron or bronze backing in
oversea cars, bolt-locked journal box lids are
turn gives support and tends to dissipate the heat
standardized to minimize pilferage of waste and brass
generated by transferring it to the box top.
journal bearings.
c. Wedge. The wedge, a companion part of the
bearing assembly, is provided to furnish limited rocker
extent worldwide for both passenger and freight cars.
anchorage for the bearing It also serves to distribute the
They require relatively little maintenance attention
weight of the car equally over the wear surface of the
beyond periodic relubrication. Additional advantages
bearing because of its rocker-bearing contour. The
are almost total elimination
4-15
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