February 28, 1991

Circular Letter
(c-7622)

Subject: Amendment to Circular Letter c-7606 to Provide for Cap Screw Lubrication

To: Members and Private Car Owners

GC-WABL
TWBL-23A

Circular Letter c-7606 issued on January 21, 1991 implemented a revision to Section G - Part II, Rule 1K21 by providing instructions for the removal and reapplication of roller bearing end caps to accelerate the program for removal of cap screw seal rings. To assure proper cap screw torque consistent with AAR specifications, the reverse side of this letter is a reissue of the instructions. Paragraph 1.e has been added to require the lubrication of cap screw threads and the underside of the cap screw head with AAR M-942 Journal Roller Bearing Grease, M-963 Journal Box Lubricating Oil (car oil), or AAR approved equivalent, that does not promote flash rusting.

This notice reaffirms the provisions of Circular Letter c-7384, dated May 19, 1989, affecting secondhand cap screws and Circular Letter c-7404, dated July 31, 1989, addressing new cap screws.

Sincerely,

Leavitt A. Peterson

Removal and Reapplication of Roller Bearing End Caps

1K21 Shops that needing to remove and re-apply roller bearing end caps for any reason, but are not currently certified as an AAR approved roller bearing mounting facility, must request and receive specific AAR approval. To request such approval, an application must be made to the AAR Director-Technical Committees, Quality and Components. The following information must be provided:

1. The details of procedures which will be employed to assure compliance with those parts of the specification applicable to the removal and reapplication of the roller bearing end cap. For example:

a. The wheel set must be completely removed from truck side frames (i.e. bearing not under load).

b. The procedures must be in compliance with Section G - Part II, Rules 1G8, 1K11 (excluding references to cap screw seal rings), 1K12 and 1K15 through 1K17.

c. Reused cap screws must be qualified through use of the prescribed length and straightness gage.

d. All existing locking plate information must be transferred to a new locking plate in accord with Rule 1K17.

e. Secondhand cap screws must be lubricated prior to application with AAR M-942 Journal Roller Bearing Grease, M-963 Journal Box Lubricating Oil (car oil), or equivalent lubricant that does not promote flash rusting.

2. Identification of location of all shops removing and re-applying end caps in accordance with AAR approved procedures. Existing or proposed company marks (maximum 4 letters) and shop code letters, indicating shop location abbreviation, (maximum 2 letters) should accompany each application for AAR approval.

3. Descriptions of all requisite equipment that will be used and training of personnel that will be accomplished, to insure
compliance with the specifications and required procedures.

Subsequent to review of the submitted application with supplementing attachments, an on-site inspection may be performed by the Mechanical Inspection Department before approval is granted.