520 OILING AXLES. 



prevent any dust or dirt from lodging on these parts. Third, 

 the axle arm should then be oiled ; for this purpose a can of 

 castor oil, fitted with a cork to which is fastened a feather in 

 the same manner as the brush of a mucilage pot, is best 

 for this work. Just sufficient oil should be applied to cover 

 the surface of the arm and the oil groove. If more is used 

 the oil oozes out on the hub, if less there is danger of the 

 wheel becoming set. Fourth, in replacing the wheel care 

 should be taken to prevent the parts from bumping to- 

 gether, and also in starting the nut and cap true, otherwise 

 the threads get crossed and when thus cut the nut is ren- 

 dered insecure. When tightening up the nut the latter 

 should be taken up so that the wheel turns hard and then 

 slightly reversed until the wheel runs freely, but without any 

 forward or backward play. From time to time it will be 

 necessary to replace the leather washers with new ones, and 

 in putting on the new leather it should fit snugly, be free 

 from rough edges and thoroughly smeared with tallow. 



Each wheel should be thus treated in turn, and as soon 

 as the work is completed the wrench or wrenches should be 

 wiped clean, wrapped in a cloth and placed in the wrench 

 pocket of the carriage. As soon as the oiling is completed 

 the oil can, spare wrenches, washers, rags, etc., should be 

 put in their respective places in the oiling stand, and the 

 latter set out of the way. Occasionally it will be necessary 

 to lubricate the wheel plate or fifth wheel upon which the 

 axle bed of the fore wheels turns. The perch bolt should be 

 removed and the top carriage raised sufficiently to enable the 

 servant to smear a little soap, grease or graphite on the plate. 

 The writer prefers the use of graphite, as it is more lasting 

 and does not overrun the metal part as grease is apt to do. 



