Hello all. I'm working on an S4 loco that, of course, has the R22-12 motor truck. The thing was run a bunch during the Christmas season (It's the Santa Express) and now seems to have developed a pretty good squeak as it runs. Total teardown of the motor truck shows no wear on the worm or axle gear. The grease in the journals was pretty solid. The grease in the gears was pretty sticky. So, cleaned it all out. Washed with a little dish soap. (not the motor...ha!) Re-lubed with some nice Moly grease. Screwed it all back together with attention to the worm gear lash screws being (what I hope is) just right. Applied some power and the dang thing still squeaks just sitting in my hand running. Now, those of you with experience know that this motor truck does not have the brass bearings like an R22-115 you find in a GP7/9 or 38. To that end the axle play in this S4 truck seems a little sloppy compared to the other with the bearing. Anybody agree? Or, am I just wrong? It seems the axle is supported simply in the plastic hole through the case and by the square extrusion on the bottom cover that fits under the axle. I did kiss these surfaces with a bit of moly lube. But, as I said, still squeaks. This brings up questions. Is there a better lube for this metal axle to plastic "bearing"? I have some PTFE powder I though about trying. But, I thought I'd see if there were any learned opinions out there before I started experimenting.
Any ideas? Thanks for listening!
Any ideas? Thanks for listening!
