Rear Axle; 13 A Maintenance - CITROËN Amicale 5 HP Manual

12 - TYRES AND RIMS
Until March 1924 (1/3 of total production), the 5 HP were mounted on 700x80 or 700x85 "Cabled" high
pressure (4 to 5 bars) bead tires, small studs spacing ( 100 mm ) rims.
From March 24 and until the end of 1926, they were fitted with low pressure 715x115 "Cable Comfort" bead
tires (1.25 to 2.5 bars) ...
... on small studs spacing ( 100 mm ) rims until the end of 1924 then large studs spacing ( 1300 mm ) rims
later.
The 11-12x45 bead rims appeared in 1927 for low pressure (1.5 to 3.5 bars) "Confort Bibendum" bead tires,
subsequently, at strong encouragement from Michelin, commonly fitted to replace the original beaded tyres.
Today it is possible to find beaded (700x80, 715x115) and wireed (12x 45) tyres and at much lower prices,
400x18 tires mountable on 12x45 rims, as well as 4.00-19 tires.
12 a - Pressure
To prevent the tyre going off the rim all beaded tires, whatever their brand, must be inflated to High Pressure.
3 to 4 Bars
All other tires (wired must be inflated to: Low pressure: 1.25 to 1.75 bars
Most tyre dealers have 400 x 18 inner tubes in store, but not all are suitable. Inner tubes intended for
motorcycles have the valve in the center of the rim, agricultural tubes have a rubber valve exiting on the side
(for wheels with full sails). Get it right.
For your safety it is imperative to have good tires, but don't forget to have good rims too! A good restoration
implies a systematic check of the rims.
Links & Documentation: Rims and Tires Folder 'summary table'

13 - REAR AXLE

Lubrication: Oil: SAE 140 or SAE 140 EP not aggressive for bronze
Capacity: 0.25 liters (oval bridge: 0.5 liters)
Do not forget to lubricate the spring articulation pads on the bridge tubes; insufficient lubrication can lead to
the rupture of the bridge tube and the destruction of the bridge (true story) .
The rear axle with "chevron" denture is fragile; the helical teeth fitted as a retrofit from 1928 are much
stronger but rare.
13 a - Maintenance
Systematically check the axle oil level twice a year.
For the lubrication of the rear axle to be effective, it suffices that the teeth of the large crown wheel be covered:
do not apply more to avoid overflows in the brake drums.
Which oil to use? a current Extreme Pressure type SAE 80/90 oil will be perfect, but some prefer an even
thicker SAE 140 oil.
13 b - Replacing a wheel shaft
It is not uncommon for a 5HP to be equipped with two shafts '' of the same '' sex ''; this in particular because of
the shortage of parts in the past;
This can work for a while..., but with the risk of cutting the pin, unscrew the nut and lose a wheel!
Source: Forum / "-ecrou-crenele-de-fusee-de-moyeu"