Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods for impregnating oil into a lubricating pad for use in a journal box. A conveyor locates a bag containing a dry pad below an oil dispensing spout. If desirable or for particularly large bags and pads, a vacuum suction may be applied to opposite sides of the open upper end of the bag to hold it open. The spout is lowered and oil is dispensed into the bag. After the spout is raised, the bag containing the pad and oil is conveyed between a pair of platens which compress the bag and pad therebetween substantially fully exhausting air from the bag. While maintaining the bag and pad compressed, the open end of the bag is hermetically sealed. Upon movement of the platens away from one another, the pad expands within the bag with consequent impregnation of oil into the pad.