Bearing up under 286,000 pounds of pressure

摘要

As axle loads climb, the pressure is on to produce rail car bearings that can take the weight and live to tell about it. Wheels, axles and bearings are the most expensive rail car components to maintain. All three must remain in good working order. Bearing failure, in particular, can result in significant train delays — and, in worst cases, derailments. As axle loads continue to get heavier — the maximum gross rail load is at 286,000 pounds and, possibly, rising — today's bearings need to be able to hold up under even more pressure.