Precise measurements of locomotive wheels during visual inspections ensure that wheel wear is monitored, as well as wheel wear on special routes and under normal operating conditions. It is the responsibility of the vehicle inspector to monitor wheel wear and to make judgements on permissible limit values.

Inspection and repair of the wheel hub section of a locomotive

1. Inspect the wheel hub for the presence of radial cracks which may weaken the clamping force of the wheel on the axle (e.g. corrosive soiling, signs of wheel twisting). If there is any doubt about the presence of cracks, a magnetic particle flaw inspection can be carried out. The wheel should be dismantled as soon as any signs of an anomaly are detected.

2. Ensure that the plug seal in the oil fill hole is intact, if it is missing, clean the oil fill hole and install a new plug and seal.

Inspection and repair of wheel circumferential tread breakage.

1.Carefully inspect the wheel rim and tread for damage such as smoothing, cracking, peeling, tread roll-up and other damage.

The edge of the wheel rim. If metal notches and tears are found, assess the depth of the breakage. Do the following.

1）If the depth is less than 1mm, the wheel can continue to be used.

2）If the depth is greater than 1mm, the wheel must be turned.

2.The non-bladed surface of the rim. If metal notches and tears are found, assess the depth of the breakage. Do the following

1）If the depth is less than that, spread the sharp part to its surroundings and the wheel can be used again.

2）If the depth is greater, the wheel must be turned.

3.Check whether there is any looseness in the combination of the wheel and the wheel base. If there is any looseness, disassemble the wheel and reassemble it.

Inspection and repair of tread metal bulging.

Check the metal bulge on the tread surface of the wheel. If the thickness of the metal bulge is more than 1mm or the length is more than 60mm then the wheel shall be turned or the wheel pair shall be replaced.

Inspection and repair of wheel tread scuffs.

Scuffing to the following limits need to be turned.

1）one or more than 75mm.

2）Two or more in the range of 50~75mm. 3) Four or more in the range of 25~50mm.

Inspection and repair of wheel tread peeling.

Check the wheel tread peeling, if the wheel reaches the following limits, it is necessary to dismantle or turn to repair the pair of wheels

1.peeling length: 1 ≤ 30mm; 2 (each length) ≤ 20mm.

2.peeling depth: ≤ 1mm

3.Wheel tread wear depth (including grooves): ≤ 4mm.

Inspection and repair of wheel tread scores and grooves.

1.Check the sharp curls and grooves on the circumferential edge of the wheel tread, if the depth exceeds 2mm, the wheel must be dismounted. Carefully check the condition of the brake brake pads, and check for metal inclusions between the pads and the wheel or metal debris on the tread.

2.Check the grooves or fluctuations (wave-like concave shape) around the circumference of the tread of the wheel. If the depth exceeds 5mm, the wheel must be dismounted. Carefully check the condition of the brake brake tile.

Wheel geometry inspection