Refurbishment Of Tilt Bearings
For Pendolino Trains
Keeps Alstom On The Right Track
Precision bearing manufacturer Schaeffler
a critical system as the train relies on this
rollers refurbished by Schaeffler is lower
(UK) Ltd is currently refurbishing
to enable it to operate at optimum speeds
than purchasing new replacement rollers.
thousands of yoke type track roller
[up to 125mph] along the West Coast
Due to the large volume of units involved
bearings for Alstom, the company
Mainline. It is essential that these systems
in this programme, the overall cost is
responsible for maintaining the entire
operate reliably at all times because if they
significantly lower. Furthermore, in terms
West Coast Mainline fleet of 56 high-speed
don’t, this will have a detrimental effect
of quality, a track roller refurbished by
Virgin Pendolino trains. The 60-week
on the overall operational performance of
Schaeffler can be returned to the customer
refurbishment programme involves the
the train and on the efficiency of the West
in an as-new condition. Refurbishment
refurbishment of nearly 5,000 track rollers.
Coast Mainline. Alstom therefore operates
also has the additional advantage that
a heavy overhaul maintenance regime on
it generates significantly lower CO2
the tilting systems.”
emissions compared to the manufacture
The yoke type track roller, which was
custom designed by Schaeffler in the early
of new bearings, which means that the
1990s specifically for use on the Pendolino
good environmental performance already
train, is part of a yoke type track roller
achieved by the rail industry can be
unit that is used on the coach body tilting
enhanced further.”
system. In conjunction with the rails, the
yoke type track roller units act as a roller-
With increasingly complex operating
supported cradle system, which allows
demands and more strict safety standards
the coach body to tilt into bends in the
in the rail industry, Schaeffler’s test
track in such a way that the direction of
facilities in Schweinfurt provide customers
the coach body axis matches the resulting
with complete peace of mind. As Spencer
acceleration.
states: “As well as refurbishments, we
are able to conduct functional tests on
Operationally critical
complete assembled bearings, specific
The yoke type track roller unit complete
“Logistically, it’s a very challenging
individual components, materials and
or “Tilt Roller Bearing” comprises two
overhaul programme,” states Timmings.
lubricants. Test rig simulations can also
bearing assemblies, a bespoke split core
“We are currently just over halfway
be conducted on bearings, which help to
resilient bushes and a two-part tilt roller
through the project and the support
contribute to significant increases in the
housing. The built-up assembly is bolted
from Schaeffler has been excellent. We’ve
service life and maint V