SKF Logo Black

Webinar on demand

Speaker: Jan Babka, SKF Railway Application Competence Center and Railway Academy Manager

Wheelset maintenance: The dos and don’ts

From box to journal. From operation to refurbishment

Railway bearings go through multiple critical stages before they ever hit the tracks. From transport and storage to mounting, operation, and refurbishment, each step presents risks that can impact performance and service life. Even small missteps can lead to premature failures, unplanned downtime, and higher costs.

In this session, SKF Global Railway Application Competence Center Manager and Training Manager Jan Babka explores the key dos and don’ts of wheelset bearing maintenance. The discussion covers the challenges bearings face at every stage of their lifecycle and how rail operators can reduce risks and improve long-term reliability.

Watch the full webinar to learn more about:

  • Common mistakes in storage, mounting, and running-in
  • The impact of handling and transport on bearing performance
  • Best practices for refurbishment to maximize service life

Watch the recording now!

Watch the webinar recording

Railway operations demand reliability at every stage. Watch the recording now to gain expert insights into optimizing maintenance and reducing costs.

Proper storage

Incorrect storage conditions can lead to corrosion, contamination, and reduced bearing life. Keeping bearings in a controlled environment and following SKF’s storage guidelines helps prevent premature damage.

Best practices for mounting

Improper mounting techniques can lead to misalignment, overheating, or fit issues. Using the right tools and methods helps bearings perform as intended from the start.

Managing running-in and operation

The first phase of operation is critical for bearing longevity. Proper lubrication, controlled load distribution, and avoiding extreme conditions help bearings reach their full service life.

Getting the most from refurbishment

Refurbishing bearings extends their usability and contributes to sustainability. Following correct dismounting, inspection, and reinstallation procedures helps reduce costs and improve reliability.

With Railvolutionary, you are always on track

Rail transport is evolving, and staying ahead means having access to the latest insights, technologies, and success stories. “Delivering for sustainable railway” is your destination for expert-driven content – featuring cutting-edge SKF solutions, real-world case studies, and the latest industry developments.

Railvolutionary webinars

Want to be in the loop for the next webinars? You can already sign-up for the Railvolutionary webinar series today and automatically receive updates on future events. 

Register here

Railvolutionary updates

Be sure to stay alert for upcoming webinars and other events regarding challenges and opportunities in the rail industry. But, in the meantime, you can explore more news and interesting topics – simply visit the SKF Railway information hub by clicking the link below:

Read more

Your questions answered

Each webinar sparks new questions. Now, we’re bringing you the answers. Our "Ask an expert" series tackles key topics based on questions from webinar participants, providing clear and insightful responses from SKF specialists. Every week, we feature a new expert video covering the most relevant discussions from our Railvolutionary webinars.

Have a question you’d like answered? Send it our way to railways@skf.com, and we may cover it in an upcoming session!