Bushings can be measured with either an ultrasonic tool or a caliper. Both methods are shown in the videos below.
- Ultrasonic Tool
- Caliper
Potential Observations
What to look for
Below are some of the issues you should be looking for when inspecting pin bushings. This list does not cover all possible issues, but is a starting point that covers most genral issues.
Pin Spalling
Pin Galling
| Examples | Causes | Effects | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
• Lack of clean lubricant between pin & bushing • Tight track • Severe packing |
• Heavy gouging/scoring on pin O.D. | • Proper track adjustment • Light galling: — Pin reusable • Heavy galling: — Replace pins |
Pin Breakage
| Examples | Causes | Effects | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
• Improper position of assembled pin (Oil hole toward rail surface) • High impact loads • Wide shoes • Can break through oil cross hole • Tight track • Severe packing • Inadequate pin strength |
• Possible track separation • Possible bushing damage |
• Inspect pins at turn • Replace pins and/or bushings as needed |
Pin End Wear
| Examples | Causes | Effects | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
• Improper track adjustment • Poor track guiding — Primary • Moving U/C (i.e. Links & rollers) — Secondary • Stationary & moving u/c (i.e. Links & track guides) • Insufficient roller/flange height (Generally new U/C components) • Insufficient pin coverage of stationary track guides • Accelerated guide wear on twister resister - Elevated) • Equalizer bar bearing wear |
• Reuse of component • Structural concerns • Loss of pin retention • Generation of end play - dry joints • Cost of turn |
• Proper track tension • Improved track guiding — Primary • Tall double flange rollers • Increase idler flange height — Secondary • End guiding guards • Center guiding guards • Full length guards |