AS 7516 – Axle Bearings

The objective of this Standard is to ensure maximum safety of the general public, passengers, workers and property against the hazards that may arise due to failure of axle bearings, axleboxes and adaptors.

Axle bearings are critical components of rolling stock that allow wheels to rotate smoothly on axles. They reduce friction and enable safe train operations. When axle bearings fail, it can cause wheel seizure, overheating, and potential derailments.

AS 7516 is an Australian standard that provides comprehensive guidance on managing axle bearings throughout their complete lifecycle. This includes design, installation, operation, maintenance, inspection, and replacement of railway axle bearings.

The revised standard includes several important updates:

• New permission for the use of plain bearings in addition to roller bearings
• New information regarding part numbering systems for bearings
• Updated table showing the relubrication colour schedule for maintenance tracking
• New requirements and recommendations for managing bearings in stored rolling stock

This standard assists Rail Transport Operators (RTOs) in identifying and managing risks associated with axle bearing failure. By following standardised practices, organisations can prevent bearing-related incidents and maintain consistent safety standards across the rail industry.

The standard provides requirements and recommendations that reduce the risk of axle bearing failure due to:

• Poor storage practices that can damage bearings
• Inadequate lubrication leading to increased friction and wear
• Poor maintenance practices that fail to identify potential problems

A systematic approach is recommended:

• Review AS 7516 against your existing internal standards
• Identify areas of alignment and variance between standards
• Where standards align, update requirements to reference AS 7516 using your organisation’s change management process
• Where differences exist, assess whether AS 7516 provides superior safety outcomes or better harmonisation against your risk profile and SFAIRP principles
• If AS 7516 offers improved outcomes, modify organisational standards accordingly
• If internal standards provide better outcomes, document derogation or deviation statements within your organisation’s standards