Roller coaster wheels go through a lot of wear and tear.
But how often do they actually need to be replaced?
To find out, I visited the maintenance bay for Outlaw Run and spoke with Joe Brose.
Daily Inspections
Every morning, maintenance teams inspect every wheel on the trains.
For Outlaw Run, that means checking 42 wheels per train.
Technicians spin each wheel to check:
- Bearing noise
Smooth rotation
Surface damage
Any signs of wear
The Three Types of Wheels
Roller coasters use three types of wheels:
- Road wheels – support the train weight
- Guide wheels – keep the train centered
- Upstop wheels – prevent the train from lifting off the track
Together, they keep the train securely locked onto the track.
When Wheels Get Replaced
Wheels are replaced as needed, depending on wear.
Different rides use different materials such as:
- Nylon
Polyurethane
Steel
Temperature and operating conditions can affect how quickly wheels wear down.
Watch the Reel
https://youtu.be/vfDYocB5Aas?si=a-HQxGumDY-5e37X
Final Thoughts
The next time you ride a roller coaster, remember that every wheel on that train has been inspected by a maintenance team before the ride even opens for the day.
More Coaster FUNdamentals here ->