Technology update: Wheels, axles, brakes and bearings 2026

Compiled by Michael Popke

A. Stucki Co.

A. Stucki Co. recently expanded its wheelset production, repair and logistics capabilities, and strengthened its aftermarket services with the acquisition of Wheelworx, one of the largest wheel shops in North America. With locations in Alabama and Illinois, Wheelworx expands Stucki’s presence in the South and Midwest, offering new and reconditioned wheelsets and axles for freight and locomotive applications.

“The addition of Wheelworx opens new commercial opportunities and enhances our ability to provide end-to-end solutions to our rail-car customers,” said Stucki CEO Ron Port in an email.

Stucki’s reconditioning services include ultrasonic axle testing, detailed dimensional inspections and precision machining to restore surfaces to exact specifications. Wheels undergo thorough profiling and non-destructive testing to detect flaws before returning to service, ensuring reconditioned assemblies perform to the same standards as new components and thereby reducing costs without compromising safety, company officials said.

Stucki’s brake solutions, which include advanced hand brakes and brake beams, are designed for durability and precise control, reducing wear and enhancing safety. Available in new and reconditioned configurations, Stucki’s roller bearing products support optimal fleet performance by minimizing friction and extending maintenance intervals.

With facilities strategically located across the United States, Mexico and Brazil, Stucki offers extensive inventory across its distribution network. Timely access to essential components helps customers reduce downtime, streamline maintenance schedules and maintain compliance without unnecessary delays, company officials said.

Amsted Rail

Amsted offers an array of wheels, axles, bearings and brake products.

Amsted Rail

Amsted Rail’s freight-rail products are designed to deliver industry-leading performance through intentional, system-focused engineering, company officials said. Components are engineered to operate with the others, ensuring consistent performance across the entire rail car; the integrated approach improves reliability, reduces maintenance requirements and supports longer asset life, they added.

Amsted Rail’s offerings include:

• Wheels: With nearly 150 years of innovation, the company’s Griffin® wheel offerings continue the patented Micro Alloy® Class D wheels, which are designed to offer superior strength at high temperatures, reducing wheelset removals and significantly extending wheel life under demanding conditions. 
• Axles: Amsted Rail manufactures axles from cast blooms, forged and machined to precision using advanced processes, company officials said. Available in freight, locomotive, transit and straight shafts, the axles meet AAR grades F, G, and H heat treatments, ensuring dimensional accuracy, strength and durability, they said. 
• Bearings: Amsted Rail supplies the majority of the North American OEM market with Brenco® bearings, millions of which are in service today. Designed for heavy-load and high-demand environments, Brenco bearings provide long-term durability, dependable performance and reduced maintenance needs, company officials said. In 2025, Amsted Rail introduced the TRU-GUARD® bearing seal across all bearing sizes. Its pure labyrinth design aims to ensure non-contact operation and near-zero torque.
• Brakes: The company offers the industry’s broadest range of advanced braking solutions, Amsted Rail officials said. Designed to be lightweight and well-balanced, the brake systems reduce component stress and contribute to smoother, more consistent performance. Enhanced by the proven technology of Ellcon-National®, the portfolio delivers exceptional reliability and precise braking control across the full range of heavy-haul operating conditions, Amsted officials said.

New York Air Brake

New York Air Brake’s CCBIIe™ enhanced brake control system is designed to deliver smarter diagnostics, guided troubleshooting and remote maintenance capabilities.

New York Air Brake

New York Air Brake’s (NYAB) CCBIIe™ enhanced brake control system offers advanced features, time-saving functions and higher reliability components in an easily upgradeable package, company officials said.

NYAB has enhanced its CCBII system with features designed to save time, provide more accurate maintenance, and help increase safety and reliability.

The CCBIIe system offers advanced self-test features that ensure the system is performing well, providing peace of mind when dispatching a locomotive into service, company officials said. Guided diagnostics help maintainers troubleshoot issues, and recommend checks within and outside the braking system to ensure accurate repairs. Improvements through materials engineering enhance the performance life of sealing and wear components, company officials said.

NYAB’s CCBIIe system also can provide remote air brake maintenance, which can save time and improve operating efficiencies through real-time detailed information of brake system health, configuration and performance. The CCBIIe enhanced brake control system is available for new applications and can be upgraded easily on existing CCBII applications during overhaul or scheduled maintenance, company officials said.

Progress Rail

Progress Rail’s solutions include AAR-certified wheels, axles, bearings and freight-car parts.

Progress Rail

Progress Rail is a supplier of rail components, specializing in wheels, axles, bearings and parts for freight cars. The Caterpillar company provides both new and reconditioned parts, ensuring reliability and cost efficiency for Class Is, short lines and private fleet owners, Progress Rail officials said.

Among the company’s offerings:

• Wheels: Progress Rail operates wheel and axle shops certified under AAR M-1003 standards. With strategically located facilities across North America, the company supplies reconditioned and new wheelsets tailored to customer specifications for rapid delivery, company officials said.
• Bearings: The company offers journal bearing reconditioning services to meet AAR standards.
• Parts: Progress Rail provides freight-car components designed for strength and reliability. The solutions integrate with modern rail systems to enhance safety and performance, company officials said.

Progress Rail also offers a dedicated logistics network for direct-to-customer delivery.

Michael Popke is a Madison, Wisconsin-based freelance writer.