49 CFR 229.75 – Wheels and tire defects
Wheels and tires may not have any of the following conditions:
(a) A single flat spot that is 2
(b) A gouge or chip in the flange that is more than 1
(c) A broken rim, if the tread, measured from the flange at a point five-eighths inch above the tread, is less than 3
(d) A shelled-out spot 2
(e) A seam running lengthwise that is within 3
(f) A flange worn to a
(g) A tread worn hollow
(h) A flange height of 1
(i) Tires less than 1
(j) Rims less than 1 inch thick on a locomotive in road service or less than
(k) A crack or break in the flange, tread, rim, plate, or hub.
(l) A loose wheel or tire.
(m) Fusion welding may not be used on tires or steel wheels of locomotives, except for the repair of flat spots and worn flanges on locomotives used exclusively in yard service. A wheel that has been welded is a welded wheel for the life of the wheel.