Eastern Railroad Discussion > Flooded roller bearings

With the floods in Indiana last week, a lot of equipment got flooded. I understand that plain journals need to be drained and cleaned before using the equipment again, but what about a more modern car with roller bearings?
Does being submerged damage them, or no? Who has experience with this issue that can speak to the return of service for modern cars with roller bearings?

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When Williamson yard flooded last year, every car (and locomotives, more so the traction motors) that had water touch the bearings was shopped and changed. It was A LOT of cars and something like 10+ locomotives.

If you are operating under AAR Interchange Rules, Rule 36 states that any roller bearing submerged in flood or exposed to fire must be reconditioned. Further, it may not be moved to home shop on own wheels. So, for a freight car in interchange service, that means wheels must be changed in field where/near location damage took place or moved out via flat car. Cost of repairs are for the railroad that was in care and custody of the car. How that applies to Whitewater Valley and their captive service stuff and privately owned stuff on them, I’m not 100% sure.

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/27/26 05:15 by scraphauler.