M-101

AAR Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices

Wheels and Axles
AXLES, CARBON STEEL, HEAT-TREATED
Specification
M-101
Adopted: 1914; Last Revised: 2016

IMPLEMENTED 01/2016

1.0 SCOPE
These specifications cover heat-treated axles of all sizes for passenger cars and freight cars to
designs shown in Section G. These specifications also cover heat-treated locomotive axles. The
grades of carbon steel axles are as follows:
Grade FDouble normalized and tempered. (All freight axles over 6 1/2 in. nominal diameter at center shall be Grade F.)
Grade GQuenched and tempered.
Grade HNormalized, quenched, and tempered.
Grades F, G, and HAxles are used in heavy duty service on locomotives, cars, and other equipment.
2.0 QUALIFICATION AS MANUFACTURER
Qualification as a manufacturer of axles for use in AAR interchange service must be in accordance
with Appendix C of this specification. Qualification is effective until revoked for cause by the Committee. Failure to maintain reasonable quality standards in manufacturing is an example of cause.
Axle manufacturers must meet the requirements of the AAR Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices, Section J, Specification M-1003, Specification for Quality Assurance.
3.0 MANUFACTURE
3.1 Process
The steel shall be made by any of the following processes: open hearth, electric furnace, or basic
oxygen. Proposed changes to material or manufacturing processes must be submitted to the AAR
for consideration. Approval of a new material or process may include meeting the requirements
stated in Appendix C.
3.2 Discard
A sufficient discard shall be made from each ingot to ensure freedom from piping and undue segregation.
3.3 Reduction Practice
The axles may be made directly from the ingot or from blooms. The total reduction from ingot or
strand-cast bloom to forging or rolling shall be not less than 3 to 1, unless otherwise specified.
Note: The process for manufacturing strand-cast blooms shall be designed to ensure freedom from
center porosity and undue segregation.
4.0 COOLING AND HEATING
4.1 After axle blooms are produced, they shall be slow-cooled in closed containers, hoods, or furnaces.
4.2 Blooms shall be reheated for working in a manner that will prevent internal bursts and overheating.
4.3 After reduction, axles shall be slow-cooled in closed containers, covered conveyors, or in
hoods. If axles (Grades F, G, and H) are heat-treated directly from reduction, they shall be
slow-cooled following the final heat treatment.
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4.4 Axles (Grades F, G, and H) that are heat-treated directly from reduction 1) shall be cooled
below the transformation temperature or to approximately 1,000 F before any reheating operation; and 2) must not be permitted to cool below 500 F without slow-cooling as defined in
paragraph 4.3.
Note: As the temperature of the axles approaches the minimum of 500 F, a supplemental heat
source may be necessary to ensure an effective slow-cooling cycle.
4.5 When properly vacuum-degassed steel is used, the slow-cooling requirements of paragraphs
4.1, 4.3, and item 2 of paragraph 4.4 may be omitted, but axle blooms must then be pile cooled.

5.0 HEAT TREATMENT

5.1 Axles for heat treatment shall be reheated gradually and uniformly to a suitable temperature
to refine the grain structure.
5.2 Normalizing
After being heated to a suitable temperature, the axles shall be withdrawn from the furnace and
allowed to cool uniformly in air. A furnace charge thus treated is termed a normalizing charge.
Cooling may be accelerated by increased air circulation, which must be controlled to provide reasonably uniform cooling.
5.3 Double Normalizing
The procedure shall consist of two separate normalizing treatments. The second treatment shall
be performed at a lower temperature than the first treatment. A furnace charge thus treated is
termed a double normalizing charge. Cooling may be accelerated by increased air circulation,
which must be controlled to provide reasonably uniform cooling.
Note: A single normalizing treatment shall be permitted when all other requirements for Grade F
can be met.
5.4 Quenching
After being heated to a suitable temperature, the axles shall be quenched in a suitable medium
under reasonably uniform conditions. A furnace charge thus treated is termed a quenching charge.
5.5 Tempering
Axles shall be reheated gradually to, and held at, a suitable temperature below the critical range
and shall then be allowed to cool under suitable conditions. A furnace charge thus treated is
termed a tempering charge.
5.6 Heat treatment may be performed in either batch-type furnaces or continuous furnaces.
6.0 STRAIGHTENING
Straightening shall be done before machining and preferably at a temperature not lower than
950 F. Straightening performed at temperatures lower than 950 F shall be followed by stress
relieving or an applicable heat treatment.

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4.6 The slow-cooling requirements of paragraphs 4.1, 4.3, and item 2 of paragraph 4.4 may be
accomplished by piling and covering the piled blooms or axles with insulating materials in lieu of
using closed containers, hoods, furnaces, and covered conveyors. Covered piles must be capable of
providing effective cooling rates in accordance with the manufacturers procedure or specification.

M-101

AAR Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices

Wheels and Axles

7.0 CHEMICAL COMPOSITION

Effective January 1, 2013, the steel shall conform to the requirements for chemical composition
shown in Table 7.1.
Table 7.1 Chemical composition

IMPLEMENTED 01/2016

Grade F

Carbon, percentage
Manganese, percentage
Phosphorus, percentage
Sulphur, percentage
Silicon, percentage
Vanadium, percentage

Min.
0.45
0.70

0.15
0.02

Grades G and H
Heat-Treated
Max.
Min.
0.59

1.00
0.60
0.045

0.050

0.15
0.08

Max

0.90
0.045
0.050

8.0 LADLE ANALYSIS

8.1 An analysis of each heat of steel shall be made by the manufacturer to determine the percentage of carbon, manganese, phosphorus, sulfur, silicon, and vanadium. The chemical composition
thus determined shall be reported to the purchaser or purchasers representative and shall conform to the requirements of paragraph 7.0.
8.2 Identification of Heats in Consecutive Strand Castings
If more than one heat is consecutively strand cast at one time, ladle analyses shall be obtained of
each heat. If the ladle analysis of one heat does not meet the requirements of the specification, the
bloom or blooms that comprise a mix of the two consecutive heats shall be deemed to be outside the
requirements of the specification unless additional chemical analyses prove compliance. If both
ladle analyses are in compliance with the specification, the heat number assigned to the cast product shall remain unchanged until all of the steel in the bloom is from the following heat. Alternatively, when all of the mixed portion of two consecutive heats is in one bloom, that bloom may be
given the heat number that comprises the larger portion of the bloom on either side of the mixed
portion.
9.0 CHECK ANALYSIS
Analysis may be made by the purchaser from one axle representing each heat. The chemical composition thus determined shall conform to the requirements of paragraph 7.0, subject to tolerances
included in Table 9.1. The sample for these analyses shall be taken from one end of the test axle or
full-size prolongation at a point midway between the center and surface. If drillings are taken,
they shall be obtained using a 5/8-in.-diameter drill, or turnings may be taken from a tensile test
specimen.
Table 9.1 Permissible variations for check analysis

Elements
Manganese
Phosphorus
Sulphur
Silicon
Vanadium

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Permissible Variations, Over the Maximum Limit

or Under the Minimum Limit
Percentage
0.030
0.008
0.008
0.020
0.001

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10.0 TENSION TESTS

10.1 Grades F, G, and H axles shall conform to the requirements in Table 10.1.
Table 10.1 Tensile requirements for carbon steel heat-treated axles

Grade

Tensile
Strength
(psi)
Min.
88,000

Yield
Strength
(psi)
Min.
50,000

Elongation
in 2 in.
(percentage)
Min.
20

Reduction
of Area
(percentage)
Min.
35

4
7

4
7
10

90,000
85,000
85,000

55,000
50,000
50,000

20
20
19

39
39
37

7
10

115,000
105,000

75,000
65,000

16
18

35
35

10.2 The size classification shall be determined by the finished diameter of the journal.
10.3 The diameter of the test prolongation shall be at least equal to the as-formed diameter of the
journal.
10.4 The tensile properties for all grades listed in Table 10.1 shall be determined by the
procedure described in ASTM A 370, Standard Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of
Steel Products. The yield strength shall be determined using the 0.2% offset technique. A
Class B2 or more accurate extensometer shall be used.
10.5 The use of automated devices that determine the offset yield strength without the need for
plotting a stress-strain curve are acceptable.
10.6 Tests shall be made only after final heat treatment of Grades F, G, and H axles.
11.0 TENSION TEST SPECIMENS
11.1 Tension test specimens shall be taken from the test prolongation or an axle in accordance
with the provisions of paragraph 12.0.
11.2 Unless otherwise specified, the axis of the specimen shall be located at any point midway
between the center and surface of the axle or full-sized prolongation and shall be parallel to the
axis of the axle.
11.3 Tension test specimens shall conform to dimensions shown in Fig. C.1.
11.4 Tension tests from the prolongations shall have minimum tensile strength and yield point
values 5% greater than shown in Table 10.1. For example, Grade F tension tests from axle prolongations shall have 92,500 psi minimum tensile strength and 52, 500 psi minimum yield point.
11.5 Tension test specimens from axles shall be taken from the journal of the axle at the
mid-radius, halfway between the surface and center, with the gauge dimension parallel to the axis
of the axle. For tensile specimens removed from the prolongation, samples shall be taken from the
mid-radius, halfway between the surface and center, with the gauge dimension parallel to the axis
of the axle.

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F
(Double Normalized
and Tempered)
G
(Quenched
and Tempered)
H
(Normalized,
Quenched,
and Tempered)

Size
(Solid Diameter or Thickness)
(in.)
Over
Not Over

M-101

AAR Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices

Wheels and Axles

12.0 PROLONGATION FOR TEST

12.1 Each size classification of each heat in each heat-treating lot must be tested. Test samples
shall be taken either from prolongations or from the axle journal.
12.2 For axles without prolongations, axle journals may be used for test procurement.
12.3 Test reports shall state prolongation sizing prior to test or the use of axles for test.

IMPLEMENTED 01/2016

13.0 MICROSCOPIC TEST FOR HEAT-TREATED AXLES (GRADES F, G, AND H)

13.1 A specimen, representing each size classification of each heat in each heat-treatment lot,
shall be taken for microscopic test from the tension test specimen. This section for microscopic test
shall be cut from the large undistorted portion of the tension test specimen in such a way as will
give a face transverse to the axis of the axle.
13.2 The face shall be polished practically free from scratches and shall be etched to define the
microstructure. The specimen shall be examined under a magnification of 100 diameters.
13.3 The entire specimen shall show a uniform, fine-grained structure, and shall have a grain
size of 5 or finer as measured in accordance with ASTM Standard Method E112, latest version.
14.0 NUMBER OF TESTS
14.1 Unless otherwise specified by the purchaser, mechanical tests for grades and sizes shown in
Table 10.1 shall be made from heat-treated axles as covered in paragraph 14.2
14.2 One test per grade, per heat, per size classification is required, but each test shall represent
no more than 70 axles, including the test axle. The axles represented by this test shall be called a
heat-treatment lot. Each heat-treatment lot of axles shall be heat-treated together, whether in
batch-type or continuous furnaces. In the event that the mechanical properties of a test do not conform to the requirements specified, all of the axles from the heat-treatment lot are to be retreated in
accordance with paragraph 15.3 of this specification.
14.3 If any test specimen fails because of mechanical condition of the testing apparatus, it may be
discarded and another specimen taken.
15.0 RETEST
15.1 If the results of the mechanical tests of any lot do not conform to the requirements specified
because a flaw developed in the test specimen during testing, a retest shall be allowed if the defect
is not caused by ruptures, cracks, or flakes in the steel.
15.2 If the tensile test specimen is not flawed, the results of a second test from a prolongation (or
from an axle) cannot be substituted for the failed test result.
15.3 If the result of the mechanical test of any lot of Grade F, G, or H axles does not conform to
the requirements specified, the axles may be retreated, but not more than three additional times,
and retests shall be made in accordance with paragraph 10.0.

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16.0 ULTRASONIC TESTINGRADIAL AND AXIAL

16.1 Scope
This section describes axial and radial ultrasonic test requirements for new axles. The radial UT
test became effective July 1, 2009.
16.2 Time of Inspection
16.2.1 Axialanytime during production following axle end facing and center drilling.
16.2.2 Radialanytime during production following initial rough turn (forged surfaces cannot be
effectively radial UT-tested).

Type
Quantity
Couplant
Machine Calibration

Pulse-echo-type broadband pass amplifier

One or more. Multiple transducer arrays must be capable of monitoring individual transducers.
A couplant must be used between the face of the transducer and the test surface. Same couplant
to be used for test and calibration.
At least annually and each time the system receives maintenance that affects system
performance.

16.3.1 Axial Transducers

Frequency
Size/shape

1.0 2.25 MHz

0.751.00 in. diameter or 1.00 in.2

16.3.2 Radial Transducers

Frequency Range
Size/shape

1.05.0 MHz
0.501.00 in. diameter or 1.00 in.2

16.4 Personnel
16.4.1 All personnel performing ultrasonic inspection operations must be qualified to
non-destructive testing (NDT) Ultrasonic (UT) Level 1, at a minimum. Qualification shall be in
accordance with American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT), Recommended Practice
SNT TC-1A, latest edition.
16.4.2 All personnel setting up ultrasonic inspection systems must be qualified to NDT UT Level 2,
at a minimum. Qualification shall be in accordance with ASNT, Recommended Practice SNT TC-1A,
latest edition.
16.4.3 Each manufacturer must employ the services of an individual who is qualified to NDT UT
Level 3, at a minimum. Qualification shall be in accordance with ASNT, Recommended Practice SNT
TC-1A, latest edition.
16.5 Records
Each facility must maintain the following records for the duration indicated. Records must be
accessible within 4 hours upon request by any AAR representative.
A procedural specification for each validated UT process (current revision)
A posted controlled copy of each UT specification in each UT testing equipment area(s)
(current revision)
All individual axle test results in printable form, including individual heat, axle serial
number, and date of inspection (10 years from date of manufacture)

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16.3 Test Equipment

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AAR Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices

Wheels and Axles

16.5.1 Personnel certifications for UT testing must be in accordance with ASNT, Recommended
Practice SNT TC-1A, latest edition. Each certification must be endorsed by a responsible official of
that facility and the verifying NDT UT Level 3 (10 years).
16.5.2 Reference block semiannual validation record, including the inspectors name/ID, revalidation date, and measured surface finish of the reference block. (10 years)

IMPLEMENTED 01/2016

16.6 Validation
Validation (system testing) must be performed using the same couplant used during axle testing.
All contact surfaces must be smooth with a surface roughness better than 125 microinch for axial
test and 500 microinch for the radial test. It also should be free from dirt and grit.
16.6.1 Axial Penetration Test
16.6.1.1 Calibration and System Tests
The ultrasonic inspection system must be validated initially upon installation and at least once
every year after initial installation.
16.6.1.1.1 Calibration1/8 in. flat-bottom hole at 15-in. depth, set up at 20% full-screen height
using 16-in.-long reference block manufactured from a Grade F axle forging.
16.6.1.1.2 Reference standards must be inspected and certified semiannually for surface finish
on the inspection face(s) of 125 microinch or better.
16.6.1.2 Periodic
16.6.1.2.1 Periodic tests shall be made during production testing against the calibration block as
described in paragraph 16.6.1.1.1, and adjustments shall be made to instrument controls to ensure
compliance with the specifications.
16.6.1.2.2 Periodic tests must be made at least once every 4 hours of use.
16.6.1.3 Continuous
16.6.1.3.1 Unscheduled system tests shall be made during production testing against the
calibration block as described in paragraph 16.6.1.1.1 and adjustments shall be made to instrument controls to ensure compliance with the specifications.
16.6.1.3.1.1 Tests must be made every time there is a change of system operators.
16.6.1.3.1.2 Tests must be made every time there is a change of transducers, cables, or any other
system hardware or accessories.
16.6.1.3.1.3 Tests must be made every time there is an equipment malfunction or upon powering
on.
16.6.2 Radial
16.6.2.1 Calibration and System Tests
16.6.2.1.1 The ultrasonic inspection system must be validated initially upon installation and at
least once every year after initial installation.
16.6.2.1.2 CalibrationThe system must be set up on the largest diameter (typically the wheel
seat) for testing the journal, wheel seat, and body to exhibit a 100% full-screen-height response
from the backwall reflection.
16.6.2.1.3 Tests must be made every time there is an equipment malfunction or upon powering
on.
16.6.2.1.4 When a change to the equipment power source, transducer, operator, or coaxial cable
occurs, the system set-up must be reverified.
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16.7 Inspection
16.7.1 General
16.7.1.1 Inspection surfaces must be free of all dirt and grit prior to the start of testing.
16.7.1.2 The same couplant must be used for calibration and examination.
16.7.1.3 During the axial penetration test and the radial loss of backwall reflection test, an additional 6 dB shall be added to the reference or sensitivity level for scanning purposes. If scanned at
the higher sensitivity, the loss of backwall reflection evaluation shall be performed after removing
the additional 6 dB.

16.7.2.1 The variation in cross-section of the axle may produce spurious indications. These
expected indications must be recognized and are not cause for rejection.
16.7.2.2 The axle end faces must be prepared with a surface finish of 125 microinch or better.
16.7.2.3 If any backwall reflection does not exceed 40% of screen height, the axle is rejected. At
the discretion of the manufacturer, axles may be retreated; refer to paragraph 15.3.
16.7.3 Radial
16.7.3.1 The variation in cross-section of the axle may produce spurious indications. These
expected indications must be recognized and are not cause for rejection.
16.7.3.2 Scan the entire length of the axle radially through the diameter or with a method that
provides equivalent or better coverage. Two radial sweeps must be performed along the axle
length offset by about 90. At a minimum, the axle surface must be rough-turned with a surface
finish of 500 microinch or better.
16.7.3.3 The axle shall be rejected for any location showing a loss of backwall reflection of 80% or
greater, unless the loss can be attributed to geometry.
16.8 Marking
All axles that are to be tested radially must have the character R immediately following the axle
grade marking. All axles failing the radial test must be immediately identified and segregated for
scrapping.
17.0 DIMENSIONS AND TOLERANCES
17.1 For other than the standard freight and passenger car axles referenced in this specification,
standard tolerances and allowances will apply, if not specified in axle drawings provided by the
purchaser.
17.2 Axle centers shall conform to Fig. C.5.
17.3 For all axles ordered for finished end facing by the purchaser, the overall length shall range
from 1/8 in. to 1/4 in. over the specified minimum length.
17.4 Rough machined journals and wheel seats shall be 1/8 in. to 1/4 in. over the finished diameters and longitudinally 1/8 in. to 1/4 in. of metal shall be allowed at each change of cross section for
finish machining.
17.5 The smooth machined body shall be to the specified size, with no more than 1/8 in. over on
the diameters and shall have no more than 1/8 in. allowance longitudinally at each change of cross
section, unless specified otherwise in Fig. C.3.

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16.7.2 Axial Penetration Test

M-101

AAR Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices

Wheels and Axles

18.0 WEIGHT
The approximate weights of the passenger and freight car axles covered by this specification are
shown in Recommended Practice RP-622.
19.0 WORKMANSHIP AND FINISH

IMPLEMENTED 01/2016

19.1 Axles shall be machined to a smooth machined finish between the wheel seats. The wheel
seats and journals shall be rough machined; the rough machining shall be free from objectionable
ridges and chatter marks. Journals, dust guard seats, and wheel seats of axles supplied in finished
form will comply with applicable provisions of the AAR Manual of Standards and Recommended
Practices, Section G, Part II, Wheel and Axle Manual.
19.2 Finish
The axles shall be free from injurious defects. The machining shall be done in a workmanlike manner.
19.3 The interpretation of injurious defects in axles shall comply with Appendix A, Interpretation of Defects Considered Injurious in Axles.
20.0 MARKING
20.1 Axles shall be legibly cold stamped with characters not less than 1/4 in. high in accordance
with the AAR standard marking requirements shown in Fig. C.2.
20.2 Effective April 1, 2012, bar code labels must be affixed to axles that require them in
accordance with the Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices, Section F,
Standard S-920, paragraph 1.4 and Appendix A.
21.0 INSPECTION
21.1 The inspector representing the purchaser shall have free entry, at all times while the work
on the contract of the purchaser is being performed, to all parts of the manufacturers works that
concern the manufacture of the material ordered. The manufacturer shall afford the inspector, free
of charge, all reasonable facilities and necessary assistance to satisfy the inspector that the material is being furnished in accordance with these specifications. Tests and inspection for acceptance
shall be made at the place of manufacture.
21.2 The purchaser may make tests to cover the acceptance or rejection of the material in purchasers own laboratory or elsewhere. Such tests shall be made at the expense of the purchaser.
21.3 The inspector shall examine each axle in each heat for workmanship, defects, and conformity to the dimensions given on the order or drawing. If in this inspection defects are found that
the manufacturer can remedy, manufacturer may correct such defects.
22.0 REJECTION
22.1 Any axle that fails to meet the requirements of these specifications will be rejected.
22.2 Axles that show injurious defects subsequent to their original inspection and acceptance at
the manufacturers works or elsewhere will be rejected and the manufacturer shall be notified.
23.0 REHEARING
Samples of axles tested in accordance with these specifications that represent rejected material
shall be held for 14 days from date of the test report. In case of dissatisfaction with the results of
the tests, the manufacturer may request a hearing within that time.
24.0 CERTIFICATION
Upon request of the purchaser in the contract or order, a manufacturers certification that the
material was manufactured and tested in accordance with this specification, together with a
report of the test results, shall be furnished at the time of shipment.
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25.0 SUPPLEMENTARY REQUIREMENTS

The following supplementary requirements shall apply only when specified by the purchaser.
Details shall be agreed upon by the manufacturer and the purchaser.
25.1 Macroscopic Tests
The prolongation from the largest axle in each heat shall be sawed normal to the axis of the axle
and shall then be split longitudinally. The transverse and the longitudinal face shall be etched for
microscopic examination. Reference shall be made to Specification ASTM E381, Standard Method
of Macroetch Testing Steel Bars, Billets, Blooms, and Forgings.

26.0 This specification includes Appendices A, B, C, Figs. C.1 through C.5, and Specification M-101.

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25.2 The purchaser may specify axle wheel seat diameters 1/8 in. larger than those shown under
dimension I in Fig. C.3.

M-101

AAR Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices

Wheels and Axles

APPENDIX A

APPENDIX A
INTERPRETATION OF DEFECTS CONSIDERED INJURIOUS IN AXLES

IMPLEMENTED 01/2016

1.0 The conditions that have been most difficult for inspectors to evaluate are light lines visible to
the normal unaided eye, variously described as actual seams, hairlines, stringers, shadow seams,
ghost lines, etc., that appear after the axles have been finish-machined and burnished or ground. It
is therefore advisable to describe these conditions in more detail.
2.0 The interpretation of injurious defects as enumerated below is not to be considered as
precluding other unforeseen or objectionable conditions not specifically listed. The right of the
purchaser is reserved to reject temporarily such axles and make final settlement on the basis of
further negotiations between representatives of the manufacturer and the purchaser who are
especially qualified to decide such questions.
3.0 Any transverse or circumferential seams, cracks, or laps of indeterminate depth on the axle
surfaces other than the discolorations listed in paragraph 4.0, regardless of their location, are
considered to be injurious and are cause for rejection without further machining.
4.0 Ghost lines, shadow marks, or other similar discolorations, visible to the normal unaided eye
that are not actual separations in the metal are not considered injurious, regardless of location.
5.0 Any longitudinal discontinuity, variously termed hairline, stringer, or fine seam, in machined
fillets is considered to be injurious and is cause for rejection without further conditioning.
6.0 JOURNALS AND DUST GUARDS
6.1 Roller Bearing Axles
Fine longitudinal discontinuities on the finished (burnished or ground) surfaces variously termed
hairlines, stringers, or fine seams are not considered injurious if they meet the following conditions:
6.1.1 Must not extend into fillets.
6.1.2 Must not be over 3/4 in. long individually in the journal or 1/2 in. long individually in the
dust guard seat.
6.1.3 Total length of such imperfections over 1/4 in. long must not exceed 2 in. in any one end of
axle.
7.0 WHEEL AND GEAR SEATS
7.1 Freight Car Axles (Roller Bearing)
Longitudinal seams in wheel seats of freight car axles are not considered injurious if they meet the
following conditions:
7.1.1 Must not extend into the dust guard or body fillets.
7.1.2 Must not be over 2 in. long individually.
7.1.3 Total length of such imperfections, 1/4 in. to 2 in. long, must not exceed 4 in. in any one end
of axle.

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M-101

7.2 All Other Axles

Longitudinal discontinuities on the finished machined surface of wheel and gear seats, variously
termed hairlines, stringers, fine seams, tight seams, surface imperfections, etc., are not considered
injurious if they meet the following conditions:
7.2.1 Must not extend within 1 1/2 in. of either end of wheel or gear seat.
7.2.2 Must not be over 1/2 in. long individually.
7.2.3 Total length of such imperfections, 1/4 in. to 1/2 in. long, must not exceed 3 in. in any one
end of axle.

8.1 Machined Bodies

Longitudinal discontinuities on the finished surfaces, variously termed hairlines, stringers, or fine
seams, are not considered injurious if they meet the following conditions:
8.1.1 Must not extend into fillets adjacent to wheel or gear seat.
8.1.2 Must not be over 1/2 in. long individually.
8.1.3 Total length of such imperfections, 1/4 in. to 1/2 in. long, must not exceed 1 1/2 in. in any
12 in. of body length.
8.1.4 Axles containing longitudinal discontinuities in the body in excess of those described in
paragraphs 8.1.2 and 8.1.3 above may be reconditioned by grinding or machining, provided the
diameter is not reduced below the specified limit.

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8.0 AREAS BETWEEN WHEEL (AND GEAR) SEATS (BODY)

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APPENDIX B
VACANT

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APPENDIX B

APPENDIX C

AAR Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices

Wheels and Axles

M-101

APPENDIX C
QUALIFICATION OF MANUFACTURERS PLANT AS A PRODUCER OF
AXLES FOR AAR INTERCHANGE SERVICE
1.0 Applications for approval are to be submitted to the AAR. Applications shall be provided in
electronic file format and must provide a general description of the facility and the equipment to
be used in the production of axles. In the event it is desired to deliver mounted wheel sets,
information indicating that equipment is available to comply with the wheel mounting
requirements of the AAR Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices, Section G, Part II,
Wheel and Axle Manual, should be included.

3.0 Subsequent to the satisfactory completion of the tests and approval by the Committee of test
results, the AAR will inspect for proper equipment the plant where the axles are to be produced
per S-649. If mounted wheels are to be provided, an AAR inspection will be arranged for the wheel
shop. These inspections will require that all costs be paid by the applicant. Upon the granting of
AAR approval, company marks to be stamped on the axle end face will be assigned.
4.0 All plants desiring to maintain their status as an AAR-approved manufacturer of axles for
use in AAR interchange service must be inspected as described in S-649. The costs of inspection
are to be borne by the axle producer. In the event that a facility fails to satisfy inspection or testing
expense obligation, the AAR, in conjunction with the Committee, reserves the right to withhold or
withdraw approval.
5.0 In the event that a facility ceases production for less than a year and has not received its
scheduled annual inspection, an inspection of the facility is required prior to the delivery of any
items for use in interchange service. In the event a plant ceases production of axles for AAR
interchange service for more than 60 days and less than 1 year, the AAR must be notified no later
than 2 weeks prior to reopening.
6.0 In the event a plant does not receive its annual inspection or ceases production of axles for
AAR interchange service for more than 1 year, requalification will be required prior to delivery of
any items for use in AAR interchange service.
7.0 In addition to the foregoing, axle manufacturers must meet the requirements of the AAR
Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices, Section J, Specification M-1003, Specification
for Quality Assurance.
8.0 All plants desiring to maintain their status as an AAR-approved manufacturer of axles for
use in AAR interchange service must also have their steel suppliers and heat-treating
subcontractors inspected if they do not use their own facility. These inspections will be made in
conjunction with the facility inspection, and the cost will be borne by the applicant.
9.0 Axle manufacturers using a native language other than English are responsible for the
accurate communication of all applicable AAR and customer requirements within the plant.
9.1 Plant practices and the final product must conform to the English language versions of any
applicable standards or specifications.
9.2 Critical records are defined as the standards, internal procedures, and forms necessary to
demonstrate compliance with this Specification M-101 and with MSRP Section J, Specification
M-1003. Critical records must be kept up to date with production and be maintained in English.

G [M-101] 14

06/2013

IMPLEMENTED 01/2016

2.0 After satisfactory review of the data submitted with the application, the Committee will
authorize the applicant to contact the AAR for information concerning product testing. This will
consist of the applicant furnishing three axles, at applicants expense, for testing by the AAR. All
costs are to be paid by the applicant upon notification of the testing charges.

IMPLEMENTED 01/2016

M-101

AAR Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices

Wheels and Axles

APPENDIX C

NOTE:
THE GAUGE LENGTH, PARALLEL SECTION, AND FILLETS SHALL BE AS SHOWN, BUT THE
ENDS MAY BE OF ANY SHAPE TO FIT THE HOLDERS OF THE TESTING MACHINE IN SUCH A
WAY THAT THE LOAD SHALL BE AXIAL.

Fig. C.1 Standard round tension test specimen with 2-in. gauge length
Paragraph 11.3
STAMP HERE

NOTE 4
11-66
L

ROLLER BRG.
PASSENGER CARS
ONLY

NOTE 1

NOTE 6

NOTE 5

66 A001
00000

NOTE 7

USS-H

NOTE 2

NOTE 3

CIRCUMFERENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
OF AXLE END

NOTE 6

NOTE 1

ROLLER BRG.
FREIGHT CARS
ONLY

NOTE 2
NOTE 7
NOTE 5

NOTE 4
NOTE 3

AAR STANDARD AXLE MARKINGS

NOTES:
1. LABORATORY ACCEPTANCE STAMPFOR USE BY PURCHASER TO SIGNIFY
ACCEPTANCE OF AXLES SO MARKED PRIOR TO SHIPMENT BY PRODUCER
2. SERIAL NUMBER.
3. MANUFACTURERS NAME OR BRAND (SEE TABLE BELOW)
4. MONTH AND YEAR MADE
5. GRADE OF AXLE
F =DOUBLE NORMALIZED AND TEMPERED
G =QUENCHED AND TEMPERED
H =NORMALIZED, QUENCHED AND TEMPERED
U =UNTREATED

GENERAL NOTES:
REFER TO THE LATEST MECHANICAL DIVISION CIRCULAR LETTER LISTING
OF AAR-APPROVED AXLE MANUFACTURERS FOR CURRENT APPROVAL
STATUS.
ALL MARKS WILL BE DEEPLY AND LEGIBLY STAMPED WITH CHARACTERS
NOT LESS THAN 1/4 IN. HIGH.
ALL MARKS FOR FREIGHT CAR ROLLER BEARING AXLES MUST BE
LOCATED ADJACENT TO THE PERIPHERY OF THE CENTERING HOLE.
MANUFACTURERS MUST FINISH ONE END OF THE AXLE FOR STAMPING.
THE ABOVE ARE THE MINIMUM MARKING REQUIREMENTS, BUT THE LOCATIONS ON INDIVIDUAL ITEMS MAY VARY FROM THAT ILLUSTRATED.

6. HEAT IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

7. R = RADIAL UT

Fig. C.2 AAR standard marking requirements (page 1 of 2)

Paragraph 20.0

06/2013

G [M-101] 15

APPENDIX C

AAR Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices

Wheels and Axles

M-101

Manufacturers Name or Brand

AXIS LLC
Bumar-Fablock S.A.
Bethlehem Steel Corporation
Bahntechnik Brand-Erbisdorf (BBE)

CAF
CBa/
CCC

Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF)

Cobrasma
CNR Changchun Railway Vehicle Facilities
Co.,Ltd.
Valdunes (formerly Creusot-Loire)
Shanxi Guorui Rail Vehicle Equipment Company
Limited
Baotou

CF
CSGR
CHB
CHT
CSR
DDAP
DEL
DSS
HM
JAW
KWa/
L
LCKZ
LP
MKa/
MRF

Paragould AR
Chrzanow. Poland
Johnstown, PA
Brand-Erbisdorf,
Germany
Beasain, Spain
Brazil
Jilin Province, China

Dunkerque, France
Jiaocheng, Shanxi
Province, PRC
Baotou Inner Mongolia
PRC
Jinxi Axle Company LTD. (Formerly Norinco Jinxi) Taiyuan City, Shanxi
Province, PRC
CSR Yangtse Rolling Stock Co. Ltd.
Tongling City, Anhui
Province PRC
DDAP/RAX
Dneprderzhinsk,
Ukraine
CNR Datong Electric Locomotive CO., LTD
Datong, Shanxi
Prvince, PRC
JSC Dneprospetsstal, Zaporozhye (DSS)
Zaporozhye, Ukraine
Huta Gliwice-Osie Sp. zo.o
Gliwice, Poland
Standard Forged Products
Johnstown, PA
Klockner
West Germany
Lucchini Sidermeccanica SpA (Formerly Temi)
Lovere, Italy
LugCentroKuZ
Lugansk, Ukraine
Huta L. W. (Formerly Lucchini Poland)
Warsaw, Poland
Makrotek
Mexico
Standard Forged Products
McKees Rocks,
Pennsylvania

MW

MWL Rodas & Eixos LTDA (Formerly Mafersa)

OSW
QRSS
RW
SCOTa/
SFC or Sa/
SPTa/

Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation

Qiqihar Railway Rolling Stock Ltd.
S. C. SMR S.A.
Scot Forge
Standard Forgings
British Steel

SSD

Standard Steel LLC.

SMI
SW

Sumitomo Metal Industries LTD.

SWASAP Works

Ta/

British Steel

THM or TZ Taiyuan Heavy Industry Railway Transit

Equipment Co., Ltd.
TW plus a/ Hawker Siddeley
TY
Taiyuan Heavy Industry Railway Transit
Equipment Co., Ltd.
UF
Ural Forge
United States Steel Corp.
USS-Fa/
United States Steel Corp.
USS-Ga/
United States Steel Corp.
USS-Ha/
V
Valdunes (formerly Creusot-Loire)
WAP
Rail Wheel Factory Indian Railways (Formerly
Wheel and Axle Plant)
ZB
Bonatrans a.s. (Formerly ZAD)

Cacapavz, Sao Paulo,

Brazil
Osaka, Japan
Qiqihar, PRC
Bals, Romania
Clinton, Wisconsin
Templebourough
Works, England
Burnham,
Pennsylvania
Osaka, Japan
Germiston, South
Africa
Trafford Park Works,
England
Taiyuan City, Shanxi
Province, PRC
Trenton Canada
Taiyuan, Shanxi
Province, PRC
Chebarkul, Russia
Fairfield Works
Gary Works
Homestead Works
Valenciennes, France
Yelahanka, Bagalore,
India
Bohumin, Czech
Republic

a/ No Longer in Production

Fig. C.2 AAR standard marking requirements (page 2 of 2)

Paragraph 20.0

G [M-101] 16

06/2013

IMPLEMENTED 01/2016

AXIS
BF
BSa/
BT-BED

AAR Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices

Wheels and Axles

M-101

NOTE: V DIMENSION DESIGNATES MINIMUM LENGTH OF FULL THREAD. DEPTH OF DRILLED

HOLE MUST EQUAL V DIMENSION PLUS 7" MAXIMUM.
8

CHECK LOCATION WITH GAUGE

SHOWN ON MSRP SECTION G-II
RP-634, Fig. 5.8
T U.N.C.2B TAP
3-HOLES COUNTERSINK 1/8"
LARGER THAN BOLT DIA.
BOLT DIA. T REMOVE
SHARP CORNERS.

MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE VARIATION IN JOURNAL DIAMETER AT ANY PLACE MUST

NOT EXCEED .001 INCH AND THERE SHALL BE NO ABRUPT CHANGES OR STEPS
OVER THE LENGTH OF THE JOURNAL.
1" OVERALL LENGTH

BREAK
SHARP
CORNER

1"R
1
2

+0
1"

16

O
N

1"R + 01"
1
2
16

16

CL TO CL OF JOURNAL

3"R

AXLES SHALL BE MACHINED TO 250 in.

MAX. BETWEEN WHEEL SEATS

2"
U 161"

161"

MATERIAL AAR SPECIFICATION

M101

1"
1"

16 R. MIN. TO 8 R. MAX.

ENLARGED SECTION SHOWING OPTIONAL

RADIUS WHEN USING CONTOUR GRINDER
NOTES:
1. I DIMENSION TOLERANCE IS +0.015 0.015.
2. MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE RUNOUT BETWEEN G AND H IS 0.006" TOTAL DIAL INDICATOR.
3. MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE RUNOUT BETWEEN G AND I IS 0.008" TOTAL DIAL INDICATOR.
4. FOR 7" 12" JOURNALS, END CHAMFER IS 4 15' 5/8" 1/8".
5. REQUIRED FOR PRESS FIT OF ROLLER BEARING BACKING RING WHERE THE H
DIAMETER IS TOLERANCED. FINISH TO 125 IN. MAXIMUM WHEN TOLERANCED.
6. THE "W" DIMENSION CANNOT EXCEED THE TOLERANCE LIMITS OF THE GAUGE SHOWN IN
MSRP SECTION G-II, RP-634, FIG. 5.27.
7. RUNOUT ON JOURNAL SURFACE G, WHEN ROTATED ON CENTERS, MUST NOT EXCEED
0.015" TOTAL DIAL INDICATOR.
8. DIMENSIONS B AND N ARE CONSIDERED ENGINEERING DATA FOR TRUCK DESIGN AND
DO NOT NECESSARILY AGREE WITH AXLE MANUFACTURING TOLERANCES.
9. JOURNAL FINISH MUST NOT EXCEED 63 IN., IF GROUND OR TURNED ONLY. IF TURNED
AND ROLLED, THE TURNED FINISH MUST NOT EXCEED 125 IN., AND THE ROLLED FINISH
MUST NOT EXCEED 16 IN.

1" + 0

1"
4
4

( * L)3'11

* THE L DIMENSION NEED NOT BE CORRECTED FOR

LENGTH EACH TIME THE WHEEL SEATS ARE TURNED

ON NEW AXLES MACHINE 3 in.

RADIUS AT SPECIFIED
DIMENSION L FOR ANY
WHEEL SEAT DIA.

ENLARGED VIEW SHOWING

CONDITION AT FILLET JOINING
BODY PORTION OF AXLE TO
INSIDE EDGE OF WHEEL SEAT.

Fig. C.3 Axle for freight car roller bearingraised wheel seat (page 1 of 2)
Standard 1963; Revised 1984, 1998; Effective March 1, 1985
Paragraph 17.5 and Paragraph 25.2

06/2013

G [M-101] 17

L*

2"

3"

MACHINE CHAMFER TO
250 in. MAX.

0
1"
+
8

120
STAMP
IDENTIFICATION MARKS
ON THIS SURFACE.

OVER SIZE DIA.

NEW DIA.
WORN DIA.

IMPLEMENTED 01/2016

120

120

APPENDIX C

G [M-101] 18

SIZE OF
JOURNAL

5 1/2 10

6 11

6 1/2 12

7 12

6 1/2 9

68

79

1 3/4"

4.750

4.457

4.853"

5 15/16"

6 7/16"

3.500

3.293

3.397"

max 7.004
min. 7.003

8.002
8.000

9 1/2"

8 1/4"

8 3/4"

9 1/2"

8 3/4"

8 1/4"

5 7/8"

7 3/8"

8"

7 3/8"

8 9/16"

8"

88"

62 1/2" 79" 87.500"

85.5"

62 1/2" 79" 87.156"

62 1/2" 79" 89 1/4"

62 1/2" 79" 89 5/8"

7 5/16" 6 7/16" 62 1/2" 78"

7 7/8"

8 9/16"

7 7/8"

62 1/2" 77" 86 1/8"

7 5/16" 6 7/16" 62 1/2" 78"

6 3/4"

2 1/8"

1 15/16"

2 1/8"

2 5/16"

2 1/8"

1 15/16"

1 3/4"

66 1/8"

66"

2"

1 7/8"

69.086"

2"

69.294" 2 1/8"

67 1/8" 2 1/4"

1 1/8" 7 69.500" 2 1/8"

1" 8

1 1/8"7

1 1/4" 7

1 1/8" 7 66 1/8" 2 1/8"

1" 8

7/8" 9

Fig. C.3 Axle for freight car roller bearingraised wheel seat (page 2 of 2)

7 5/8" 3" max 6.5040 7.532

min. 6.5030 7.530

7 5/8" 3" max 5.6915 7.032

min. 5.6905 7.030

7 5/8" 3" max 6.1915 7.532

min. 6.1905 7.530

7 5/8" 3"

1 13/16" 7 5/8" 3" max 6.1915 7.532

min. 6.1905 7.530

2 5/16"

7 5/8" 3" max 5.1915 6 3/8" 7 9/16"

min. 5.1905

5 15/16" 1 13/16" 7 5/8" 3" max 5.6915 7.032

min. 5.6905 7.030

5 1/2"

DIMENSIONS

IMPLEMENTED 01/2016

CLASSIFICATION
OF AXLE

9.000"

8.207"

8.931"

11 1/16"

11 3/4"

10 15/16"

10 1/16"

.250"
0.20

5/8"
1/8

1 1/4"
+ 0/- 1/4

1 1/4"
+ 0/- 1/4

1 1/4"
+ 0/- 1/4

10

415"

28"

28"

28"

APPENDIX C

AAR Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices

Wheels and Axles
M-101

06/2013

AAR Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices

Wheels and Axles

IMPLEMENTED 01/2016

M-101

Class
D
E
F
G
K
L
M

Size (in.)
5 1/2 10
6 11
6 1/2 12
7 12
6 1/2 9
68
79

A (in.)
3.5000
3.8750
4.2500
4.6250
4.2500
3.8750
4.625

D
E
F

5 1/2 10
6 11
6 1/2 12

3.0000
3.5000
3.8750

Freight Car Axles

B (in.)
C
6 3/16
5.195
6 11/16
5.695
7 3/16
6.195
8
7.008
7 3/16
6.195
6 11/16
5.695
7 3/16
6.508
Amtrak Passenger Car Axles
6 1/2
5.507
7
6.007
7 1/2
6.507

APPENDIX C

D (in.)
2 3/8
2 5/8
2 7/8
3 1/2
2 7/8
2 5/8
2 7/8

E
.740
.850
.955
1.080
.955
.850
0.955

1 7/8
2 3/8
2 5/8

.636
.749
.749

MATERIAL: ASTM A-576, GRADE 1045 OR EQUIVALENT. PARTS TO BE HARDENED AND SURFACES MARKED G ARE TO BE GROUND. BREAK SHARP CORNERS. TOLERANCE ON ALL DIMENSIONS TO BE 1/64 IN. UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED.

Fig. C.4 Pin-type gauge for cap screw holes in ends of roller bearing axles
Standard 1979; Revised 1982, 1998

06/2013

G [M-101] 19

APPENDIX C

AAR Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices

Wheels and Axles

M-101

FINISHED DIMENSIONS

AXLE SIZES
3
A 3 4" 7"
1
B 4 4" 8"
C 5" 9"
1
D 5 2" 10"
1

16"

FREIGHT ROLLER
BEARING AND ALL
PLAIN BEARINGS

AXLE SIZES
E 6" 11"
1
F 6 2" 12"
G 7" 12"
1
K 6 2" 9"
L 6" 8"
M 7" 9"

FOR AXLE WITH

SPLINE BUSHING

THICK STEEL
HARDENED

LATHE CENTER

Fig. C.5 Axle centering and gauge for axle center and lathe center
Adopted 1944; Revised 1966, 1979
Paragraph 17.2

G [M-101] 20

06/2013

IMPLEMENTED 01/2016

NOTE:
DEPTH OF COUNTERBORE IN ROUGH AXLE SHALL BE INCREASED FROM THAT SHOWN TO COMPENSATE FOR STOCK ALLOWED TO FACE AXLE. WHEN SECONDHAND
AXLES ARE RECENTERED, DIAMETER AND DEPTH MAY BE INCREASED SUFFICIENTLY TO PRODUCE AN ACCURATE 60 CENTER.