Utah U.S. Route 6 Snapped Wheel Studs 2026

On August 1, on the way to a fire in Oregon, a contract Type 6 engine nearly lost their right rear duals because a mechanic working for another company—who had recently rotated their tires—had failed to properly torque the rear lug nuts. 

Damage was sustained to both wheels, as well as initially undetected damage to the wheel studs on the engine’s left side. No damage to the rest of the engine or injuries to any of the crewmembers occurred. 

Thorough preventative maintenance resulted in a smooth-riding vehicle, which in turn allowed immediate recognition that something felt wrong when all three crewmembers on board detected a slight vibration. This allowed the driver to immediately pull over into a safe turnout location before the right rear wheels could come off—avoiding a bad outcome.