Welcome to Forum Vancouver, an online discussion community for Metro Vancouver Hide
We have message boards for you to chat about shopping, community events, places to eat, things to do and much more!
Consider helping our forum grow by sharing your knowledge about living in the Greater Vancouver area.

is free and only takes a few moments to complete.

skytrain tracks clicking sound

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by Brianne, Nov 12, 2014.

  1. Brianne

    Brianne Guest

    Does anyone know why the skytrain tracks make a clicking noise? I notice it more when it's colder.
     
  2. Elmware

    Elmware Full Member

    Where is it doing this? The main tracks are welded to make them quieter, but I believe some parts, like the bridge, may be connected using brackets to allow for movement as the temperature changes, or the bridge sways, etc... Of course you may also hear some clicking noise as the trucks (wheel assembly) passes over the points while the train crosses over switches.

    I'm not sure why some of them make that constant clicking noise when they seem to get up to speed. It's like as if something is loose. What I know about these trains is that they are powered by a linear motor, which is a bunch of electric magnets lined up in such a way that they cause the train to move as the current flows through them in one direction, and the aluminum down the middle of the guide way is what this motor uses to push the train with magnetic force. You might even notice a slight jerk in acceleration as the train passes a section of missing aluminum.

    Maybe something got caught under the train somewhere or in between the motor or truck, like that empty bottle that someone tossed into the guide way, instead of putting it into a recycling bin, and it's just bouncing around under there. That would be my guess.
     
  3. milquetoast

    milquetoast Senior Member

    On the station platforms? I've always assumed it was metal tracks reacting to temperature variations like baseboard heaters cracking and clicking.
     
  4. Tonyjha

    Tonyjha Guest

    I have always wondered what that clicking sound is. I've only noticed it on the original Expo line.

    Not talking about a bridge or the sounds a train makes, but just the tracks clicking like hell all throughout the year. I dont think its due to temperature adjustment, there's just too much clicking.

    Not talking about the trucks rolling over the rails..... just the tracks when waiting for a train, you hear all this clicking and clacking, sometimes as much as 3-5 a second but averages about 3-4 every 20 seconds.
     
  5. Elmware2020

    Elmware2020 Guest

    I think I know what you're talking about. I have noticed it too, while waiting for a train. I'm not sure what it is either.
     

Share This Page