Metro has replaced about 380 brake parts on multiple types of rail cars after similar pieces fell off two rail cars in recent weeks, according to the transit agency.
But the reason why the ?friction rings? fell off two rail cars with riders aboard remains under investigation. And officials have no estimates of how much the precautionary replacements are costing the agency.
?We will figure it out when we get it done,? Metro General Manager Richard Sarles told reporters Thursday.
He said Metro crews have replaced about 360 brake hubs and friction rings on the 464 rail cars that are 2000, 3000 and 4000 series models because they showed signs of wear. That?s up from the initial 290 parts they replaced over the weekend after a ring fell off a 2000 series car on Friday.
The agency also replaced about two dozen brake hubs on some 5000 model cars, officials said for the first time Thursday. Those were replaced not due to wear and tear but instead because they came from the same manufacturing batch of a ring that broke off a rail car on Dec. 20, damaging two other trains and stranding hundreds of riders.
The transit agency is continuing to inspect rail cars. It is currently inspecting the 6000 series cars, then plans to review the 1000 series cars.
Metro spokesman Dan Stessel said crews also are re-inspecting rail cars more frequently to continue the search for problem parts. The agency says it exceeding the standards of the manufacturer, replacing them before they are due.
