Abstract: A novel method for automatically detecting the scrape and exfoliation of train wheelset tread surfaces was proposed. In this method, data on train wheelset tread surfaces are gained by using laser displacement sensors, and analyzed through deviation rectifying, interpolation and multistage median filtering. The digital matrix for the tread surfaces is digitized so as to gain their status. A universal software for the measuring system was developed with VC++ and Matlab programming languages. This software can automatically show 2-and 3-D views of train wheelset tread surfaces, and print the image of scrape and exfoliation areas.