The systems and methods described herein include monitoring systems and methods that monitor speeds of a motor of a vehicle represented as a pulse signal indicative of a rotational position of the motor. The systems and methods include receive a pulse signal from a speed sensor coupled to a traction motor. The pulse signal is indicative of a rotational position of the traction motor. The systems and methods include analyze the pulse signal to identify per-revolution signal reoccurrences that meet designated criteria, and determine a defect based on the per-revolution signal reoccurrences that are identified. The defect is one or more of a wheel defect, a bearing defect, or a gear defect.