Isla Bennett
Skateboard bearings are the unsung heroes of your board, keeping you moving forward. They are the only protection against dust, dirt, and grime from the streets and skate parks. Over time, this dirt can build up inside the bearings, causing them to slow down or seize up. To keep your bearings clean, you must remove them from the wheels and clean them thoroughly. You can use a skate tool or wrench to do this. Then, use a razor blade or knife to remove the shields from your bearings. This will expose the inner workings of the bearings, which you can then clean with a rag or toothbrush. You can use a solvent like isopropyl alcohol, or nail polish remover, to help dissolve any built-up dirt or grease. Once clean, dry your bearings thoroughly before applying a lubricant designed for skateboard bearings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Why clean skateboard bearings? | To prolong their life, reduce costs, and enjoy skating faster, smoother and longer. |
| When to clean skateboard bearings? | When they start to slow down or squeak. |
| What to use to clean skateboard bearings? | Nail polish remover, isopropyl alcohol, engine degreaser, warm water and dish soap, or a combination of these. |
| What tools are needed? | A skate tool or wrench, a tray, a razor blade or knife, a toothbrush or rag, and a lubricant. |
| Process | Remove bearings from wheels, clean outside of bearing shields, remove shields, clean inside of bearings, dry bearings thoroughly, lubricate, and put shields back on before mounting bearings back onto wheels. |
| Tips | Avoid using WD-40 as a lubricant, as it will leave bearings dry and vulnerable to rust. Use a lubricant designed for skateboard bearings. Ensure bearings are completely dry before lubricating. |
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What You'll Learn
Remove bearings from wheels
To remove the bearings from your skateboard wheels, start by removing the axle nuts from the truck using a skate tool or wrench. Then, slide the wheels off the truck axle. It's important to keep track of the washers on either side of the wheel and store them safely to prevent losing any small pieces.
Next, you'll need to remove the bearings from the wheels. There are several methods for doing this, depending on the type of wheel core and axle size you have. If your wheels have a plastic core and an 8mm axle, the whip method is recommended. For metal core wheels, the hammer method is more effective.
For the whip method, use the axle of your truck to pry the bearings out. First, slide the wheel halfway onto the axle so that only one bearing is on it. Then, with the axle securely holding the inside of the bearing, twist the wheel outward and around as you pry the bearing out. Repeat this process for the other side.
For the hammer method, place the wheel between two wooden blocks or any hard surface with a gap underneath. Insert an axle into the spacer, ensuring it's not centred and blocking the hole. Use a hammer and punch to tap the axle, forcing the bearing out of the wheel.
You can also use a tool like a puller or a screwdriver to push the bearing out from the outside. If your bearings are stuck and difficult to remove, applying brute force with a skate tool or screwdriver can help dislodge them.
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Use nail polish remover to clean bearings
To clean skateboard bearings with nail polish remover, you will need to first remove the bearings from the wheels. This can be done by removing the bolts from the wheels using a skate tool or wrench and then positioning the wheel at a 45-degree angle to leverage the bearing out. Repeat this process until all eight bearings have been removed.
Next, you will need to remove the shields from the bearings. This can be done with a razor blade, knife, or safety pin. Be careful not to bend or damage the shields when removing them. Once the shields are removed, you will be able to access the ball bearings inside.
Now, it's time to clean the bearings with nail polish remover. First, use a paper towel to clean off any gunk or dirt on the outside of the bearings. Then, soak the bearings in nail polish remover to dissolve any built-up dirt or debris. You can also use a rag or toothbrush to wipe away any remaining dirt or grime. Ensure that you rinse the bearings thoroughly with warm water to remove any soap residue.
After cleaning, it is important to dry the bearings completely. You can let them air dry or use compressed air to remove moisture faster. Once the bearings are dry, apply a skate-specific lubricant, such as Bones Speed Cream, to keep them running smoothly and prevent rust. Finally, put the bearing shields back on and mount the bearings back onto the wheels.
Using nail polish remover to clean skateboard bearings is an effective way to remove dirt and debris. It is important to follow the steps carefully and ensure that the bearings are thoroughly dried and lubricated before use. Regular maintenance of skateboard bearings will help improve performance and prolong their life.
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Dry bearings thoroughly
Drying your skateboard bearings is a crucial step in the cleaning process. Leaving your bearings damp can lead to rust, which will negatively impact their performance. Here is a detailed guide on how to dry your bearings thoroughly:
Firstly, remove the bearings from the cleaning solution. You can use a clean rag or paper towel to wipe away any excess liquid. It is important to ensure that the bearings are completely dry before proceeding to the next steps. Spin the bearings to speed up the drying process. You can also tap them face down on a dry rag or paper towel while spinning them. This will help wick away any remaining moisture.
If you have access to compressed air, this can be a very effective way to dry your bearings. A gentle blast of compressed air will quickly remove any lingering moisture from the bearings. Alternatively, you can use a hairdryer to speed up the drying process. Make sure the hairdryer is set to a gentle heat setting to avoid damaging the bearings.
Another option is to lay the bearings out on a paper towel or cloth, ensuring they do not touch, and allow them to air dry. This method may take longer, but it is a simple and effective way to ensure your bearings are completely dry. You can also leave them to dry with the balls facing down, which helps to speed up the drying process.
Once the bearings are completely dry, it is important to lubricate them to prevent damaging friction. This is a crucial step to ensure your bearings perform optimally. Apply a skate-specific bearing lubricant, such as Bones Speed Cream, or a light oil. Drip 1-2 drops of lubricant into each bearing and spin it to distribute the oil evenly.
Remember, drying your skateboard bearings thoroughly is essential to prevent rust and maintain their performance. By following these steps, you can ensure your bearings are properly dried and ready for lubrication and reassembly.
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Lubricate bearings
Lubricating your skateboard bearings is an essential step in the cleaning process. Once your bearings are clean, dry, and lubricated, you can put the bearing shields back on and mount them back onto the wheels.
Before lubricating, ensure your bearings are completely dry. You can use compressed air to wick away moisture, or let them air dry. Once dry, you can use a lubricant designed specifically for skateboard bearings, such as Bones Speed Cream, or a light oil. You can also use a few drops of lubricant on the outside of each bearing and spin them to redistribute the lubricant and free up any stuck or slow-moving ball bearings.
It is important to avoid using WD-40 as a lubricant, as it will wear off quickly, leaving the bearings dry and vulnerable to rust. Instead, opt for lubricants designed for skateboard bearings to ensure they run smoothly for longer.
If you are in a bind, a dash of light oil will do the trick. However, avoid using goopy grease, as it is not suitable for bearings.
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Reassemble bearings and wheels
Once your bearings are clean and dry, it's time to reassemble your skateboard. Start by attaching the shields to the bearings. Be careful not to bend the shields, as you will need to put them back on correctly. Next, replace the bearings back into the wheels. You can use a skate tool or bearing puller to press the bearings back into the wheels until they are fully seated. Be sure to orient the shields correctly and avoid damaging the bearings or the wheels during this process.
Now, attach the wheels back onto the truck axles, ensuring that the washers are in the correct position. Use your skate tool or wrench to tighten the axle nuts, but be careful not to over-tighten them. Leave enough room for the wheels to spin freely. Spin the wheels to check if everything feels smooth. If they are spinning smoothly, your skateboard is ready to ride!
Before you hit the skate park, consider applying a lubricant to your bearings, such as Bones Speed Cream or light oil. This will help keep your bearings smooth and prevent rust. If you are using a lubricant, make sure the bearings are completely dry before applying.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a skate tool or wrench, a tray, a razor blade or safety pin, a rag or toothbrush, and nail polish remover.
First, remove the bolts from your wheels using your skate tool or wrench. Then, position the wheel at a 45-degree angle to the mouth of the bearing to leverage the bearing out of the wheel. Repeat this process until all 8 bearings have been removed. Next, use a razor blade or safety pin to remove the shields from your bearings. You can then use the nail polish remover to clean the bearings, before drying them thoroughly and applying lubricant.
You can use other solvents such as isopropyl alcohol, engine degreaser, or warm water and dish soap.
