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How to Clean Skateboard Bearings – 4 Easy Step Guide
Last Updated: October 04, 2022
Cleaning your skateboard bearings is a necessary part of skateboarding. If you don’t clean them regularly, they will start to wear down and perform poorly. In this blog post, we will teach you how to clean your skateboard bearings in 4 easy steps!
Step 1: Remove Bearing Shields
You can do this by using a bearing shields removal tool, or you can use a hammer and screwdriver.
If you are using a bearing shield removal tool, insert the skate tool into the hole on one side of the bearing, and then push down on the tool. The skate bearings should pop out of the other side. Repeat the same process for others as well.
If you are using a hammer and screwdriver, insert the screwdriver into the hole on one side of the bearing. Tap on the screwdriver with the hammer until the bearing pops out of the other side. Make sure to perform the same step to the other bearing as well.
Step 2: Rinse Bearings Off With Water
Next, rinse and clean skate bearings off with water. You can do this by holding them under a running faucet or by submerging them in a bowl of water. Make sure to clean all the dirt and grime off the bearings with your hands.
Once they are clean, set the bearings aside to dry. If you are in a hurry, you can use a blow dryer or hair dryer or use a paper towel to soak to speed up the process. Once bearings dry, you can proceed to the next step with dry bearings.
Do not clean your bearings with compressed air, else it will damage the inner smoothness.
Step 3: Add Bearing Oil Or Lubricant
Adding a few drops of bearing oil or lubricant is the final step in cleaning skate bearings. This will help to keep them performing well for longer. There are many different types of bearing oil or lubricant available, so be sure to choose one that is specifically designed for skateboard bearings. You can find this type of light oil at most skateboard shops.
When adding the oil, be sure to avoid getting it on the bearings themselves. Instead, apply it to the outside of the bearing, where the metal shielded bearings meet the rubber shields. This will help to keep the oil from seeping inside and making the bearings sticky. Once you have applied the oil, give the bearings a few spins to help distribute them evenly.
That’s it! You’ve now successfully cleaned your skateboard bearings. Be sure to repeat this process regularly to keep them in good condition.
Step 4: Reinstall Skate Bearings Back
Once the bearings are completely dry, you can reinstall them back onto your skateboard. This is a pretty simple process – all you have to do is make sure the bearings are facing in the correct direction, and then insert them into the skateboard. It’s a good idea to apply some pressure while you’re doing this so that they stay in place.
Once the bearings are in place, you can reattach the wheels and you’re ready to go! Skateboarding now officially has clean bearings and is in proper working order after the cleaning process.
Cleaning bearings is an important part of maintaining your skateboard. By following these four easy steps, you can keep your bearings clean and in good condition! Skateboarding is a lot more fun when your skateboard is on the best performance level!
Thanks for reading our blog post on how to clean your bearings which drastically increases bearing life and act as new bearings – we hope you found it helpful.
How Should We Remove Those Old Bearings From A Vehicle?
The bearing is a bit damaged and the bearing cannot easily be cleaned. It may take a little time to change bearings if the grime has already been removed from skating surfaces or if you have greatly improved your skating ability. You may need bearing repairs to maintain new bearings.
Can I Clean Metal Shielded Skate Bearings?
Cheaper skating bearings feature metal shields that are hard to get off. Usually, these single shield of metal guarded bearing holds the shield up, pop the pin on the circlip and the shield should drop. Proper skate bearings have rubber shields for ease of removal without causing any damage. Metal shielding wheels are hard for the user to handle from the bottom.
Do I Really Need To Remove The Ball Bearings And Cage?
Although the removal of each ball helps you remove all the balls and check them for wear, it is very expensive and tedious. Your chance of losing something is increasing, so buying bearings would likely be a lot cheaper.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use to clean my skateboard bearings?
Acetones are an excellent choice. Wear gloves when putting solvent on the skin. Use a swath of ice and water in a dish.
Is it worth cleaning skate bearings with a cleaning solution?
Skate bearings are usually very long lasting with little maintenance. When riding them through water or puddles you may want to strip them off to stop their rust.
Can I use rubbing alcohol to clean my skateboard bearings?
Soak the bearings in isopropyl alcohol. Use plastic or disposable cups. Fill up an inch or so. Put the bearings completely removed from the shield and put the holder in the mug to work the alcohol magic.
Is vinegar good to clean bearings?
It’s not necessary if a skateboard should be cleaned with acetone. Vinegar and citrus cleansers are quite effective but they may leave a slightly greasy residue.
