Investing in quality bearings is key to a good skateboard, but you should know they require maintenance over time. Riding on wet streets can rust out the ball bearings. If you feel your bearings making noise, or slowing your skateboard or longboard wheels, it's definitely time to buy a new set.
If you plan to reuse the skateboard bearings from your old wheels, it's best to extract bearings with a bearing puller, making sure not to damage the bearing shield in the process. Only grab the edges of the bearing with your tool, not the surface. You will most likely want to clean your bearings after you remove them. Check out how to clean your skateboard bearings below.
If you don't have a bearing puller handy, there is another way to remove bearings using just your own two hands and a little bit of force. Please note that this DIY method can damage your bearings, so it's best to only use this method if you don't plan on reusing the bearings. Start by unscrewing the nut on the axle. Remove the wheel and any spacers or shields on your axle and flip your board on its back, so the trucks are facing up. Slip the wheel onto the tip of the axle--you want the axle tip to be about midway through the first bearing. Using a bit of force, press down with the inner edge of your palm until the wheel pops off the bearing. Repeat on both sides for all wheels.
Start by removing the wheels and bearings using one of the above methods. Once you have removed all the old wheels and bearings, place the new bearings onto the axle, slide the wheel on top of it, and press down on the wheel to secure the bearing in place. Repeat the skateboard bearing insertion for the opposite side. Once you have replaced the bearings for all four wheels, replace the wheel washers and nuts.
Cleaning and lubricating skateboard bearings enhances their performance and longevity, and keeps your skateboard wheels performing in top shape. Start by removing your bearings according to the above steps. Wipe away built-up dirt on all eight bearings and put all the bearings into a jar. Cover them completely with bearing cleaner and let them soak, following the directions for the specific product you're using.
When they're done soaking, wipe off each skateboard bearing and spray them with bearing lubricant. (Note: do not use WD40 as bearing lubricant! It will coagulate and clog your bearings. Warehouse has a variety of dependable bearing lubricants that will do the job). Now pry the rubber bearing shield off, submerge the metal bearings in acetone, and let them soak for about 10 minutes.
Remove the bearings from the acetone and lay them on a towel to dry. Once they are 100% dry, put one or two drops of lubricant into each one. From there, replace the rubber shields and reattach the bearings to your skateboard wheels. You're done!
When you need new bearings, you can browse Warehouse Skateboards' vast inventory of skateboard bearings, which are available in a variety of colors to suit your personal style.
We also carry a wide selection of skateboard bearing lubricant to keep your bearings running smooth.
How to Install Skateboard Wheels & Skate Bearings - WarehouseSkateboards.com from Warehouse Skateboards on Vimeo.
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Give our customer service team a call at 877-791-9795. They will help you find the right products to fit your skateboarding needs. Still have questions? Please fill out our simple contact form.
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