Skate bearings are an essential part of your skateboard, allowing the wheels to spin smoothly and quickly. However, over time, bearings can become dirty or damaged, which can slow down your skating and make it more difficult to control your board. If you notice that your bearings are not spinning as well as they used to, it may be time to take them out and clean or replace them. Taking out skateboard bearings is a relatively simple process, but it does require some specialized tools. In this article, we will walk you through the steps on how to take out skateboard bearings, so you can get back to skating smoothly in no time.
To start, you will need the following tools:
- Skate tool or allen key
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Bearing puller (optional)
- Clean rag or paper towels
Before you begin, make sure your skateboard is clean and dry. This will help to prevent any dirt or debris from getting into the bearings. Additionally, you may want to wear gloves to protect your hands from the grease and grime on the bearings.
Once you have gathered your tools, follow these steps to take out your skateboard bearings:
1. Use the skate tool or allen key to loosen the axle nut on the truck. Do not remove the nut completely, just loosen it enough so that the wheel can be removed.
2. Use the Phillips head screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the bearing shields in place.
3. Carefully remove the bearing shields and set them aside in a safe place.
4. Use the bearing puller (if you have one) to remove the bearings from the wheel. If you do not have a bearing puller, you can use a small screwdriver or pick to pry the bearings out of the wheel.
5. Once the bearings are removed, use a clean rag or paper towels to wipe away any dirt or grease from the bearings and the wheel.
6. Inspect the bearings for any damage or wear. If the bearings are damaged, they should be replaced.
7. If the bearings are in good condition, you can reassemble the wheel by following the steps in reverse order.
Gather Your Tools
Assembling the right tools is crucial for a smooth and successful bearing removal process. Here’s a comprehensive list of everything you’ll need:
Essential Tools:
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Allen wrench or hex key | To loosen the axle nut that holds the bearings in place |
| Skate tool | A multi-tool specifically designed for skateboard maintenance, including a socket wrench for axle nuts |
| Bearing puller (optional) | A specialized tool that simplifies bearing removal |
Additional Items (for Convenience):
- Soft cloth or rag: To protect the bearings and axle from scratches
- Rubbing alcohol or bearing cleaner: To clean residue during reassembly
- Replacement bearings: If necessary, have new bearings ready to replace the old ones
- Small container or bag: To store removed bearings and parts
Tip: If you’re a beginner or don’t have all the specialized tools, a skate tool is a great all-in-one solution for most skateboard repairs.
Prepare the Skateboard
Before removing the bearings, it’s crucial to prepare the skateboard to ensure a smooth and efficient process:
1. Gather necessary tools and materials:
Assemble a set of tools and materials, including:
- Skate tool or hex key
- Cleaning supplies (rags, cleaner)
- Small container or bowl for collecting bearings
2. Remove the wheels:
Flip the skateboard upside down and identify the axle nuts on each wheel. Use the appropriate tool (skate tool or hex key) to loosen and remove the axle nuts. Carefully lift off the wheels, making sure to keep the bearings intact.
3. Inspect the bearings:
Once the wheels have been removed, inspect the bearings for any signs of wear, damage, or corrosion. If necessary, clean the bearings using a cleaning solution and rags.
Loosen the Axle Nuts
Now that you have access to the axle nuts, it’s time to loosen them. Use the appropriate skate tool or wrench and turn each nut counterclockwise. Be careful not to over-tighten or strip the nuts. The goal is to loosen them enough so that you can remove the wheel, but not so much that they come off completely.
If you are having difficulty loosening the nuts, try using a penetrating oil like WD-40. Apply a few drops of the oil to the threads of the nuts and let it sit for a few minutes before trying to loosen them again.
Additional Tips for Loosening Axle Nuts
Here are some additional tips for loosening axle nuts:
- Use the correct size wrench or tool. A wrench that is too small will not be able to apply enough torque to loosen the nuts, while a wrench that is too large may damage the nuts or the axle.
- Apply even pressure when loosening the nuts. Avoid using excessive force, as this can damage the nuts or the axle.
- If you are still having difficulty loosening the nuts, try using a heat gun or hair dryer to heat up the nuts. This will help to loosen the adhesive that is holding them in place.
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Use the correct size wrench or tool | A wrench that is too small will not be able to apply enough torque to loosen the nuts |
| Apply even pressure when loosening the nuts | Avoid using excessive force, as this can damage the nuts or the axle |
| Use a heat gun or hair dryer to heat up the nuts | This will help to loosen the adhesive that is holding them in place |
Remove the Wheels
The first step in removing the bearings is to remove the wheels. To do this, you will need a skate tool or a wrench. Place the skate tool on the axle nut and turn it counterclockwise to loosen the nut. Once the nut is loose, you can remove the wheel by pulling it straight off the axle. If you are using a wrench, be careful not to overtighten the nut, as this can damage the wheel or the bearings.
1. Remove the Axle Nut
Locate the axle nut on the end of the axle. This is usually a small, hexagonal nut. Using a skate tool or a wrench, turn the axle nut counterclockwise to loosen it. Be careful not to overtighten the nut, as this can damage the wheel or the bearings.
2. Pull the Wheel Off the Axle
Once the axle nut is loose, you can pull the wheel straight off the axle. If the wheel is stuck, you may need to use a rubber mallet to tap it loose. Be careful not to damage the wheel or the bearings.
3. Repeat for the Other Wheels
Repeat steps 1 and 2 for the other wheels on the skateboard. Once all of the wheels have been removed, you can proceed to the next step.
Pull the Bearings Out
To remove the bearings, you’ll need to use a skate tool or a small screwdriver. Insert the tool or screwdriver into the small hole on the side of the bearing and pry it out. Be careful not to damage the bearing or the wheel.
Once you’ve removed one bearing, you can use your fingers to pull out the other one. If the bearings are stuck, you can try using a lubricant to help loosen them up.
Removing Bearings Using a Skate Tool
If you have a skate tool, you can use it to remove the bearings. To do this, insert the skate tool into the bearing and turn it counterclockwise. The bearing should come out easily.
Removing Bearings Using a Screwdriver
If you don’t have a skate tool, you can use a small screwdriver to remove the bearings. To do this, insert the screwdriver into the bearing and pry it out. Be careful not to damage the bearing or the wheel.
Tips for Removing Bearings
Here are a few tips for removing bearings:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Use a lubricant | If the bearings are stuck, you can try using a lubricant to help loosen them up. |
| Be careful not to damage the bearing or the wheel | When removing the bearings, be careful not to damage the bearing or the wheel. |
| If you’re having trouble removing the bearings, you can take your skateboard to a skate shop and have them remove the bearings for you. | If you’re having trouble removing the bearings, you can take your skateboard to a skate shop and have them remove the bearings for you. |
Inspect and Clean the Bearings
Step 1: Remove the Dust Shield
Locate the dust shield on the side of the bearing. Gently use a flathead screwdriver or a skate tool to pry off the shield, being careful not to damage the bearings.
Step 2: Remove the Balls
Once the dust shield is removed, you will see the metal balls inside the bearing. Carefully use a magnet or a needle to remove all of the balls. Store the balls in a safe place.
Step 3: Inspect the Races
The races are the inner and outer rings of the bearing. Inspect them for any damage, such as cracks, pitting, or rust. If you find any damage, the bearing should be replaced.
Step 4: Clean the Components
Use a cleaning solution specifically designed for skate bearings or a mixture of rubbing alcohol and water to gently clean the balls, races, and dust shield. Use a soft brush or cotton swabs to remove any dirt or debris.
Step 5: Dry the Components
After cleaning, it is crucial to thoroughly dry all of the components. Use a clean cloth or air compressor to remove any moisture. Do not use a hair dryer, as the heat can damage the bearings.
Step 6: Reassemble the Bearings
Once the components are dry, it’s time to reassemble the bearings. Place the balls back into the bearing evenly. Then, carefully place the dust shield back on and press it into place with your fingers. Ensure the dust shield is securely attached to prevent contamination.
Lubricate the Bearings
Skate bearings are an important part of your setup, and they need to be properly lubricated to work properly. This will help to reduce friction, increase speed, and extend the life of your bearings. There are a few different ways to lubricate bearings, but the most common and effective method is to use a specialized bearing lubricant. For a smooth skateboarding experience, it is imperative to use a high-quality bearing lubricant.
Here are the steps on how to lubricate your skate bearings:
- Remove the bearings from your wheels.
- Clean the bearings with a degreaser.
- Apply a small drop of bearing lubricant to each bearing.
- Reinstall the bearings into your wheels.
| Type of Lubricant | Benefits | Drawbacks |
| Oil | – Penetrates deeply into the bearing | – Can attract dirt and grime |
| Grease | – Provides a long-lasting lubrication | – Can be difficult to apply |
| Bearing Lubricant | – Specially formulated for skate bearings | – Can be expensive |
Here are some additional tips for lubricating your bearings:
- Don’t over lubricate your bearings. Too much lubricant can attract dirt and grime, which can damage your bearings.
- Lubricate your bearings regularly, especially if you skate in wet or dusty conditions.
- Store your bearings in a cool, dry place when you’re not using them.
Reassemble the Wheels
Once the bearings are back in place, it’s time to reassemble the wheels. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
1. Insert the First Bearing
Take the first bearing and place it inside the wheel. Make sure that the bearing is fully seated and is flush with the edges of the wheel.
2. Place the Spacer
Take the spacer and place it on top of the first bearing. The spacer helps to keep the bearings in place and ensures that the wheels spin smoothly.
3. Insert the Second Bearing
Take the second bearing and place it inside the wheel, on top of the spacer. Align the bearing with the first bearing and make sure that it is also fully seated.
4. Insert the Axle
Take the axle and insert it through the bearings and spacer. The axle should fit snugly through the bearings.
5. Tighten the Axle Nut
Take the axle nut and tighten it onto the axle. Don’t overtighten the axle nut, as this can damage the bearings.
6. Flip the Wheel Over
Flip the wheel over and check to make sure that the bearings are properly installed. The wheels should spin smoothly and quietly.
7. Repeat for Other Wheels
Repeat the process for the other three wheels.
8. Replace Wheels
Once all the wheels are reassembled, you can replace them on the skateboard. Insert the axle into the truck and tighten the axle nut to secure the wheels in place. Make sure to check if the wheels are spinning freely and are aligned properly.
| Step | Action |
|—|—|
| 1 | Insert the first bearing into the wheel. |
| 2 | Place the spacer on top of the first bearing. |
| 3 | Insert the second bearing into the wheel. |
| 4 | Insert the axle through the bearings and spacer. |
| 5 | Tighten the axle nut onto the axle. |
| 6 | Flip the wheel over and check to make sure that the bearings are properly installed. |
| 7 | Repeat the process for the other three wheels. |
| 8 | Replace wheels on the skateboard. |
Tighten the Axle Nuts
9. Remove the bearings
Now that the axle nuts are loose, you can remove the bearings. To do this, simply use your fingers to gently pull the bearings off of the axle. If the bearings are stuck, you can use a small tool, such as a screwdriver, to pry them off.
Once the bearings are removed, you can inspect them for any damage. If the bearings are damaged, they will need to be replaced.
| Bearing Damage | Action |
|---|---|
| Cracked or chipped | Replace the bearing |
| Bent | Replace the bearing |
| Pitted or rusty | Clean the bearing with a mild detergent and a soft cloth. If the pitting or rust is severe, replace the bearing. |
Test the Bearings
Once you’ve removed the bearings from the wheels, you can test them to see if they need to be replaced. Here’s how:
-
Hold the bearing between your thumb and forefinger and spin it. If it spins smoothly and quietly, it’s still good.
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If the bearing spins roughly or makes a grinding noise, it needs to be replaced.
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You can also test the bearings by holding them up to your ear and listening for any noise. If you hear a rattling or grinding sound, the bearing is damaged and needs to be replaced.
-
If you’re not sure whether or not a bearing needs to be replaced, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and replace it.
-
Once you’ve tested the bearings, you can clean and lubricate them before putting them back in the wheels.
| Good Bearing | Bad Bearing |
|---|---|
| Spins smoothly and quietly | Spins roughly or makes a grinding noise |
| No noise when held up to your ear | Rattling or grinding sound when held up to your ear |
How To Take Out Skate Bearings
Skate bearings are an essential part of any skateboard, and they need to be taken out from time to time for cleaning and maintenance. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to take out skate bearings:
- Flip the skateboard upside down and remove the axle nuts using a skate tool.
- Once the axle nuts are removed, you can use your fingers or a bearing puller to remove the bearings from the wheels.
- If you’re using a bearing puller, insert the tool into the bearing and turn it counterclockwise to remove the bearing.
- Once the bearings are removed, you can clean them using a degreaser or rubbing alcohol.
- Once the bearings are clean, you can reassemble the skateboard by inserting the bearings into the wheels and tightening the axle nuts.
People Also Ask
How do you clean skate bearings?
Skate bearings can be cleaned using a degreaser or rubbing alcohol. To clean the bearings, remove them from the wheels and soak them in the cleaning solution for a few minutes. Once the bearings are clean, rinse them with water and dry them thoroughly.
How often should you replace skate bearings?
Skate bearings should be replaced every 6-12 months, or more often if you skate frequently or in wet conditions.
How do you know when skate bearings need to be replaced?
There are a few signs that indicate that skate bearings need to be replaced. These signs include:
- The bearings are making a lot of noise.
- The bearings are not spinning smoothly.
- The bearings are rusty or damaged.
