Steps to Clean Your Wheel Bearings

Over time, your wheels will no longer spin as effortlessly as they once did. With continuous use, the bearings accumulate all sorts of grime and dirt... but don't discard them just yet! They still have some life in them; they just need a little bit of attention. If you're unsure how to clean your wheel bearings, you've come to the right place, because Amy from our SkateHut workshop is ready to show you the ropes. Watch this fantastic video and get those wheels spinning like they're brand new.

Steps to Clean Wheel Bearings

1. Remove the Bearings: Begin by taking off your skate wheels from the axles. Most skateboards and roller skates use a removable bearing system. Utilize a skate tool or a wrench to loosen the axle nuts and take off the wheels.

2. Extract the Bearings from the Wheels: Use a skate tool or a bearing puller to carefully remove the bearings from the wheels. Take care not to damage the bearings or wheels during this step.

3. Take Off the Shields or Seals: Most bearings have rubber shields or metal seals that cover the balls inside. Use a pin, needle, or small flathead screwdriver to gently pry these shields off. Make sure to note which side of the shield faces outwards, as you will need to replace them correctly later.

4. Soak the Bearings: Fill a small container with a solvent like isopropyl alcohol or a specialized bearing cleaner. Submerge the bearings fully and let them soak for a few minutes. Swirl the container or gently move the bearings to help dislodge any dirt or debris.

5. Clean the Bearings: With a small brush, such as an old toothbrush, scrub the bearings while they remain submerged in the solvent. Pay attention to the inner and outer raceways, as well as the cage and balls, to remove any persistent grime.

6. Dry the Bearings: After cleaning, shake off any excess liquid and then dry the bearings with a clean, lint-free cloth. You can also use compressed air to blow out any remaining moisture from inside the bearings.

7. Lubricate the Bearings: Once completely dry, apply a few drops of skate bearing lubricant or speed cream to each bearing. Spin the bearings to evenly distribute the lubricant and ensure they rotate smoothly.

8. Reassemble the Bearings: Replace the shields or seals on the bearings, ensuring they are oriented correctly. Then, carefully press the bearings back into the wheels until they are fully seated.

9. Reinstall the Wheels: Finally, put the wheels back onto the axles and securely tighten the axle nuts with a skate tool or wrench. Make sure the wheels spin freely and smoothly before heading out to the road or skatepark.