How to Know if a Skateboard Bearing Is Popped

Skateboarding creates a lot of pressure and wear on the bearings inside each wheel. Most quality skateboard bearings have shields that protect the small ball bearings from the outside elements, such as debris and moisture. Even with regular maintenance and lubrication, bearings can break and pop open. Popped bearings are easy to recognize by riding the skateboard, then inspecting the inside of the bearings.

Things You'll Need

  • Screwdriver
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Instructions

    • 1

      Ride the skateboard. A rough riding board can be a red flag for a popped bearing. You can sometimes hear a grinding sound coming from the wheels.

    • 2

      Remove the wheels from the trucks of the skateboard.

    • 3

      Pry the bearings out of the wheels using the edge of an axle bolt, or a hand tool such as a screwdriver.

    • 4

      Inspect each bearing. Note any bearing with a damaged or missing shield. If a bearing is missing a shield, the internal ball bearings will be exposed. A popped bearing can be missing one or more ball bearings.

    • 5

      Replace the popped bearing with a new or intact bearing. A popped bearing should never be deliberately used again.