How to Make a Skateboard Fast

Longboarding is a great cross-training sport for snowboarding. Carving your board down steep paved roads builds the quads and gives the same sensation as surfing on powder snow. Being a sucker for speed, you want to make sure that your skateboard is up for the long straight run-outs that boost your adrenaline. With the correct wheels and good maintenance practices, speed is something that will not be sacrificed.

Things You'll Need

  • Long skateboard
  • Beveled-edged 80a longboard wheels
  • ABEC 5 skateboard bearings
  • Skateboard truck tool
  • Flat-head screwdriver
  • Push pin
  • Citrus cleaner
  • Bearing lubricant
  • Clean rag
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove all four of the wheels from the trucks with the truck tool by loosening each end nut.

    • 2

      Pop the bearings out of each side of all four wheels by prying them out with the screwdriver.

    • 3

      Pry the shields off each bearing with the push pin.

    • 4

      Soak the bearings in a small container of citrus cleaner. Agitate gently to remove dirt and debris.

    • 5

      Remove the bearings from the cleaner and blot them with the clean rag. Gently rub until all debris is removed.

    • 6

      Air-dry the bearings completely.

    • 7

      Place two drops of bearing lubricant into each bearing.

    • 8

      Replace the shields by resting the bearing on its side and pressing the shield into place. Repeat for each side of all four wheels.

    • 9

      Roll the bearings between your fingers to distribute the lubricant.

    • 10

      Press each bearing back into either side of each of the four wheels.

    • 11

      Reinstall the wheels by sliding them onto the truck axles and securing the axle nut with the truck tool.

    • 12

      Spin all four of the wheels to make sure that you've eliminated friction.