How to Use a Bearing Press

Bearings are small, circular steel cartridges that house a ring of precision ball bearings. When installed in a skateboard or longboard wheel, they allow it to spin freely around the axle of the truck (steel mounts on the underside of the deck). If you are a novice to board sports, figuring out how to install or remove bearings effectively can be challenging. A bearing press is a tool that uses leverage to make quick work of any maintenance your wheels require.

Things You'll Need

  • Bearings (8 mm skate style only)
  • Wheels
  • Steel bearing spacers (optional)
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Instructions

  1. How to Install Bearings

    • 1

      Position the bearing press in front of you so that the main lever (adorned with foam cushion pad) is on the right and the spindle (long, narrow black pin) is on the left.

    • 2

      Flip the spindle upward and place the bearing onto it with the rubber or steel shield facing down. Place the wheel onto the spindle so it rests on top of the bearing. Place a steel bearing spacer onto the spindle and follow with another bearing, this time with its shield facing upward.

    • 3

      Lower the spindle back into place so that the wheel and bearings are in the center of the press.

    • 4

      Push down on the handle using gradual pressure. This pushes the bearings into either side of the wheel and secures the steel spacer. Turn the wheel in place and apply a bit more pressure to ensure a proper, even fit.

    • 5

      Lift the spindle and remove the wheel. The bearings should be seated evenly within the wheel. Repeat the above steps for each wheel requiring bearings.

    How to Remove Bearings

    • 6

      Locate the bearing removal tab, which protrudes from the right side of the bearing press, just beneath the handle.

    • 7

      Place the wheel over the tab until its edges hook onto the inside edge of the bearing. You will be able to hear a slight "click" when it is positioned correctly.

    • 8

      Push the handle down until the wheel meets the edge of the bearing press. Hold the wheel firmly with your hand and push the handle down until the bearing pops out of the wheel.

    • 9

      Flip the wheel over and repeat for the other bearing. Repeat the above steps for each wheel requiring bearing removal.