How to Lubricate Ball Bearings

Ball bearings remain a vital component of any skateboard setup. The ball bearings, housed inside the skateboarding wheels, enable the wheels to spin. A prominent form of skateboarding, known as street skating, takes place on outdoor urban terrain. In such terrain, dirt and moisture often come into contact with the internal steel balls of the skateboard bearings. This can cause the bearings to slow or even completely lose their rolling capability. Keeping your ball bearings lubricated will ensure that your board remains in a properly functioning condition.

Things You'll Need

  • Skate tool
  • Flathead screwdriver
  • Bearing oil or cream
  • Cotton cloth
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Instructions

    • 1

      Rotate your skateboard sideways and place it onto a sturdy surface. Insert the appropriately sized opening of the skate tool onto the nut that secures the wheel in place. Turn the handle of the skate tool in a counterclockwise direction to loosen the nut. Lift the wheel away from the metallic cylinder of the skateboard truck.

    • 2

      Repeat the process with the remaining three skateboard wheels. Locate the short knob of the skate tool. Insert the knob into the circular opening of the ball bearings. Remove the bearings from the wheels by utilizing a side to side motion of the skate tool handle. Examine the first bearing to locate the plastic shields that cover the internal balls.

    • 3

      Insert the flat head of the screwdriver under the plastic bearing shield. Lift the head of the screwdriver to pop off the first shield. Remove the second shield from the other side of the bearing. Repeat the shield removal process with the remaining seven ball bearings. Locate the small sphere-shaped balls on the inside of the bearings.

    • 4

      Apply the bearing oil or bearing cream onto each of the balls housed inside the bearings. Rub the bearing cream onto the balls using the tips of your fingers. Allow the bearing oil or cream adequate time to coat the metallic balls. Rub the outside of the ball bearings to remove any excess moisture.

    • 5

      Insert the plastic shields back onto each of the eight ball bearings. Push the bearings back into your wheels using the knob of the skate tool. Tighten your wheels back into place using the corresponding opening of the skate tool. Repeat the lubrication process on a regular basis to ensure your bearings perform at an optimal level.