How to Lubricate Skate Wheel Bearings

If your skateboard is riding rough and your wheels seem to be sticking and seizing up, you know it's time to break out the good old skate wrench and lube. Lubricating your skate wheel bearings is basic skateboard maintenance that skaters with any kind of cred should know how to do. Also, lubricating the ball bearings in your wheels will extend the life of your favorite skateboard, so it's advisable to lube up early and often.

Things You'll Need

  • Skate tool
  • Two mason jars
  • Mineral oil
  • Old toothbrush
  • Isopropyl alcohol
  • Clean cotton rag
  • Ball bearing lubricant
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the skateboard wheels by inserting the skate tool into the pocket of the wheel and turn counterclockwise, exerting firm pressure until the wheel comes loose. Remove any bearing shields and spacers from the wheels. (Not all skate wheels have bearing shields or spacers.)

    • 2

      Remove the bearings from the wheels. One at a time, slide each free wheel back onto the axel. Use the skate tool to hook the axel and press down firmly so that the bearing comes free. If your bearings have a rubber outer shell, remove it by using a nail file or your fingernails. Collect the bearings in your hand and set all of the other components of the wheel to the side on a paper towel or piece of newspaper so you do not lose them.

    • 3

      Fill one Mason jar 1 to 2 inches full of mineral oil. Place the bearings into the jar and allow to soak for two to three hours. Take them out one at a time and scrub them with an old toothbrush to get rid of all the built up gunge.

    • 4

      Fill a second Mason jar with 1 to 2 inches of Isopropyl alcohol to remove the mineral oil from the bearings. Swirl them around for a few minutes in the jar to ensure all the oil is removed from the bearings. Take them out of the jar and dry them off with a clean, cotton rag.

    • 5

      Place a small amount of skate wheel lubricant into the middle of your palm and drop the ball bearings into it. Roll the bearings around your hand until they are well coated. Set them aside on a paper towel and rinse your hands.

    • 6

      Place the bearings back into their casings and back into the wheel. Pop the wheel forward off the axel so that wheel is in one piece. Attach them onto the skateboard trucks securely and you're read to roll.