Directions to Clean Skateboard Bearings

Skateboard bearings allow the wheels of the skateboard to roll. Each wheel of the skateboard houses two bearings. After significant use, skateboard bearings can lose their maximum speed. Once the internal balls of the skateboard bearings come into contact with moisture or dirt, the bearings will cease to roll smoothly. Cleaning your skateboard bearings requires only a few simple household items.

Things You'll Need

  • Skate tool
  • Paper towel
  • De-greasing cleaning solution
  • Bearing lubricant
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Instructions

    • 1

      Insert the opening of the skate tool onto the nuts holding the wheels in place. Move the skate tool in a counterclockwise motion to loosen the nuts. Remove the wheels from the aluminum trucks.

    • 2

      Locate the skateboard bearing removal knob on the skate tool. Insert the short circular knob into the center of the bearings. Hold the wheel with one hand while moving the skate tool in an upward motion to pop out the bearings. Repeat this process until all eight bearings have been removed.

    • 3

      Spray the cleaning solution onto a dry paper towel. Rub the bearings thoroughly to remove any dirt or grease. Continue the process until the bearings retain their original silver color.

    • 4

      Dab the bearings gently with a dry paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Pick up each bearing between your thumb and middle finger and spin it with your opposing hand. If the bearing does not roll fluidly, apply more cleaning solution to the paper towel and repeat the cleaning process. Lubricate the clean bearing with bearing lubricant.

    • 5

      Place the clean bearing on the bearing removal knob of the skate tool. Force the bearing back into the opening of the wheel. Press two bearings into each of the four wheels.

    • 6

      Insert two wheels onto each of the aluminum trucks. Tighten the nuts over the wheels by turning the skate tool in a clockwise direction.