How to Clean Skateboard Bearings Without Removing Them

Clean bearings are essential for a skateboard to roll properly. While it's usually best to completely remove the bearings from the wheels of your skateboard to clean them, you can clean them in place on the wheels, if necessary. A high-quality bearing spray can be used to blast dirt and grime from the bearings and lubricate at the same time. While this is not the most thorough cleaning method, it will help to prevent damage from occurring to dirty wheels until a more complete cleaning can be performed.

Things You'll Need

  • Spray bearing lubricant
  • Paper clip
  • Socket wrench or skateboard axle tool
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the nut from the axle that holds the wheel in place with an axle tool or socket wrench. Remove the wheel from the axle and place it on a folded shop rag, which will catch the overflow of any lubricant spray.

    • 2

      Bend the tip of a paper clip out and slip it between the rubber shield and the wheel bearing housing on one side of the wheel. Use the paper clip to pop the shield free and set the shield aside.

    • 3

      With the bearings still in place, carefully spray the lubricant into the housing. Thoroughly soak the bearings with the spray, blasting any dirt or grime away. Continue to spray the bearings until the lubricant runs clear (it will be black at first).

    • 4

      Replace the bearing shield in the bearing housing. Flip the wheel over and repeat the procedure on the other bearing.

    • 5

      Wipe down the entire wheel with a shop rag and allow the wheel to dry thoroughly. Replace the wheel on the skateboard. Repeat the entire process with each wheel.