How to Remove an Inline Skate Wheel Bearing

When you hear the sound of dirt or gravel scraping inside your inline skate wheel, it's time to remove the wheels and change the bearings. Other signs the bearings need to be changed are slow spinning or vibration in the wheel, or if the wheels are seizing up. Many manufacturers recommend changing the wheel bearings every year, especially if you use the equipment at the beach or in other areas where sand or dirt can accumulate in the wheels. There are tools designed specifically for changing inline skate wheel bearings, but you can also accomplish the task using a simple Allen or socket wrench and a bolt.

Things You'll Need

  • 1/2-inch Allen or socket wrench
  • New bearings
  • Bolt
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Instructions

    • 1

      Loosen the axle from the wheel using an Allen or socket wrench and pull the wheel off.

    • 2

      Place the wheel on a flat surface to provide leverage and remove the old bearings by popping them from their seat in the wheel with a bolt.

    • 3

      Place the new bearings in the wheel and place the wheel back on the frame. Tighten the axle into place using the wrench. Spin the wheel, if it doesn't move freely; loosen the axle a bit until the wheel spins free.

    • 4

      Repeat the procedure on each wheel.