How Do I Change a Bearing in a Roller Skate?

The popularity of skating on quad skates has been challenged by the more efficient rollerblade. Still, people enjoying good old-fashioned roller skating. Bearings allow the skate wheels to turn freely and quietly. They work by reducing the friction between surfaces. This increases the speed and smoothness of the way each wheel turns. Changing skate bearings is an easy assignment for a staff member at a skate pro shop, but a do-it-yourselfer can get the job done, too.

Things You'll Need

  • 1/2 inch socket wrench
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the wheels using the 1/2 inch socket wrench.

    • 2

      Place the wheel back onto the axle so that the tip barely hooks inside the bearing. The axle should only touch the bearing, not the wheel.

    • 3

      Pry the wheel at a downward angle. The bearing will pop out of the wheel.

    • 4

      Press the new bearings into the wheel.

    • 5

      Repeat steps 1-4 on each wheel to remove and replace all bearings.