How to Make a Longboard Bearing Faster

A longboard is a type of skateboard, but it is longer than a traditional skateboard, ranging from 33 to 59 inches. Whereas a traditional skateboard is used for sport, trick-riding and recreation, a longboard is commonly used for cruising, downhill racing and slalom. One thing both varieties have in common is the need for regular maintenance. Over time, the bearings collect dirt, thus hindering them from spinning freely. When this happens, you need to clean your bearings in order to make your longboard faster.

Things You'll Need

  • Skate tool
  • Screwdriver
  • Isopropyl alcohol
  • Container with a lid
  • Skateboard lubricant
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Instructions

    • 1

      Lay your longboard down so the bottom of the board is facing upward. Remove the screws that secure the trucks to the board using a skate tool. There should be four mounting screws attached to each truck. Set these screws aside to prevent misplacing them.

    • 2

      Remove the wheels from the trucks using the skate tool. Slide the wheels off the trucks. There are two wheels on each truck. If you notice spacers on the truck assembly, remove these as well. Place them with the mounting screws to prevent misplacing them.

    • 3

      Remove the bearings from the wheels using a screwdriver. Apply pressure to the hole in the center of the wheel until the bearing pops off. Turn the wheel over and remove the bearing on the opposite side as well. Do this for all of the wheels and bearings. There are two bearings for each wheel.

    • 4

      Place all eight bearings in a container filled with isopropyl alcohol. Cover the container with a lid. Shake the container to agitate the bearings inside. Allow the bearings to soak in the alcohol overnight.

    • 5

      Agitate the bearings again right before removing them from the container. Place the bearings on a table. Allow them to air dry to remove the remaining alcohol.

    • 6

      Apply skateboard lubricant to the bearings. Place the bearings on a table. Allow them to sit for at least an hour.

    • 7

      Reassemble the bearings to the wheels. Simply align the bearing with a wheel and apply gentle pressure until it pops back on. Do this for both sides.

    • 8

      Slide the wheels back onto the truck axles. Secure the wheels using the skate tool. Do not overtighten the wheels or they won’t spin easily.

    • 9

      Align the trucks with the skateboard. Attach the trucks to the bottom of the longboard.