How to Clean Sealed Bearings

Bearings are used on skateboards, inline skates and other types of equipment help wheels to roll and spin smoothly. Bearings typically have a disk shape with the tiny ball bearings inside the disk protected from dust, dirt and other debris with either sealed or unsealed side shields. Although sealed bearing disks collect less debris then unsealed disks, sealed bearings still require regular cleaning to remove exterior debris buildup to maintain bearing efficiency and keep wheels running smoothly and without noise. Cleaning sealed bearings isn't difficult and only requires the use of a bearing-approved cleaner and lubricant.

Things You'll Need

  • Tool set
  • Bearing approved cleaner
  • Container
  • Microfiber cloths
  • Bearing lubricant
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the wheels from your equipment with tools from your tool set.

    • 2

      Push the disk-shaped bearings out of the wheels with your fingers and thumbs or by pressing at the inside edge of the bearing with a flat-headed screwdriver until the bearing pops from the wheel.

    • 3

      Wipe the outside of the bearings with a dry, microfiber cloth to remove as much of the surface dirt or other debris as possible.

    • 4

      Fill a container with a bearing approved cleaner, place the bearings inside the container and soak for five minutes.

    • 5

      Shake the container slightly to dislodge any additional dirt or debris.

    • 6

      Remove the bearings from the cleaner, wipe with another clean, dry microfiber cloth and set the bearings aside to dry overnight.

    • 7

      Spray or wipe the bearings with a bearing oil or gel lubricant.

    • 8

      Return the bearings to the wheels and reattach the wheels to your equipment.