How to Fix a Stiff Bearing on a Skateboard

Because skateboards get put through a lot of abuse, including puddles, grit and road detritus, the ball bearings tend to get gummed up. The ball bearings are the small metal balls that are packed into a cartridge. These bearings allow the wheels to spin freely, and with a limited amount of friction. When the bearings feel stiff or sticky, it is likely they are gummed up or the grease needs to be replaced.

Things You'll Need

  • Skate key or socket
  • Bearing lubricant and shallow pan
  • Rags
  • Small pick or flat screwdriver
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove from each wheel the kingpins, which are the nuts holding the wheel to the truck. Use a socket or skate key. To prevent losing them, set them on a white piece of paper or rag.

    • 2

      Pull the wheels off each truck. Push the cartridge-bearings out from the wheels using a flat-head screwdriver, or pick and push from the front of the wheel to the back.

    • 3

      Look over each cartridge bearing and check for rust, eroded sides on the bearings, or dried grease.

    • 4

      Fill a shallow pan with bearing lubricant and set each cartridge into the fluid. Let them set in the fluid for approximately five minutes. Take them out and wipe them off with the rags.

    • 5

      Place the cartridge bearings back into the wheels, screw the wheels back into the trucks by tightening the kingpins.