How to remove skateboard bearings

Removing and reassembling your skateboard bearings may seem difficult and complicated, but it's actually easier than it seems.

We've created this guide to show you how to remove, clean, and reassemble the bearings on any wheel.

You don't need any special tools, just the wrench you use to unscrew the wheels.

Clean bearings are fast bearings. Dirt and debris will inevitably accumulate inside the bearings and cause them to slow down or seize up. If you want your skateboard bearings to last, regular maintenance is essential.

Minor problems can be solved by dripping a few drops of lubricant onto the outside of each bearing. If that doesn't help, we recommend giving them a thorough cleaning.

We'll teach you how to clean skateboard bearings in 5 simple steps.

People sometimes confuse cleaning skateboard wheels with cleaning bearings, thinking they need to clean the wheels when in reality they only need to clean the bearings.

Longboards use the exact same bearings as skateboards, so this process will work for longboard bearings as well.

If your bearings have non-removable metal covers, your ability to clean inside them will be limited. If they have rubber covers or no covers at all, you can easily clean them and restore them to as good as new.

Before you begin, you'll need some tools and materials. Once you've got everything together, we'll teach you how to clean your skateboard bearings at home in 5 simple steps.

• Skate tool (or size 13 wrench)
• Tray (for storing hardware)
• Cutter or safety pin
• Rag or toothbrush
• Solvent
• Container or bowl (for solvent)
• Bearing lubricant

1 - REMOVE THE WHEELS

Start by removing the truck nuts with your skate tool or a wrench and sliding the wheels off the truck axle. Be sure to replace the washers between the bearing that contacts the truck and the one that contacts the nut. It's definitely best to organize and store the truck nuts and washers in a small tray so you don't lose these small parts.

2 - REMOVE BEARINGS AND PROTECTORS

Next, you will remove the skate bearings from the wheels by prying the wheels up using the axle of your truck.

To do this, slide the wheel halfway onto the end of the axle so that only one bearing is on the axle.

Now push the wheel outward while levering the bearing out. Flip the wheel over and repeat.

Once the bearings are out of the wheels, pry the bearing covers off with something sharp and pointed, like a utility knife, thumbtack, or safety pin. Try not to bend or deform the cover, otherwise you may cause it to rub against the ball bearings when you replace it.

You only need to remove the protector if it is made of rubber or plastic; metal ones will not allow you to do so.

Remember to put all the pieces in a box or tray so you don't lose them.

Some bearings come with spacers, small cylindrical spacers that are inserted into the wheel and sit directly on the bearings. These spacers ensure the bearings are perfectly vertical and parallel as they rotate. Spacers are helpful but not essential.

3 - CLEAN SKATEBOARD BEARINGS

Once the bearings are removed, you can clean them. If they're not excessively dirty, you can do so by wiping them with a dry cloth; otherwise, you'll need a non-water-based cleaner or solvent.

Acetone, isopropyl alcohol, and mineral spirits are all excellent options. When using solvents, wear gloves and avoid contact with skin. Use a dish or wide-mouthed bottle as a container to soak the bearings for several minutes, swirling them around in the cleaner occasionally. If necessary, you can also use a rag or old toothbrush to get in and scrub a bit.

Once cleaned, replace the pads by simply placing them on the skate bearings and applying light pressure. Don't use grease or oil to lubricate the bearings; there are specific lubricants I recommend.

4 - MOUNT THE BEARINGS AND WHEELS

Now you can put the bearings back into the wheels and I assure you it is much easier than taking them off.

Insert one bearing at a time into the truck axle, then slide the wheel on. Hold the wheel between your fingers and apply pressure with your palm to push the bearings in. If you have spacers, insert one bearing into the wheel first, then remove the wheel and replace the second bearing and spacer on the truck axle. Set the wheel down, apply pressure, and slide the bearing in.