Skateboards and longboards are made up of relatively simple components which generally only require slight maintenance. In most cases, if something breaks it will be because of excessive use or a particularly heavy landing and you’ll simply end up replacing it; a snapped deck, wheels with flat spots, cracked bushings or trucks.
Skateboard bearings however, are a little more sensitive and complex. You’ll find that their performance eventually decreases slowing your board down. In most cases though, there’s no need to go and buy another set straight away as it’s likely your bearings have just collected dirt making them less effective. You can simply clean and re-grease your bearings to have your skateboard rolling fast and smooth again at no cost.
Here we’ll show you how to first remove them from your wheels and then clean your skateboard bearings with basic household items. In this feature, we’ll talk about the bearing’s individual parts so if you’re unsure on what’s what, check out our skateboard bearings guide for a break down.
Tools/cleaning products needed
How to take bearings out of skateboard wheels
Firstly, you need to take your bearings out of your wheels. To do this, take your wheels off the trucks by using your skate tool to undo the four nuts on each end of both axles. You can then slide your wheel off along with the washers. Be sure to set aside your speed washers and axle nut somewhere safe; you can also clean these while they are removed by wiping any dirt away with a cloth.
The next step is to lie your skateboard deck with the grip tape side down. Place the wheel back on the truck like you are about to fit it but make sure that only the first bearing goes on the truck. You can then use the end of the axle to lever that bearing out of the wheel.
Try placing one hand or your knee on the deck to hold it in place and then pull the wheel up and towards you. You may need to wiggle the wheel all the way around to loosen the bearing, making sure that the end of the axle is only applying pressure to that first bearing. The wheel should pop off the truck in your hand leaving the bearing on the axle. Turn the wheel over and do the same on the other side before repeating for the other four wheels.
Removing the bearing shields
Once you have all eight bearings off, you’ll notice on one side you can see the recessed plastic ball retainer and on the other, there’s a flush ring inserted in the outer race. The ring is called a bearing shield and its job is to protect the ball bearings inside. To ensure a thorough clean, it’s best to remove this.
There are two ways to remove the bearing shields. You can push a small pin or needle through from the opposite side, past the ball retainer and to pop the shield out from underneath. Alternatively, you can try using thin blade, such as a Stanley knife, to carefully lever the bearing shield away from the outer race. This will expose the steel ball bearings inside meaning you can give them a proper clean.
How to clean skateboard bearings with household items
Once the bearings are open, take your rag or cloth and wipe away any dirt from the inside of the bearings doing your best to get around the ball bearings. Also give the inside of the bearing shields a wipe clean. If there are any difficult to reach parts or particularly dirty areas, don’t worry: you can try again after the next step.
Grab your plastic container and fill it with enough white spirit or other type of solvent to cover the bearings. Place the bearings and the bearing shields in the solvent and put the lid on. You could also throw in the speed washers and axle nuts.
Once all the parts are submerged in solvent in the container, give it a good shake for a few minutes and then allow them to soak for another 10 minutes. Once your bearings have soaked, pour away the solvent and dry the bearings and other parts with a paper towel. Leave them on the paper until the solvent has fully evaporated.
Once they are dry, it’s time to grab the Vaseline or your choice of grease and apply liberally. Using your finger to push it into the ball bearings. Once they are sufficiently greased, push the bearing shields back on. Use a paper towel or cloth to wipe any lumpy excess away but don’t take too much off.
How to put bearings in skateboard wheels
Your skateboard bearings will now be fully cleaned and greased, ready to go back into your wheels. The easiest way to do this is to push the bearing into the wheel with your thumbs making sure the bearing shield is facing you.
It’s unlikely you can apply enough force with your hands to push the bearing in, so flip your skateboard onto its side and put the wheel on the axle with the bearing facing down towards the truck. Now press down on each side of the wheel with your palms and the bearing will pop into place.
Flip the wheel and do this again for the other side, making sure you put any bearing spacers in before pressing the second bearing into wheel.
How to put wheels on skateboard trucks
Now all of your bearings are in your wheels, you simply have to fix them back onto the axle of your skateboard trucks.
If you have bearing washers or speed washers, place one onto the axle before putting your wheel on and then add the other washer on top of the wheel. Grab your wheel nut and screw this on, first by hand, then by using your skate tool or socket to tighten it all the way. Once tight, check that your wheel is spinning freely. If it’s not, turn the nut back a tiny amount and spin the wheel again to check.
Hopefully our guide will equip you with all the knowledge you need to maintain and clean your own skateboard bearings, but if you have any further questions, please get in touch. If you find your bearings have perished when inspecting them, check out our range of bearing replacements.
