Rains in there, dirts in there and that’s how your bearing will loose it’s performance. It’s important to keep your bearings clean. First, if they become clogged with dirt and debris, it can cause your skateboard to slow down and make it more difficult to ride. Additionally, if you don’t clean your bearings properly, you can damage them. This can lead to decreased performance and potentially having to replace your bearings more often.
Interested to know How to clean skateboard bearings, Let’s dive in!
Tools you need
You will need a few supplies before you start cleaning your skateboard bearings.
You might need:
- a Phillips head screwdriver,
- a flat head screwdriver,
- a skate tool,
- a set of allen keys,
- a rag, and
- some bearing cleaner.
Skateboard T tool
A multi functional skateboard T tool that allows you to adjust axle nuts, mounting hardware, and the kingpin nut on the top of the truck; which is perfect for completing skateboard assembly. The all in one skate tool has everything you need to tighten up or repair your skateboard. This skate tool works with all types of the skateboards, penny board and long boards.
You might also need a bearing press, but we will get into that later. Let’s get started.
Steps of Cleaning Skateboard Bearing
Unscrewing
Start by unscrewing the trucks (the part that the wheels are attached to) from the deck (the part you stand on). You will need a skate tool to do this – they are usually made of allen keys and/or Phillips screws.
Remove Bearings
Next, remove the bearings from the wheels. Most bearings will have a small shield on one side that can be pried off with a flat head screwdriver. Once the shield is removed, the bearing should just pop out. If it’s stuck, you can try using a bearing press or bearing removal tool.
Clean Bearings
Once all the bearings are out, it’s time to clean them. You can do this by soaking them in solvent (acetone or nail polish remover work well) for a few hours, or overnight if they are particularly dirty. After soaking, use a toothbrush or other small brush to scrub away any remaining dirt or grime.
Lubricate
Once the bearings are clean, dry them off completely and then add so me lubricant – WD-40 or 3-in-1 oil work well. Be sure not to over-lubricate, as this can attract dirt and cause your bearings to break down prematurely.
Finally, reassemble your skateboard by putting the bearings back into the wheels and screwing the trucks back onto the deck.
Deep clean of your bearings
You will need a few materials to deep clean of your skateboard bearings. You will need a cleaning solution, a brush, and a dry cloth. You will also need a container to put the bearings in while they are soaking.
First, you will want to remove the bearings from the skateboard.
Next, you will want to soak the bearings in the cleaning solution for a few minutes.
Bearing Cleaner
To clean your bearings properly, use a bearing cleaner. You can get bearing cleaners at most skate shops or online. They usually come in a small bottle with a brush attached to the lid. To use, just put some bearing cleaner on the bristles and scrub the bearing until the solution turns black. Then rinse with water and dry with a paper towel.
Using Bones Skate Bearings Cleaning Unit
You can build your own bearing shaker bottle, but this is a DENSE small bottle and, although a carriage bolt would have been a better choice than a fully-threaded bolt, it would be tough to build a better DIY version.
You can have Cleaning Kit + Speed Cream + Reds Bearings for less than $50. Check it out!
Quick Clean Process of Skateboard Bearing
To clean your bearings, you will need:
- bearing cleaning solvent
- lint-free cloth
- toothbrush (optional)
Instructions:
- Remove the shields/cages from both sides of the bearing. If your bearings have only one shield, carefully pry it off with a small flathead screwdriver or a knife. If the shield is stuck on tight, heat it up with a lighter for 20-30 seconds before trying to remove it again.
- Place the bearing in a cup or bowl and cover it with bearing cleaning solvent. Allow the bearing to soak for 5-10 minutes.
- Use the lint-free cloth to remove any dirt and grime from the outside of the bearing.
- Use the toothbrush to remove any dirt and grime from inside the bearing.
- Rinse the bearing off with water and dry it completely with a lint-free cloth before putting the shields/cages back on.
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