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How To Get Bearings Out Of Skate Wheels – ultimate guide
Removing your skate wheel bearings is quite simple if you know the secret pro way! Many skate shops have special tools for removing skate bearings, and they normally do so for free. However, removing your own skate bearings is straightforward. Just be careful — while removing the bearings from the skate wheels is simple, it’s also simple to harm your wheels if you’re not careful. Read these instructions thoroughly to learn how to get bearings out of skate wheels.
How To Get Bearings Out Of Skate Wheels
The inner sections of skate wheels are known as wheel bearings. They are prone to dirt, dust, and mud due to their location, which can gather and form encrusted heaps of obstinate dirt. This can have an impact on your performance since the bearings can halt, affecting the natural movement of the skate wheels.
Mud can become stuck in the shield, and small sharp particles can break the shield, which is typically composed of plastic. Because of an open shield, you may wind up losing some ball bearings, which might damage your performance as well as your overall safety.
Before learning how to remove bearings out of a skate wheel, you need to know there are some different types of skate bearings.
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Steel:
This is the most commonly used material for bearings. This is the greatest option because the material is less expensive and more durable. Metal bearings are appropriate for both novice and experienced skaters.
The main disadvantage of metal bearings is that they are susceptible to heat, which can affect their strength and longevity. Keep in mind that there is a lot of stress between the wheel and axle, and friction can transform into heat. Steel expands when exposed to high temperatures, thus your bearings may become inefficient over time if subjected to excessive heat.
Regular maintenance is essential for metal bearing preservation. With proper maintenance and care, you will be able to extend the functional lie as well as the performance of your bearings.
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Ceramic:
Because heat can damage steel, manufacturers want a material that is resistant to high temperatures and friction. Ceramic skate bearings come into play. Ceramic bearings are extremely resilient and will not change shape or function even when subjected to intense heat.
Ceramic bearings are made from silicon nitride. This is a smoother material than steel that is resistant to heat and pressure.
And, just like steel, these bearings must be maintained on a regular basis if they are to work effectively and survive a long period. Ceramic bearings must be greased and maintained. The disadvantage of employing ceramic bearings is that they are relatively expensive. Despite the higher cost, top skaters prefer ceramic to steel.
After knowing what bearing of skate wheels are made from, we will learn how to remove and clean bearings out of skate wheels. If you want a skate which performs as expected and is safe to use, you must do wheel bearing care at least once a month or even more often if you use your skate on a regular basis. Here is your guide:
This is a step-by-step instruction for removing and cleaning bearings from a wheel. You may be wondering how to remove bearings because you want to replace an old one or simply check the health of your bearings after a performance, but the same principle applies to cleaning.
- Before you begin, you’ll need a few tools and materials: A small, sharp tool like a pin; Wrench socket; A solvent like acetone or paint thinner; Grease, oil or bearing lubricant; Small containers; Paper towels; Dishwashing soap and water (for cleaning the wheels); Soft brush like an old toothbrush; Small basin.
- Once you have everything collected, we’ll show you how to clean your skateboard bearings at home in 5 simple stages.
- Step 1: Remove wheels
Begin by loosening the axle nuts with your skate tool or wrench and sliding your truck axle wheels off. Keep note of the washers that go between the axle bolts and the interior of the axel, as well as the bearings. To avoid losing any small bits of hardware, we recommend organizing and storing the axle nuts and speed washers in a small tray.
- Step 2: Remove bearings and bearing shields
Following that, pry your bearings out of your wheels with the axle of your truck. Slide the wheel halfway onto the end of the axle, leaving only one bearing on the axle. Twist the wheel outward and around as you pry the bearing out, with the axle securely grabbing the inside of the bearing. Repeat with the other side of the wheel.
Once the bearings are out of the wheels, use something sharp and pointy like a razorblade, thumbtack, or safety pin to pry off the bearing shields. If you bend and mis-shape the shield, it will rub against the ball bearings when you put it back on. Make a note of these in your hardware tray as well.
Tip: Some setups employ bearing spacers that sit between the two bearings while the wheel is in place, whilst other bearings have built-in spacers. Longboard wheels and bearings are the most usual places to find these. Keep note of any spacers that come with your bearings in your hardware tray.
- Step 3: Soak bearing in cleaner
Now that your bearings are out of your wheels, you’ll need a non-water-based cleaning or solvent. Acetone, isopropyl alcohol, and mineral spirits are all viable alternatives. Wear gloves and avoid contact with your skin when working with solvents. Soak the bearings in a dish or wide-mouthed bottle for several minutes, occasionally swirling the bearings around in the cleaner. If necessary, reach in there with a rag or an old toothbrush and scrub a little.
- Step 4: Dry the re-lubricate
Once the muck has been cleaned, remove the bearings and dry them as soon as possible. Spin them after placing them face down on a dry rag or paper towel. If you have a hair dryer or compressed air nearby, you can also blow them dry.
The bearings must then be re-lubricated. This is critical because skating with a dry bearing causes detrimental friction. A skate-specific bearing lubricant, such as Bones Speed Cream or Bronson Speed Co. High Speed Ceramic Oil is recommended. Drip 1-2 drops of lubrication into the bearing and spin it to disperse the oil evenly. Rep for the remaining eight bearings.
Tip: Don’t use WD-40 as lubricant! The effects will shortly wear off, leaving your bearings dry and prone to rust.
- Step 5: Replace shields and mount bearings
The final step is to replace the bearing shields, which is far easier than removing them. Simply position them and gently press from the center out until they snap back on. Then you’re good to go! Replace those bearings in your wheels and enjoy the fresh bearing feel.
Tip: Replace the bearing spacers between the bearings before reinstalling them in the wheels, and replace the speed washers on your truck axle before tightening the axle nuts.
FAQs:
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What if your skate wheel bearings become stuck?
A blocked bearing is a common problem for skaters who want to clean their skate wheels. The bearing assembly will not budge no matter how much prying and tapping you do.
One or two of the eight bearings on your skate may not want to go right away. Experts advise going cautiously since prying too hard or tapping the wheels and bearing too hard will harm the bearing or your wheels. However, if you are attempting to remove your skate bearings in order to replace them, pry and tap as hard as you can.
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What are the prices of quality skate wheels and bearings?
Skate wheels should cost from $30 to $50. The Spitfire Bigheads are an excellent skate wheel. They roll quickly, smoothly, and for a long time. They are popular among skaters.
What size bearings are skate bearings?
All skate bearings are the same size and will fit any skate wheel, regardless of wheel size. Bearings have universal dimensions of 8mm (core), 22mm (outer diameter), and 7mm (width) (width).
Final thoughts:
Overall, it’s all about guidelines for how to get bearings out of skate wheels. Remember, if you want to reuse your skateboard bearings and are unsure how to do it carefully, take your skateboard to a store and ask for assistance. It’s probable that your first effort at this method will ruin the skate bearings! But be gentle and patient, and everything will be OK!
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