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How to replace longboard bearings – ultimate guide
If you’ve been longboarding for several months, there’s a good possibility you’ll need to replace these bearings due to normal wear and tear. Otherwise, the board’s overall performance will be harmed. If you replace them in a timely manner, you will be able to get the most out of it. The stability and durability of your longboard’s pieces have a significant impact on the quality of your ride. You’ll notice some notable variations in the performance of your longboard bearings if there’s a problem with even one portion.
While longboard decks and parts are generally long lasting, they must be updated during routine maintenance to guarantee a safe and smooth ride. Longboard bearings are one of the parts that must be replaced on a regular basis. When these components wear out, you’ll need to know how to replace longboard bearings.
Why should your longboard bearings be replaced?
It’s just as crucial to replace the longboard bearing as it is to choose the best longboard bearings. Let’s talk about why you should replace your longboard bearings before we get into the replacement method. The main reason for longboard replacement is because it reduces your speed and riding with broken bearings is risky. When the longboard bearings wear down, the longboard begins to slow down. Even after giving your board a good push, you’ll find that it doesn’t ride as far as it used to.
When you try to spin your wheel by hand with your board, the wear on the bearings can be even faster. If you don’t repair the bearings, they may seize, putting your safety at risk. Seized bearings can cause your wheel to slide off and potentially unwind the axle nut.
How can you tell if your longboard bearings are bad?
Longboard bearings can be identified in three ways.
- Spin the wheel gently.
- Examine the bearings for noise.
- Your wheel should move from side to side.
Spin the Wheel Gently
The first step is to slowly turn the wheel. Take your board and slowly spin its wheel with your hand to do this test. It should begin spinning effortlessly without requiring excessive power. If it doesn’t spin freely and you have to use force to get it to spin, or if the spinning stops abruptly, it’s time to replace your worn-out bearings.
Noise from Bearings
The second test is to listen for noise in the bearings. On make the wheel spin longer, you must apply more force to it. When it does, listen for noise in the movement. Bearings of high quality are virtually quiet. If your bearings make any form of noise or unusual noises, it’s a sign that they’re worn out and need to be changed.
Movement from side to side
You’ll need to move your longboard wheel from side to side to complete this challenge. Before doing this test, make sure your longboard axle nut is securely fastened. Move it back and forth with the axle, from the axle nut to the hanger. Try to do these motions as quickly as possible. If your bearings are solid, they will limit side-to-side movement while making no noise. Replace the axle nut if you can still move the wheel after double-checking the tightness of the axle nut.
Some Steps for Replacing Longboard Bearings
Materials needed
- Clean cloth
- Wrench for sockets (0.5 inches)
- 8 new longboard bearing sets
- Removed things are placed in a little container.
- Screwdriver with a flathead
Procedures to Follow
- Turn your longboard around so that the deck is facing down. Place the longboard on a firm foundation. Using a socket wrench, crank the wheel nuts counter-clockwise to remove them.
- To keep the nuts safe, place them all in a compact container.
- Remove the metal washers that connect the nuts to the other bearings. Also, put them in a small container with the nuts.
- Remove the wheel off the board.
- Remove the other metal washer from the assembly. If there aren’t any, you can skip this step.
- Force the bearing on one side of the wheel out with the screwdriver. Remove the metal spacer from the safe box and place it inside.
- It’s a good idea to clean your best longboard wheels when the wheels are off. Wipe the dirt off of the wheel using a clean cloth.
- Rep the entire method for all of your longboard wheels.
What Is the Best Way to Install New Longboard Bearings?
Procedures to Follow
- Take the wheel and place it on a solid, hard surface. Take the new bearings and place them in the center of the wheel’s hole. The color shield must face outwards to be effective.
- Apply consistent pressure to the bearings to force them into the wheel’s center. If you hear a click, you’ve got them in the appropriate location.
- Place the second set of bearings in place. The metal spacers will be placed on top of these bearings. You’ll hear a click sound once more to check that you’ve inserted them correctly.
- Repeat the instructions above for all of the wheels.
When should the longboard bearings be replaced?
A decent set of bearings should last at least two years. There are only a few instances where you should consider changing your existing bearings.
- Bearings of poor quality
- Current bearings have begun to slow down.
- Bearings have failed.
Bearings of Poor Quality
The bearings are usually the weakest part of a full longboard purchased from an untrustworthy source. Sometimes you’ll discover that the board has the highest-quality bearings, but more frequently than not, they’ll be average. So, if you’re planning on pushing your board about a lot, consider upgrading the bearings when you get it.
- Acetone to Clean Bearings
- Different types of skateboard wheels
- Best Longboard Wheels For Rough Roads
- best longboard wheels for sliding
- best longboard for pumping
Bearings begin to wear out.
If your present longboard bearings aren’t operating as well as they should, you should consider replacing them. If you notice that your bearings are slowing down, you may need to replace them.
The bearings have failed.
Although it is self-explanatory, it must be addressed here. If your board’s bearings are broken, don’t ride it at all. It’s really hazardous, especially if you enjoy driving at high speeds.
Final Thoughts
To summarize, it is strongly advised to get high-quality longboard bearings and replace them every couple of years. It is a low-cost, hassle-free method of longboarding for a long time.
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