How to Replace the Wheels on In-Line Skates

You'll know it's time to change your wheels when the insides of the wheels appear worn or when your skates seem slow. A person's weight, the terrain and skating downhill all contribute to wear and tear on the wheels.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• In-line Skate Axles
• In-line Skate Spacers
• In-line Skate Wheels
• In-line Skates
• In-line Skating Helmets
• In-line Skating Protective Gear Sets
• Wrist Guards
• Allen Wrenches

1. Unscrew and remove the axle bolts from the front wheel with an Allen wrench.
2. Pull the front wheel out of the wheel frame.
3. Remove the bearings and spacer from the wheel. All components should slip out together.
4. Place the spacer and bearings into the new wheel.
5. Place the new wheel on the wheel frame.
6. Replace the axle and tighten it using the Allen wrench. If your spacer is aluminum, tighten the axle as far as it will go. If your spacer is plastic, tighten the axle almost as far as it will go, then loosen it slightly.
7. Spin the wheel to see how easily it rolls. If it doesn't spin freely, loosen the axle. If the wheel wobbles, tighten the axle.
8. Repeat the previous steps for the remaining wheels.

Tips & Warnings

• Older skates, roller hockey skates and racing skates may have threaded bearings, which make wheel replacement more complicated. Consult manufacturer's instructions for help with these types of skates.
• You can rotate your wheels instead of investing in a new set. Since the insides typically wear down first, switch wheels so that the least-worn portion of each wheel is on the inside. The best method is to switch the odd wheels (first and third) with each other and the even wheels (second and fourth) with each other. If the wheels on one skate are more worn than the wheels on the other, you may want to switch wheels from one skate to the other when you rotate them.