How to Fix Skateboard Bearings
Over time, dirt and water work their way into your skateboard's bearings. This reduces the effectiveness of the bearings and causes them to break down. The result is a slower skateboard, louder wheels and a lot of extra pushing. Luckily, you can fix your skateboard bearings simply by giving them a good cleaning.
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Instructions
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Use a skate tool or ratchet wrench to remove the nut that holds each wheel onto the board. Remove the wheels from the trucks. If your board has spacers, set them aside so they don't get lost.
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2
Remove the bearings from the wheels. This can be done by pushing a screwdriver through the middle hole of the bearing and gently pushing on the back of the opposite bearing to pop it out. Once one bearing is removed, flip the wheel over and push out the other one. Repeat on the other three wheels.
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3
Immerse all of the bearings in bearing lubricant. This can be done by squirting each side of each bearing heavily with the liquid, or by squirting the lubricant in a small container for mass immersion.
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4
Wait a few minutes and let the bearing lubricant work its magic.
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Take a cotton rag and wipe down each bearing. Watch in amazement as the dirt and grime slide easily off the bearings and onto the rag.
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Set the bearings aside and let the remaining bearing lubricant drain out and dry up. After an hour or two, re-assemble your skateboard. You're ready to ride.
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Tips & Warnings
You might consider wiping down the tips of your trucks, spacers and wheel nuts with any extra bearing lubricant. This will remove dirt buildup on the surrounding parts and slow the re-accumulation of dirt and grime.
Be careful when removing the bearings from the wheel. Too much force or pressure can result in a bent or cracked bearing (which can't be fixed).
