How to Replace Rollerblade Wheels

Rollerblading is excellent exercise as well as an efficient means of transportation, but for avid rollerbladers the wheels may wear out before the boots. This necessitates replacing the wheels on your blades, which is much less expensive than buying a new pair altogether. There are several types of wheels, both in diameter and hardness. For those who play roller-hockey, softer wheels are ideal because they allow greater agility but will wear down faster. Harder wheels have a much longer lifespan, and are ideal for recreational rollerbladers as well as those who use rollerblades as a means of transportation.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Allen wrenches Paper towels Bearing lubricant (optional)

1. Remove the old wheels by using your Allen wrenches to unscrew the bolts. The size of Allen wrench needed can vary between Rollerblade manufacturers, so find the size that fits your bolts.

2. Remove the bearings from your old wheels by pushing the flat end of the Allen wrench against the inner rim of the bearing from the opposite side of the wheel. That is, each wheel has two bearings, and the pressure should be applied to the inner rim of the bearing on the side of the bearing that faces inward.

3. Wipe the dirt out of the bearings, then add oil. Rotate the bearings to work in the new oil, and then wipe once more to remove any excess.

4. Seat the bearings in your new wheels, and push them into place using your thumb. Alternatively, you can place a dime over the bearing and gently tap it into place with a hammer.

5. Seat the new wheels in your Rollerblades using spacers on the outside of the bearings if necessary. Replace the bolts and tighten them until the wheels don't spin freely, then back them off slightly.

Tips & Warnings

• Rotate your wheels to ensure even wear and a longer lifespan.
• Be sure you tighten your wheels all the way to avoid accidents.

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