How to Repair Rollerblades

Regular care will keep those skates rolling

Inline skates need regular maintenance to keep them working properly. If this maintenance has not been performed, then it may be time to repair them so they will once again be useful. According to Inlineskates.net there are three main areas to focus on when repairs are needed: Wheels, bearings, and brakes. All three areas will need to be addressed to ensure that the skates are rolling smoothly again.

Things You'll Need

• New wheels
• New bearings or
• Lubricant for old bearings if they are still usable
• New brakes
• Allen Wrench or Hex Key
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Clean cloth
• Clean work area

Instructions

Remove old gear

1. Remove old wheels from chassis using Allen Wrench.

2. Remove bearings, spacers, and axles from old wheels.

3. Remove old brake from chassis by turning skate over and using screwdriver to remove screw.

Lubricate old bearings or ensure new bearing are lubricated

1. Remove bearing covers if removable.

2. Clean bearings if using old bearings.

3. Add lubricant.

4. Wipe off excess lube with cloth.

5. Install bearings and spacers into new wheels ensuring unsealed side of bearings face inward.

Install new wheels

1. Place new wheels into chassis of skates.

2. Make sure wheel logos either face all in or all out so that wear and tear may be gauged for future reference.

3. Tighten axles with Allen Wrench.

4. Make sure wheels spin freely but do not wobble inside chassis housing.

Install new brake on skate

1. Choose which skate to place the new brake onto. Most right-handed people are also right-footed and will choose to place the brake on the right skate.

2. Place brake on back of skate chassis and tighten with the screwdriver.

3. Ensure brake is not too low and scrapes the ground. Make sure brake is snug on chassis.

Tips & Warnings

• Now that the skates are in good condition, it is a good idea to provide regular maintenance for them. Inlineskates.net recommends regular wheel rotation as they wear and regular bearing cleaning and lubrication. Once the brake starts to wear down close to the wear line, it is time to replace it.

• Make sure that the wheels that are selected are appropriate for the skating activity that is planned. Always wear safety gear and a helmet when skating.

References

• 1) Inlineskates.net; Inline Skate Maintenance;
• 2) Inlineskates.net; Inline Skate Brake Replacement;