Loose Ball Bearings in Skate Wheels

Repairing a loose bearing will make the skate perform better.

Wheels on inline skates rely on ball bearings to keep the skate wheel turning smoothly on its individual axis. The bearings receive a number rating according to how fast the bearing will spin the wheel; the higher the number, the faster and smoother the wheel spins. If the bearings become loose inside the wheel -- even if it's only one of the paired bearings on the wheel -- the skate won't function properly. This requires a change.

Things You'll Need

• Allen wrench
• Bearing tool (optional)
• Clean cloth
• New bearing
• Lube (recommended)

Instructions

1. Lay the skate on a flat surface and use an Allen wrench to turn the hexagonal-shaped axle nut in the center of the wheel in a counterclockwise direction. Turn the wrench to loosen the bolt enough so you can slide it upward from the wheel.

2. Flip the skate over and pry the other half of the bolt from the wheel's center. Set the axle bolts aside. Pull the wheel with the loose bearing from the skate chassis, flip it upside down in your hand, and hammer the wheel onto your palm to dislodge the bearing. If the bearing isn't loose enough, use a bearing tool to pull it free.

3. Discard the loose bearing; you don't want to keep it as a spare, as you'll only create further damage to the bearing, which may result in a skating accident. Clean the inside of the wheel with a clean cloth to remove built-up dirt and grime.

4. Apply generous amounts of lube to both sides of a new bearing and insert the bearing into the center of the wheel. Wipe away any excess lube that squeezes up from the joint between the bearing and the wheel. Re-insert the wheel back into the chassis.

5. Thread the bolt through the hole in the chassis, into the hole in the bearing. Flip the skate over and thread the other half of the bolt back into the other hole in the wheel. Tighten with the Allen wrench in a clockwise motion, but do not overtighten or you'll bolt the wheel to the chassis, which decreases performance. Repeat for any additional loose bearings.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure your new bearing is same rating as your old ones -- i.e., ABEC 8 is equal to ABEC 8. A difference between the ABEC ratings won't harm the skate, but there will be a noticeable change in performance.

References

• "Inline Skating: Get Aggressive!"; Laura Kaminker; 2008