This instructable is a step by step guide to refurbishing your skate bearings. With bearings that have plastic or nylon parts, paint thinner is used so as to not damage them. Not all shields are nylon some are teflon and ceramic bearings require only one drop of lube. Warning this is not a green instructable, wear gloves and use the chemicals in a well ventilated area.
Skate Stuff
One set of eight bearings with removable nylon shields
Bearing spacers
Bearing lube (skate brand)
Axle washers
Wheels
Materials and tools
Paint thinner
A rag
A Latex glove
Roll of paper towels
Bearing pick or push pin
Sink
Container
Wire
Stir stick
Axle nut wrench
Long tweezers or pliers
Optional professional tools
Air compressor with gun
Goggles
Mask
Bearing press
Hazardous chemicals disposal unit
Skate Stuff
One set of eight bearings with removable nylon shields
Bearing spacers
Bearing lube (skate brand)
Axle washers
Wheels
Materials and tools
Paint thinner
A rag
A Latex glove
Roll of paper towels
Bearing pick or push pin
Sink
Container
Wire
Stir stick
Axle nut wrench
Long tweezers or pliers
Optional professional tools
Air compressor with gun
Goggles
Mask
Bearing press
Hazardous chemicals disposal unit
Remove these ads by
Signing UpStep 1: Bearing Removal
Remove axle nut with a wrench, be careful not to scratch or damage the shield. Put the washers and the nut aside for now so nothing gets lost. To pull the bearing out of the wheel use the trucks axle to pry it out, keep rotating the wheel and applying pressure till it pops out. Put your bearings and spacers onto the rag; wipe off as much dirt and debris as possible. Rotate each bearing and take note of any that are glitchy, or need to be replaced.
Put on a latex glove, Take the bearing pick or push pin and insert it at the inner metal ring between the rubber shield and metal. Push in and turn to pry the shield off, if these are skate bearings the nylon shield should pop out with out too much pressure. This instructable has a video of another way to de-shield a bearing. Collect all the shields and stick a wire through them. Bend the wire to fit the container they'll soak in. On this wire you can include the spacers and washers if they need cleaning too.
Put on a latex glove, Take the bearing pick or push pin and insert it at the inner metal ring between the rubber shield and metal. Push in and turn to pry the shield off, if these are skate bearings the nylon shield should pop out with out too much pressure. This instructable has a video of another way to de-shield a bearing. Collect all the shields and stick a wire through them. Bend the wire to fit the container they'll soak in. On this wire you can include the spacers and washers if they need cleaning too.
Visit Our Store »
Go Pro Today »
any remaining paint thinner or gasoline will evaporate after a short time.
Higher quality bearings tend to be oil only and should be kept that way. They typically have a lot of free spin, and are very quiet.
i made a long board and what i need now are the wheels
in the states? go to muirskate.com
both are pretty reasonable and have free shipping
normally those guys have know how and some pre-mounted stuff to try out.
(i.e. 2mm difference in wheel size give a lot of different feeling under your feet)
cool trucks
-M
I remove the shields and cage to ensure maximum cleaning and am very careful with stirring and so far this technique has worked fine.
So just wondering if I'll be dealing any damage doing this. I am desparate in finding a safer alternative to cleaning other than well flamey MBrain-damage.
PS: I use and recomend china bones for people needing bearings