Introduction: Cleaning Skateboard Bearings
In this instructable I will show you how I clean my skateboard bearings. I know there are many other methods out there but I use a unusual method i guess you could say...
UPDATE
8/15/10
I would not suggest externally cleaning your bearings and as paperclip32 mentioned removing your bearing cages is not advised.
Step 1: Removing Bearings
Once you have removed the wheels from the trucks the bearings should be removed by placing the wheel (with bearings inside) halfway on one of the trucks' axles' threading and pushing down on one side of the wheel.
Step 2: External Bearing Cleaning
Whipe the bearings down with a paper towel or rag and pop the seals, and remove the cages if you want. Try and remove all mud, dirt, dust or slime the might be on your bearings.
Step 3: Final Bearing Cleaning
Take your bearings and lay them down on a paper towel.
Method 1:
If you are using starter fluid like I am you should take your bearings outside and lay them on the ground and spray them down until they are clean and run like new again.
Method 2:
If you are using acetone, alcohol or a similar solvent you should place them in your bowl, or bottle, or whatever you use, and pour the solvent in and let them soak and shake them around.
Method 3:
If you are using a lubricant like Tri-Flow make sure you lay your bearings down on a paper towel and spray them down good so you can clean and lubricate them.
DO NOT USE WD-40! IT ATTRACTS DIRT WHICH CAN FREEZE OR JAM YOUR BEARINGS!
Step 4: Dry Your Bearings
The title says it all.
Step 5: Lubricating Your Bearings
If you are using oil or speed oil lubricant to lube your bearings you should put about 3 drops equally on each bearing.
16 Comments
12 years ago on Introduction
I love your skateboard!
12 years ago on Introduction
Skateboardigs awesome,nice ible,have you seen element search and win? sign up now and ya can get decks clothing and bearings sign up now http://element.searchpluswin.com/refer/mattyts
12 years ago on Introduction
Whats starter fluid?
12 years ago on Step 2
I advise you not to remove your cages.You might bend them.A quick shot of air will get the dirt out.
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
you cant really bend plastic...
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
Some cages are metal,some are plastic.Either way,you don't want to remove them.
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
bones reccomends removing the plastic cages for cleaning
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
Sure,if you have bones bearings.
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
another example is vxb bearjngs which i recently bought a set of theyre ceramics for just over 12 dollars
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
Okay,go ahead and remove them as long as they're removable.
Sound better?
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
yeah,did a cleaning today and removed the shields,the hard part is getting them back in
Reply 12 years ago on Step 2
Good point. I've never taken my cages out but then again I'm very cautious.
12 years ago on Introduction
Hey what oil are you using?
12 years ago on Introduction
http://www.bonesbearings.com/support/maintenance/ This Website gives full instructions on how to remove the cages without damaging them. As well as full cleaning instructions. Hope you like it :D If your a skater who believes in taking off the shields to skate because dirt can get out of your bearings more easily, think again. Once dirt touches liquid or lube of any sort, it will stick to it. On top of that, skating without shields allows dirt as well as rocks to get into your bearings more easily and will wreck them in the long run.
12 years ago on Introduction
I love your deck! And the trucks go really well with the colour =)
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
Thanks. :) I never intended for the colors to go well with each other. I just needed a new deck and new trucks.