Introduction: How to Replace Skateboard Wheel Bearings With and Without a Bearing Press

In this Instructable, I'm going to demonstrate two methods to replace your skateboard wheel bearings. One method, which will most likely be completed by you at home, utilizes a specialized bearing press to remove and install wheel bearings. The other method, usually completed on the street or in a skatepark, will teach you how to replace your skateboard wheel bearings without requiring any specialized tools.

Supplies

1.    Universal Skate Tool (or 1/2" wrench)

2.    Bearing Press (for Steps 3 and 7 only)

3.    Clean Rag

4.    Pocketknife

5.    Bearing Lubricant

6.    Replacement Bearings (if necessary)

*Not pictured: Soundtrack - "Chaise Lounge" by Wet Leg

Step 1: Preparing Your Work Area

To Prepare Your Work Area:

  • Put away any tools or parts unnecessary for changing your bearings.
  • Wipe down the work surface.
  • If you're concerned your work area could get damaged by hard tools or scratchy griptape, put down a towel or drop cloth.

Note: A clean work area is a safe work area, so keeping it free of obstructions will make this job easy and keep you healthy.

Step 2: Wheel Removal

To Remove Skateboard Wheel from Trucks:

  • Hold skateboard firmly in place on it's side, axles pointing up.
  • Place 1/2" socket of Universal Skate Tool over the hex nut securely.
  • Turn Universal Skate Tool counter-clockwise until Hex Nut is loose enough to be removed by hand.
  • Remove Hex Nut with fingers and set aside.
  • Remove Wheel Washer (outer), Wheel, and Wheel Washer (inner) from axle.
  • Set fasteners and wheel assembly aside for disassembly and cleaning.

Step 3: Wheel Bearing Removal - With Bearing Press

To remove Wheel Bearings from Wheel:

  • Locate bearing removal hook on Bearing Press.
  • Place Wheel Assembly on bearing removal hook.
  • Holding Wheel Assembly with free hand, press down on Bearing Press handle until Wheel Bearing is free of Wheel.
  • Remove and set aside loose Wheel Bearing and Wheel Bearing Spacer.
  • Flip Wheel over and repeat process.

Step 4: Wheel Bearing Removal - Without Bearing Press

To Remove Wheel Bearings without a Bearing Press:

  • With skateboard on its side, axles pointing up, place Wheel about a third of the way onto the truck axle.
  • Tilt wheel until resistance felt, then pry in the same direction until Wheel Bearing is free of Wheel.
  • Remove loose Wheel Bearing and Wheel Bearing Spacer.
  • Flip Wheel and repeat.
  • Set aside loose Wheel Bearings and Wheel Bearing Spacer for disassembly and cleaning.

Step 5: Cleaning Wheel Bearings

To Clean Skateboard Wheel Bearings:

  • Inspect Wheel Bearing Shields for tears. If damaged or torn, replace.
  • Determine bearing integrity by spinning Wheel Bearing held between forefinger and thumb. If resistance felt or grinding sound heard when spinning, replace.
  • If Wheel Bearings are not damaged, use Clean Rag to remove dirt, oil, grime from outside.

Step 6: Lubrication

To Lubricate Skateboard Wheel Bearings:

  • With Wheel Bearing held firmly in place, slide tip of Pocketknife under rubber edge of Wheel Bearing Shield.
  • Pry up gently, being careful not to cut rubber of Wheel Bearing Shield.
  • Set aside Wheel Bearing Shield.
  • Squeeze two or three drops of Lubricant onto ball bearings inside Wheel Bearing.
  • Replace Wheel Bearing Shields.

Step 7: Installing Wheel Bearings - With Bearing Press

To Install Wheel Bearings in Wheels with Press:

  • Locate wheel alignment axle on Bearing Press.
  • Slide wheel parts onto vertical wheel alignment axle in the following order; Wheel Bearing (inner), Wheel, Wheel Bearing Spacer, Wheel Bearing (outer).
  • Rotate wheel alignment axle until horizontal.
  • Close Bearing Press handle until Wheel Bearings seat fully in Wheel.
  • Open Bearing Press handle.
  • Remove Wheel Assembly.

Step 8:

To Install Wheel Bearings without Bearing Press:

  • With skateboard on its side, axles pointing up, slide wheel parts onto axle in the following order: Wheel Bearing (inner), Wheel.
  • Press down firmly with hand on Wheel, rotating to fully seat Wheel Bearing in Wheel.
  • Remove Wheel and Wheel Bearing from axle.
  • Slide remaining wheel parts onto axle in the following order: Wheel Bearing, Wheel Bearing Spacer, Wheel.
  • Press down firmly with hand on Wheel, rotating to fully seat Wheel Bearing in Wheel.
  • Remove Wheel assembly to verify Wheel Bearings fully seated in Wheel.

Step 9: Wheel Installation

To Install Wheel Assembly on Trucks:

  • Hold skateboard firmly in place on it's side, axles pointing up.
  • Slide Wheel parts onto axle in the following order: Wheel Washer (inner), Wheel Assembly, Wheel Washer (Outer), Hex Nut (finger-tight).
  • Place 1/2" socket of Universal Skate Tool over Hex Nut securely.
  • Turn Universal Skate Tool clockwise until Hex Nut is tight.
  • Spin Wheel. If Wheel won't spin freely or not at all, turn Hex Nut counter-clockwise until Wheel spins freely.

Step 10: You're Done!