How To Take Bearings Out Of Skateboard Wheels? Quick And Easy Way

Q: How do you remove bearings from skateboard wheels without tools?

To remove bearings from skateboard wheels without tools , you can use a skate tool or a makeshift tool like a screwdriver or a pair of pliers. First, remove the axle nuts from the wheels. Then, insert the tip of the skate tool or screwdriver into the bearing race and pry the bearing out of the wheel. Be careful not to damage the bearing. Repeat this process for all of the bearings in the wheel.

Skateboard bearings are the small metal balls that allow your wheels to spin freely. Over time, these bearings can get dirty and worn out, which can make your skateboard feel sluggish or unresponsive. If you’re not sure how to take the bearings out of your skateboard wheels, don’t worry! It’s a relatively easy process that can be done with a few simple tools.

In this blog post, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to take bearings out of skateboard wheels. We will also provide you with some tips on how to clean and maintain your bearings so that they last longer.

Table of Contents

How to Take Bearings out of Skateboard Wheels

Step 1: Gather your Tools and Materials

Before you begin, you will need to gather a few tools and materials. These include:

A skateboard tool: This is a multi-tool that is used to remove and tighten the nuts and bolts on a skateboard.
A clean work surface: This could be a table, workbench, or even the floor. Make sure the surface is clean and free of debris.
A container for the bearings: This could be a small bowl, cup, or even a plastic bag. The important thing is that it is clean and dry.
Bearings cleaning solvent: This is used to clean the bearings of dirt and grime.
Rags: These are used to wipe down the bearings.
New bearing grease: This is used to lubricate the bearings after they have been cleaned.

Once you have gathered your tools and materials, you are ready to begin cleaning your skateboard bearings.

Tips:

It is important to use a clean work surface when cleaning your bearings. This will help to prevent dirt and grime from getting into the bearings.
Use a lint-free rag to wipe down the bearings. This will help to prevent the bearings from becoming contaminated with lint.
Apply a small amount of new bearing grease to each bearing. Do not over-grease the bearings, as this can cause them to spin slower.
Allow the bearings to air dry completely before reassembling your skateboard.

how to take bearings out of skateboard wheels

Step 2: Remove the Wheels from the Skateboard Truck

Now that you have your skateboard and tools ready, it’s time to start removing the wheels. This is a relatively straightforward process, but it’s important to do it carefully to avoid damaging the bearings or the truck.

Locate the axle nuts. The axle nuts are the small metal nuts that hold the wheels onto the truck. They are located on the ends of the axles, which are the metal rods that run through the trucks.
Use your skate tool to loosen the axle nuts. Insert the skate tool into the axle nut and turn it counterclockwise. Don’t worry about removing the nuts completely at this point; just loosen them enough so that the wheels can slide off the axles.
Slide the wheels off the axles. Once the axle nuts are loose, you should be able to slide the wheels off the axles. Be careful not to pull on the wheels too forcefully, as this could damage the bearings.
Remove the washers. Once the wheels are off, you will see two small washers on each axle. These washers are important for protecting the bearings, so be sure to remove them and keep them safe.
Congratulations! You have now successfully removed the wheels from your skateboard truck.

Step 3: Remove the speed washers and spacers

The speed washers and spacers are located between the bearing and the bearing housing. They are used to reduce friction and noise, and to ensure that the bearing is properly aligned.

How to Remove the Speed Washers and Spacers

To remove the speed washers and spacers, you will need a small screwdriver or pry bar.

Use a screwdriver to gently pry up the edge of the speed washer.
Once the edge is lifted, you can use your fingers to remove the speed washer.
Repeat steps 1 and 2 for all of the speed washers.
Use a pry bar to gently pry up the edge of the spacer.
Once the edge is lifted, you can use your fingers to remove the spacer.
Repeat steps 4 and 5 for all of the spacers.

Tips for Removing the Speed Washers and Spacers

Be gentle when removing the speed washers and spacers. You do not want to damage them.
If the speed washers are stuck, you can try using a little WD-40.
Be careful not to lose the speed washers and spacers. They are small and easy to lose.

Purpose of speed washers and spacers

Speed washers and spacers are used to reduce friction and noise in bearings. They also help to keep the bearing properly aligned.

Location of speed washers and spacers

Speed washers and spacers are located between the bearing and the bearing housing.

Step 4: Pry the first Bearing out of the Wheel.

Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary tools, including:

A pry bar
A hammer (optional)
Safety glasses
Gloves

Process:

Identify the bearing: Locate the bearing that you need to remove. It will be located on the inside of the wheel, next to the hub.
Position the pry bar: Place the pry bar between the bearing and the hub.
Pry the bearing: Use the pry bar to pry the bearing out of the wheel. You may need to use a hammer to tap the pry bar if the bearing is stuck.
Repeat for remaining bearings: Repeat steps 2-3 for the remaining bearings.

Hand Placement and Technique:

For effective prying, it is important to use the correct hand placement and technique. Here are some tips:

Keep your hands close to the pry bar. This will give you more control and leverage.
Use a firm grip on the pry bar.
Pry in a slow and steady motion.
Do not pry too hard, as you could damage the bearing or the wheel.

Safety Tips:

Always wear safety glasses when prying bearings.
Be careful not to pry too hard, as you could damage the bearing or the wheel.
If you are using a hammer, be sure to wear gloves to protect your hands.

Step 5: Repeat for the Second Bearing

With the first bearing successfully removed, it’s time to tackle the second. This step involves following the same prying technique used for the first bearing, ensuring consistent and careful handling to prevent damage to the delicate components.

Maintaining Consistency in Prying Technique

Adhering to the same prying technique for both bearings is crucial for achieving uniform results and minimizing the risk of damage. This involves using the appropriate prying tool, applying gentle pressure, and prying from the designated location on the bearing.

Importance of Careful Handling

Bearings are precision components that require delicate handling. Rough handling or excessive force can lead to damage, impairing their function and potentially compromising the entire system. To prevent such damage, it’s essential to exercise caution throughout the removal process.

Tips for Careful Handling

Use appropriate tools: Employ the correct prying tool and avoid using tools that could scratch or damage the bearing.
Apply gentle pressure: Gradually apply force to pry the bearing loose, avoiding sudden or forceful movements.
Work with precision: Focus on the designated prying location on the bearing, preventing the tool from slipping or contacting sensitive areas.
Check for obstructions: Ensure there are no obstructions hindering the prying process. If necessary, carefully remove any obstructions before prying.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure the second bearing is removed safely and efficiently, maintaining the integrity of the system.

Step 6: Clean and Inspect the Bearings

Regular cleaning and inspection of skateboard bearings is essential for maintaining the performance and longevity of your skateboard. Bearings are the small metal balls that allow your wheels to spin smoothly. Over time, dirt, grime, and moisture can build up on the bearings, causing them to slow down, become noisy, and even rust. Regular cleaning and inspection will help to prevent these problems and keep your bearings in top condition.

Importance of Regular Cleaning and Inspection

There are several reasons why it is important to regularly clean and inspect your skateboard bearings:

Prevents premature wear and tear: Dirt, grime, and moisture can cause the bearings to wear out prematurely. Regular cleaning will help to remove these contaminants and extend the life of your bearings.
Improves performance: Clean bearings will spin more smoothly and efficiently, which can improve the overall performance of your skateboard.
Reduces noise: Noisy bearings are a sign that they need to be cleaned and lubricated. Regular cleaning will help to keep your bearings quiet.
Prevents rust: Rust can cause the bearings to seize up, which can be dangerous. Regular inspection will help to catch rust early on so that you can replace the bearings before they cause a problem.

How to Clean and Inspect Skateboard Bearings

Here is a brief guide on how to clean and inspect skateboard bearings properly:

Remove the wheels: Use a skate tool to remove the wheels from your skateboard.
Remove the bearings: Use a bearing puller to remove the bearings from the wheels.
Clean the bearings: Place the bearings in a container of solvent, such as mineral spirits or denatured alcohol. Swirl the bearings around in the solvent to remove any dirt, grime, and old grease.
Rinse the bearings: Rinse the bearings with clean water to remove any traces of solvent.
Dry the bearings: Dry the bearings thoroughly with a clean cloth.
Inspect the bearings: Inspect the bearings for any signs of damage, such as cracks or pitting. If you see any damage, you will need to replace the bearings.
Lubricate the bearings: Apply a small amount of high-quality skateboard grease to each bearing.
Reinstall the bearings: Reinstall the bearings in the wheels and reinstall the wheels on your skateboard.

Additional Tips

It is a good idea to clean and inspect your skateboard bearings every few months, or more often if you ride in wet or dusty conditions.
If you are not comfortable cleaning and inspecting your skateboard bearings yourself, you can take them to a bike shop to have them done for you.
When lubricating your bearings, be sure to use a high-quality skateboard grease. Do not use automotive grease, as this can damage your bearings.

By following these tips, you can keep your skateboard bearings clean and in good condition. This will help to improve the performance and longevity of your skateboard.

Step 7: Reinstall the Bearings, Spacers, and Speed Washers.

Tools Needed:

Hammer
Socket set
Ratchet
Torque wrench

Instructions:

Start by reinstalling the thrust bearing.
- The thrust bearing should be placed on the outer race of the inner bearing.
- Make sure the thrust bearing is flush with the race.
Now, reinstall the inner bearing.
- The inner bearing should be placed on the inner race of the thrust bearing.
- Make sure the inner bearing is flush with the race.
Next, reinstall the inner spacer.
- The inner spacer should be placed between the inner bearing and the outer bearing.
Now, reinstall the outer bearing.
- The outer bearing should be placed on the outer race of the inner spacer.
- Make sure the outer bearing is flush with the race.
Next, reinstall the outer spacer.
- The outer spacer should be placed between the outer bearing and the speed washer.
Now, reinstall the speed washer.
- The speed washer should be placed on the outer race of the outer spacer.
Finally, reinstall the nut.
- The nut should be tightened to the torque specified in the manufacturer’s instructions.

Tips:

Use a hammer to gently tap the bearings and spacers into place.
Make sure that all of the components are properly aligned.
Use a torque wrench to tighten the nut to the correct torque.

Importance of Proper Alignment and Placement:

Proper alignment and placement of the bearings, spacers, and speed washers is important for several reasons. First, it will help to ensure that the bearings are properly lubricated. Second, it will help to prevent the bearings from wearing out prematurely. Third, it will help to prevent the bearings from making noise.

Step 8: Reattach the Wheels to the Skateboard Truck

Now that you have the wheels cleaned and bearings lubricated, it’s time to reattach them to the skateboard trucks. This is a relatively straightforward process, but it’s important to do it correctly to ensure that the wheels are properly aligned and secure.

Tools needed:

Skateboard tool
Wheel bearings