How to Clean Skateboard Bearings at Home?

Skateboard bearings require regular cleaning to keep your board rolling smoothly and extend its lifespan. Discover how to clean skateboard bearings with household items, including rubbing alcohol and a small tool, to remove dirt and debris. Follow these simple steps to keep your bearings in top shape, and get back to cruising with a smoother ride. Don’t miss out on this ultimate guide to skateboard-bearing maintenance.

The longboard setup is not complete without longboard bearings because they enable the wheels to spin freely and smoothly. Yet over time, a collection of dirt, dust, and other debris inside the bearings can make them slow and even seize up.

In order to maintain longboard bearings in perfect condition and prolong their lifespan, cleaning is a vital maintenance task that should be performed on a continuous basis. The procedure essentially takes the bearings out of your wheels, thoroughly cleans them, and lubricates them with the appropriate bearing lubricant.

CHECK: Best Longboard Bearings ( Review & Buying Guide)

 Longboard bearings can be cleaned in a variety of methods, such as by using a bearing cleaner, soaking them in a solvent, or making your own cleaning solution. Despite this approach, it is very essential to be careful and attentive while cleaning your bearings. Your bearings may endure for many years with regular maintenance, giving you many years of smooth and joyful riding.

How to Clean Skateboard Bearings With Household Items?

You’ll need:

CHECK: How To Clean a Longboard?

Instructions:

1. Remove the bearings from the wheels. Use the small tool to pry the bearings out of the wheels. Place them in the container.
2. Pour rubbing alcohol into the container until the bearings are completely covered.
3. Swirl the container gently to agitate the bearings and loosen any dirt or debris. You can also use your fingers to roll the bearings around in the alcohol.
4. Let the bearings soak for 10-15 minutes.
5. Remove the bearings from the container and place them on a clean rag or paper towel.
6. Use a clean rag or paper towel to gently wipe the bearings and remove any remaining dirt or debris. You may need to use a small tool to get into tight spaces.
7. Allow the bearings to air dry completely. Do not use heat to dry them.
8. Optional: Once the bearings are dry, you can apply lubricant or skateboard bearing oil to help them spin smoothly.
9. Reinstall the bearings onto the wheels and you’re ready to ride!

Cleaning your skateboard bearings regularly can help keep your board rolling smoothly and extend its lifespan.

Tips To Remember

Gather Materials

A few tools and equipment are required before you start. Once you have got everything ready, follow these five simple steps to learn how to clean your longboard bearings.

Steps for cleaning bearings of longboard

Wheel removal

Use a wrench to first loosen the axle bolts before attempting to remove the wheels from the truck axle. Keep a look out for the washers that go between the bearings, the inside of the axel, and the axle bolts.

We consider it is preferable to organize and store the axle nuts and speed washers on a compact tray in order to prevent losing or breaking the little pieces of hardware.

Eliminate the Bearing Shields.

After removing the bearings from the wheels, you must replace the cartridges. If you are good, each of your bearings will only have one shield, but it is more likely that you will have to take one of the shields off to get to the balls and cage.

With a rubber-protected bearing, all you have to do to do this is to use a little screwdriver to pull off one shield. If you are not really cautious when removing the shield, you will definitely break it, but that is good because each bearing generally needs one shield.

Bearings Should be Cleaned.

You will need a non-water-based cleaner or solvent once the wheel bearings have been pulled out. Alternatives like acetone, isopropyl alcohol, and mineral spirits are also suitable options. While handling solvents, use gloves and keep your skin away from them.

Rotate the bearings in the cleaner often while soaking them for a few minutes in a dish or wide-mouthed container. If necessary, you may also use an old toothbrush or cloth to lightly clean the area. We really prefer the bones bearing cleaning kit since it provides a troubling way to vigorously spin your bearings in cleaner for quicker results without damaging them.

After drying, re-lubricate

Take the bearings out and dry them as rapidly as you can after the dirt has been eliminated.

It’s helpful to spin them after tapping them lying down on a dry rag or paper towel.

If you have a hair dryer or compressed air available, you may also dry them.

Reinstall bearings and replace shields

The bearing shields must then be replaced, which is much simpler than taking them off. After putting them down, gently push them outward from the center until they reconnect.

Then, you’re prepared to go. Replace the bearings in your wheels to get the sensation of new bearings as you ride.

Replace the bearing spacers between the bearings when replacing the bearings in the wheels, and replace the speed washers on the truck axle before tightening the axle nuts.

Conclusion

Your longboard bearings may be kept in good working order by routine maintenance and proper cleaning. This will also prevent from dirt, dust, and other debris from accumulating and harming the bearings.

You may enjoy a smoother ride and longer life of your longboard wheels by taking good care of your bearings. While working with chemicals or instruments, keep in mind to always follow the operator’s directions and take essential safety precautions. And do not be reluctant to consult an expert or an experienced longboarder for assistance if you are unsure of how to properly clean your bearings.