How to Remove Skateboard Wheel Bearings: A Step-by-Step Guide

Keeping your skateboard bearings clean and well-maintained is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable ride. Over time, dirt, grime, and debris can accumulate inside the bearings, causing friction and slowing you down. Regularly cleaning and lubricating your bearings will extend their lifespan and improve your skateboarding experience. A key part of this maintenance is knowing how to safely and effectively remove the bearings from your wheels. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, step-by-step, ensuring you can confidently maintain your skateboard bearings.

Why Remove Skateboard Bearings?

Before diving into the how-to, let’s understand why removing bearings is necessary. Several reasons warrant bearing removal:

* **Cleaning:** This is the primary reason. As mentioned earlier, bearings collect dirt and grime, hindering performance. Removing them allows for a thorough cleaning and lubrication.
* **Inspection:** Removing bearings allows you to visually inspect them for damage, such as cracks, rust, or deformations. Early detection of damage can prevent more serious problems and potential accidents.
* **Replacement:** Bearings wear out over time, especially with frequent use. Removing them is necessary when you need to replace old, worn-out bearings with new ones.
* **Wheel Changes:** If you’re switching wheels, you’ll need to transfer the bearings from your old wheels to your new ones.

Tools You’ll Need

Having the right tools makes the bearing removal process much easier and safer. Here’s a list of essential items:

* **Skateboard Tool or Wrench:** A standard skateboard tool or a wrench of the appropriate size (usually 1/2 inch or 13mm) is needed to remove the wheels from your trucks.
* **Bearing Press/Puller (Recommended):** A bearing press or puller is the ideal tool for removing bearings. These tools are specifically designed to extract bearings without damaging them or the wheels. Several types are available, from simple T-shaped pullers to more elaborate press systems. While recommended, this is not strictly required if you are on a budget; alternatives exist.
* **Bearing Removal Tool (Alternative):** If you don’t have a bearing press/puller, you can use a dedicated bearing removal tool. These tools are typically smaller and more affordable. They often consist of a lever or a hook that you use to pry the bearing out.
* **Axle of Your Skateboard (Alternative):** In a pinch, the axle of your skateboard can be used as a makeshift bearing removal tool. However, this method requires caution to avoid damaging the axle or the bearings.
* **Soft Cloth or Towel:** A soft cloth or towel will protect the wheels and bearings from scratches during the removal process.
* **Work Surface:** A clean, flat work surface is essential for stability and organization.
* **Gloves (Optional):** Gloves can help keep your hands clean and provide a better grip.

Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Skateboard Bearings

Now, let’s get into the actual process of removing the bearings. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a smooth and damage-free removal.

Step 1: Remove the Wheels from Your Skateboard

1. **Gather Your Tools:** Make sure you have your skateboard tool or wrench ready.
2. **Loosen the Axle Nuts:** Use the skateboard tool or wrench to loosen the axle nuts on each wheel. Turn the nuts counterclockwise.
3. **Remove the Nuts:** Once the nuts are loose, remove them completely. Be careful not to lose them.
4. **Remove the Wheels:** Gently pull the wheels off the axles. Set the wheels aside on your clean work surface.

Step 2: Prepare for Bearing Removal

1. **Clean the Area:** Wipe down the wheels and the surrounding area with a clean cloth to remove any loose dirt or debris. This will prevent contaminants from entering the bearings during the removal process.
2. **Position the Wheel:** Place one wheel on your work surface with the bearing facing up. Make sure the wheel is stable and won’t roll around.

Step 3: Removing Bearings with a Bearing Press/Puller

This is the preferred method for removing bearings as it minimizes the risk of damage.

1. **Insert the Tool:** Insert the bearing press/puller into the center of the bearing. Make sure the tool is properly aligned and securely engaged with the bearing.
2. **Apply Pressure:** Depending on the type of tool you have, you’ll either squeeze the handles of the puller or turn a screw on the press. Apply steady, even pressure to extract the bearing from the wheel. Avoid using excessive force, as this could damage the bearing or the wheel.
3. **Remove the Bearing:** Once the bearing starts to move, continue applying pressure until it is completely removed from the wheel.
4. **Repeat for the Other Bearing:** Flip the wheel over and repeat the process to remove the bearing from the other side.

Step 4: Removing Bearings with a Bearing Removal Tool

This method is a good alternative if you don’t have a press/puller but still want a dedicated tool.

1. **Insert the Tool:** Insert the tip of the bearing removal tool between the bearing and the wheel hub. The tool should have a small lip or hook that can catch the edge of the bearing.
2. **Leverage the Bearing Out:** Gently rock the tool back and forth, applying leverage to gradually push the bearing out of the wheel. Work your way around the bearing, applying even pressure to avoid damaging the wheel or the bearing.
3. **Remove the Bearing:** Once the bearing is loose enough, you should be able to pull it out of the wheel by hand or with the tool.
4. **Repeat for the Other Bearing:** Flip the wheel over and repeat the process to remove the bearing from the other side.

Step 5: Removing Bearings with Your Skateboard Axle (Use with Caution!)

This method should only be used as a last resort, as it carries a higher risk of damage. Proceed with extreme care.

1. **Insert the Axle:** Carefully insert the axle of your skateboard through the center of the bearing. Angle the wheel slightly so that the axle is pressing against one edge of the bearing.
2. **Leverage the Bearing Out:** Gently rock the wheel back and forth, using the axle as a lever to push the bearing out of the wheel. Apply even pressure and avoid using excessive force.
3. **Rotate and Repeat:** Rotate the wheel slightly and repeat the leveraging process. Continue rotating and leveraging until the bearing is loose enough to be removed.
4. **Remove the Bearing:** Once the bearing is loose, you should be able to pull it out of the wheel by hand.
5. **Repeat for the Other Bearing:** Flip the wheel over and repeat the process to remove the bearing from the other side.

Step 6: Inspect the Bearings

After removing the bearings, take a close look at them to assess their condition.

1. **Visual Inspection:** Check for any signs of damage, such as cracks, rust, or deformations. If you notice any significant damage, it’s best to replace the bearings.
2. **Spin Test:** Spin each bearing between your fingers. The bearing should spin smoothly and freely. If it feels rough, gritty, or makes unusual noises, it needs cleaning and lubrication.

Step 7: Cleaning the Bearings (See Additional Article)

Bearing cleaning is a crucial step in maintaining optimal skateboard performance. This is detailed in a separate article to provide a comprehensive guide. However, in brief:

1. **Remove shields:** Using a pin or knife carefully pry off the rubber or metal shields on the sides of the bearing.
2. **Soak:** Submerge bearings in a solvent like acetone or isopropyl alcohol.
3. **Agitate:** Shake or agitate the bearings within the solvent.
4. **Dry:** Allow the bearings to completely dry before lubrication.

Step 8: Lubricate the Bearings (See Additional Article)

After cleaning, bearings must be properly lubricated for smooth and long lasting performance. A dedicated article on this topic exists, but briefly:

1. **Apply Lube:** Apply a small amount of skateboard bearing lubricant to each bearing.
2. **Spin:** Spin the bearing to distribute the lubricant evenly.

Step 9: Reinstall the Bearings (See Additional Article)

This also has a separate article, but the key things to know are:

1. **Align the Bearing:** Place the bearing on a flat surface and align it with the hub of the wheel.
2. **Press the Bearing In:** Using your thumbs or a bearing press tool, gently press the bearing into the wheel until it is fully seated.
3. **Repeat for the Other Bearing:** Flip the wheel over and repeat the process to install the other bearing.

Step 10: Reinstall the Wheels on Your Skateboard

1. **Slide the Wheels onto the Axles:** Slide the wheels back onto the axles of your skateboard.
2. **Replace the Axle Nuts:** Put the axle nuts back on and tighten them securely using your skateboard tool or wrench. Do not overtighten the nuts, as this can damage the bearings or the axles.
3. **Test the Wheels:** Spin each wheel to make sure it rotates freely and smoothly. If the wheels feel tight or sluggish, loosen the axle nuts slightly.

Tips for Preventing Bearing Damage

* **Avoid Riding in Wet Conditions:** Water can cause rust and corrosion, which can damage the bearings. If you do ride in wet conditions, be sure to clean and lubricate your bearings afterward.
* **Avoid Riding in Sandy or Dirty Areas:** Sand and dirt can get inside the bearings and cause friction. If you ride in these areas, clean your bearings more frequently.
* **Store Your Skateboard Properly:** Store your skateboard in a dry, clean place to protect the bearings from moisture and dirt.
* **Regularly Clean and Lubricate Your Bearings:** As a general rule, you should clean and lubricate your bearings every few weeks, depending on how often you ride and the conditions you ride in.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

* **Bearing Won’t Come Out:** If a bearing is stuck, try applying a penetrating oil or lubricant to the area around the bearing. Let it sit for a few minutes, then try removing the bearing again.
* **Bearing is Damaged:** If you damage a bearing during the removal process, it’s best to replace it with a new one. Damaged bearings can cause performance issues and may even be dangerous.
* **Wheel is Damaged:** If you damage a wheel during the removal process, you may need to replace the wheel. Minor scratches or scuffs are usually not a problem, but significant damage can affect the wheel’s performance and safety.

Conclusion

Removing and maintaining your skateboard bearings is a simple but essential part of skateboard maintenance. By following these steps and taking proper care of your bearings, you can ensure a smooth, fast, and enjoyable skateboarding experience. Remember to use the right tools, proceed with caution, and always prioritize safety. Happy skating!