How To Get Bearings Out Of Skate Wheels? 5 STEPS ONLY

Get Bearings Out Of Skate Wheels: Effective and Easy 5 Steps

The bearing has a huge role in your skateboard’s performance. It is responsible for the wheels’ speed and smooth roll. However, this part is often beat-up because of intense use.

Much more, dirt, dust, and rust between the gaps will most likely occur, causing its resistance. For sure, these circumstances can decrease the speed of your skateboard, or much worse; they can lead to accidents.

Regular maintenance of the bearing is key for your skateboard’s lasting performance. There is no need to visit your local skate shop to clean or change the bearings. Preserving the skateboard bearing is easy. It starts by removing the bearing from the wheel.

This article will guide you through a step-by-step process of removing the bearings. Read on and learn how to get bearings out of skate wheels in 5 simple steps.

Tools checklist to get bearings out of skate wheels

Make sure you have all tools necessary before you start so that you can work spontaneously.

  1. Skate tool or a ½” socket wrench 
  2. Screwdriver, bearing puller, metal rod
  3. Small tray to organize the parts

Now that you have the tools required, let’s get going!

Step 01: Unbolting the Wheel

Start with your skateboard deck; make sure that it is on its side. The wheel is attached to the axle, so this part has to point upward. Using the skate tool or the wrench, loosen the axle nut and remove the washer or the speed ring. Put the nut and washer aside. You can place it in a small tray for easy organization.

Do this to all four wheels if you need to clean or replace all bearings. But if you already know which one to replace, remove only the nut and speed ring from that particular wheel.

Once the nuts and washers are out, carefully take the wheels out of the axle. Now you will find the bearings visible from both sides of the wheel.

Step 02: Getting Ready to Pry the Bearing

Now that you have the wheels, you can remove the bearings either by hand or with tools. Study the methods on how to remove the bearings by hand or tools and see what suits you best.

Let's Know, How to Get Bearings Out of Skateboard Wheels

I. By Hand
Although a tool is an advantage in detaching the bearing from the wheel, it is not necessary. You can use your hand and the axle of the truck to do it. However, if you opt to use this method, you need to be very careful. Do not apply too much force because this can damage the bearings.
II. By a Hand Tool
If you think using the axle of the truck to remove the bearing is risky, you can use a hand tool instead. A screwdriver can be used to pry the bearings out of the wheel.

You can also use a metal rod in detaching the bearing. Make sure you use a rod that fits perfectly in the bearing.
III. By a Special Tool
Some skate shops use special tools to remove the bearings from the wheel. They use a skateboard bearing puller or skateboard bearing presser to ensure that the bearing will be taken off safely. This is also a faster way to accomplish the task.

Step 3: Yank the Bearings out of the Wheel

There are a few ways to pull out the bearings from the wheel. Each of these methods is simple to perform. Depending upon your preference or maybe need, either way, will definitely work just fine.

Yank the Bearings out of the Wheel

I. Using the Axle of the Truck
To remove the bearing using the axle of the truck, start by placing the wheel back into the axle. When the wheel is halfway in, make sure that the axle tip only touches the inside bearing. Then gently yank the bearing out at an angle. Use the motion like you are opening a bottle of beer.

Sometimes the bearing does not go all out with the first pry. If this happens, do not force the bearing out at the same angle. This can damage the bearings. Instead, try to yank the bearing out from a different position. You can also use a back-and-forth motion until you get the bearings out.

II. Using a Screwdriver
Simply insert the screwdriver into the wheel until the tip is at the edge of the interior bearing. Then slowly yank it off at an angle.
Attempting once might not take the bearings out completely. You can position the pry at a different angle and then try it again. Do this whole process carefully to avoid damaging the bearings.

III. Using a Metal Rod
The metal rod must fit perfectly in the hole of the bearings’ inner ring. Slowly drive the rod in the bearing. Then gently tap the rod using a hammer. Be cautious of this method because it can easily break the bearings apart.

IV. Using a Bearing Puller
When using the bearing puller, the wheel must lay flat on a surface. Just plug the metal rod in the bearing then press down the button to drive the rod in the wheel. Once the tip of the rod reaches the trim of the first bearing, it will click. This indicates that the bearing is locked and ready to be pulled out.

V. Using a Skateboard Bearing Presser
At the other end of the skateboard bearing presser, there is a rod with the catch tip. Simply slide the wheel until it reaches the edge of the first bearing. You will know that it is in place because it clicks. Then push the handle down to tug off the bearing.

Step 4: Removing the Spacer


Skateboard wheels have 2 bearings each. These bearings are separated with a spacer. And these bearing spacers are important in making your turns stable and smooth.

When you have removed the first bearing, you may also take out the spacers. Place them in the small tray and ensure that they are not misshapen.

Step 5: Repeat on Reverse


You have taken the first bearing out as well as the spacers. Now, you need to remove the second bearing from the wheel. Do that by flipping the wheel over and following the same process that you did for the first bearing.

It Is Done!


Voila! You’re done. Without a doubt, this guide provides an effortless and stress-free procedure on how to get the bearings out of any skateboard wheel you use.

What Are The Important Factors While Purchasing the Best Longboard Bearings?

01. Size

8 mm bearings are commonly used. This size is perfect for the longboard bearing. You can choose the other sizes if they give you more comfort. But I will recommend you choose the 8mm bearing.

02. Type

You can get both the ball bearing and roller bearing around you. Most of the bearings are ball bearings. Ball bearings run faster and more smoothly than roller bearings. But ball bearings can not handle the load. In that case, the roller bearing performs well.

03. Durability

The bearing should be durable that can last a minimum of one year. You can increase its durability by cleaning regularly and running in dry places. Water and mud decrease their longevity quickly.

04. Performance

The performance of the bearings is the most important fact. If your longboard bearings are rough and run with less spin that will not satisfy you. Also, a smooth and fast bearing with noise will annoy you. So, check before buying if there is any defect in performance.

05. Precision

Precision is the exactness or correctness of the tolerance. The American manufacturers association uses ABEC to define precision. When the precision increases, the permissible range decreases. Precision is independent of bearing clearance. The higher the ABEC number, the tighter the bearing will be. Higher precision helps to move more smoothly and increase efficiency.

06. Lubrication Compatibility

Lubrication is a must before riding on your longboard. To convert your slow bearings into fast longboard bearings you have to clean them regularly and lubricate them. It will give a fast spinning movement.

07. ABEC rating

While buying bearings, you need to check whether it is ABEC-rated longboard bearings or not. ABEC rating stands for dimension. It only rates tolerances. Some ABEC classes are 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. ABEC rating 9 is tighter than ABEC rating 1. The more the ABEC rating, the more the precision will be.

08. Engraved seals

Engraved seals prevent entering dust and other material inside. It also holds the lubricant inside and prevents friction. Most of the brands use rubber material for easy cleaning and to prevent the entry of water inside. While buying, check all the seals properly.

09. Price

Price is a big factor when buying anything. If you get a bearing with better quality at less price, then that will attract you the most. People mainly buy this type of bearings the most. Also, you should not follow the misconception that more expensive things mean better. Most of the famous brands are budget-friendly and careful about quality.

10. Brand reputation

While buying high-quality longboard bearings, people follow reputed brands. If the reputation is good then people do not hesitate to buy from the brand.

11. Warranty/Guarantee

If the brand provides you with a warranty or guarantee, that will be a plus point for you. You can repair the bearings if any problem arises at no cost within the given time. Also, the refund policy is beneficial for the buyers. You can change the defective set or can return the set with a full refund.

FAQs About Longboard Bearings

These are some commonly asked questions by people about the best bearings for longboards.

Is it worth it to invest in more expensive longboard bearings?

No, it is not worth it to invest in more expensive longboard bearings. More expensive is not equal to best quality. You can get a high-quality bearing within a suitable budget.

How do I know if my longboard bearings need to be replaced?

If the bearings start producing noise and are rough to run after cleaning, then you need to replace your longboard bearings. Also, the bearing will not spin if it is worn out.

What is the difference between ceramic and steel bearings for longboards?

The difference between ceramic and steel bearings for Longboards is durability. Ceramic bearings are more durable, smooth, and corrosion-resistant. At the same time, steel bearings are easily damaged by corrosive substances and are less durable than ceramic ones.

Can I lubricate my longboard bearings myself, or do I need to take them to a professional?

You can lubricate your longboard bearings yourself. )r if you have no previous experience, then you need to take them to a professional. But choose the right lubricant for the bearings.

Can I mix and match different brands of bearings on my longboard?

You should not mix and match different brands of bearings on your longboard as they are different from each other in size, shape, durability, and performance. Mixing different brands is unable to balance your movement.

Can I use the same bearings for both my longboard and my skateboard?

Yes, you can use the same bearing for both your longboard and your skateboard. The only difference appears in the case of wheel size. Otherwise, there is no difference between the bearings. But you should be careful about the dimension of the spacer.

Conclusion

Now it will be easy for you to choose the best Bearings for Longboards. You can compare the bearings and choose according to your comfort. I will recommend you choose the bearings which are performing well and have good customer service. If you still can not choose a perfect one then you can select it by brand reputation.

Also, choosing the brands which are giving warranty is the safest to pick. You can get these ten best bearings within an affordable range. Do not choose the bearings which are rated below ABEC 3. Below 3 ABEC-rated bearings have less tolerance.

About the author

This is Kyle Spinks from Butte MT, USA. A skateboarding expert and lover since 2019. skateupdates.com is my blog where I share my skateboarding life experience daily or weekly. If you're a beginner skater, I'll advise you to follow my blog daily.

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