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7 Effective Ways To Make Skateboard Bearings Last Longer

7 Effective Ways To Make Skateboard Bearings Last Longer?

7 Effective Ways To Make Skateboard Bearings Last Longer

Skateboard bearings are an important component of your skateboard, allowing the wheels to spin smoothly and efficiently. Proper maintenance and care of your bearings can help extend their lifespan, saving you time and money in the long run.

In this article, I will provide tips on how to make skateboard bearings last longer. From cleaning and lubricating to storage and usage, we will cover all the essential steps to ensure that your bearings stay in top condition.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced skateboarder, following these simple tips will help keep your bearings running smoothly for longer.

How to Make Skateboard Bearings Last Longer?

01. Clean your bearings regularly

One of the most important things you can do to extend the lifespan of your skateboard bearings is to clean them regularly. Dust, dirt, and debris can build up on the bearings over time, causing them to wear out faster.

To clean your bearings, remove them from the wheels and use a cloth or toothbrush to wipe away any dirt or debris. You can also use a bearing cleaner solution specifically designed for skateboard bearings. Be sure to dry the bearings thoroughly after cleaning to prevent rusting.

02. Lubricate your bearings

Another important step in maintaining your skateboard bearings is to lubricate them. Lubrication helps the bearings spin more smoothly, reducing friction and wear.

Lubricate your bearings

A high-quality skateboard bearing lubricant should be used and applied in a thin layer to the bearings. Be sure not to use too much lubricant, as excess lubrication can attract dirt and debris.

03. Avoid getting your bearings wet

Water can damage skateboard bearings, as it can cause rust and corrosion. To prevent your bearings from getting wet, try to avoid skating in wet conditions and store your skateboard in a dry place. If your bearings do happen to get wet, be sure to dry them thoroughly before using your skateboard again.

04. Store your skateboard properly

When not in use, it’s important to store it in a dry place to prevent moisture from damaging the bearings. Avoid storing your skateboard in damp or humid environments, as these conditions can lead to rust and corrosion. If you must store your skateboard outside, keep it under a covered area to protect it from the elements.

05. Use the right hardware

Using the wrong size or type of hardware (e.g., nuts and bolts) can put unnecessary strain on your bearings, causing them to wear out faster. Make sure you are using the correct hardware for your skateboard. Consult your skateboard’s owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s website to determine the proper hardware.

06. Don’t over-tighten your wheels

Having the proper tension on your skateboard wheels is important to ensure the bearings are not overworked. Tightening your wheels too much can put extra pressure on the bearings and cause them to wear out faster.

On the other hand, if the wheels are too loose, it can cause the bearings to fail prematurely. To ensure the proper tension, try tightening the nuts until the wheels spin smoothly without wobbling.

07. Replace damaged or worn-out bearings

If you notice that your bearings are damaged or worn out, it’s important to replace them as soon as possible. Continuing to skate on damaged bearings can lead to more serious issues and ultimately be more costly in the long run.

To determine if your bearings need to be replaced, look for signs such as excessive noise, difficulty turning, or a decrease in performance.

Replacing your bearings is a relatively simple process, and new bearings you can purchase at most skate shops or online.

Conclusion

In conclusion, proper care and maintenance of your skateboard bearings are essential to extend their lifespan and ensure a smooth and efficient skateboarding experience. Following the tips outlined above can help your bearings last longer and save time and money in the long run.

From cleaning and lubricating to storing and using the right hardware, taking good care of your bearings is an important part of being a responsible skateboarder.

Keeping your bearings in top condition allows you to enjoy your skateboard for years to come.

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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