Bearing maintence
Things you will need:
If they spin really well I tend to avoid taking my bearings fully apart. I just give them a wipe and a lube; however, if they are snagging a bit I will take them apart.
My step-by-step guide to cleaning bearings:
- A cloth that doesn't have bits that flake off (so it doesn't leave bits in your bearings)
- Newspaper or something to put your bearings on while cleaning to keep any grease off of your surface
- Pin or small screwdriver to pry open the crown of your bearing
- Toothbrush to give the inside a gentle clean
- Speed Lube if you have any
- Cleaning agent
If they spin really well I tend to avoid taking my bearings fully apart. I just give them a wipe and a lube; however, if they are snagging a bit I will take them apart.
My step-by-step guide to cleaning bearings:
Step 1: Take your bearings out of your wheels - you can get bearing removers in your standard t-tool which you can pick up at any skate shop, or you can buy specialised bearing removal tools. Use your tool to pry the bearing out of the wheel.
Step 2: Wipe the bearings with your cloth, on both sides.
Step 3: Test the bearing for it's spin, if it feels fine I'd suggest not opening them if you don't feel comfortable doing so, as not everyone does... if not just lube them up with a bit of speed lube.
Step 2: Wipe the bearings with your cloth, on both sides.
Step 3: Test the bearing for it's spin, if it feels fine I'd suggest not opening them if you don't feel comfortable doing so, as not everyone does... if not just lube them up with a bit of speed lube.
Step 4: Right, if you have bearings that have one covered side and one with a slight gap, pry open the slide gap side from the outside of the bearing. If your bearing has full covers on both sides I find it easier to pry them open from the inside side of the bearing. Be careful here not to dent the plastic.
Step 5: Soak or wipe the crowns/covers (the plastic bits). If you soak them, don't put them back on the bearings until they are fully dry to avoid rusting.
Step 5: Soak or wipe the crowns/covers (the plastic bits). If you soak them, don't put them back on the bearings until they are fully dry to avoid rusting.
Step 6: Once both sides of the bearing have been removed you can place the bearings in a cleaning fluid, ones with a high % of alcohol are good for this, others I know use Acetone or Methyl Ethyl Ketone. Choose something that won't leave a residue on there, otherwise the bearings won't roll properly.
Step 7: Here give the inside of the bearings a little brush with the toothbrush and/or if you can a small blow of air to remove any small bits.
Step 8: Dry them with a cloth to remove excess moisture.
Step 7: Here give the inside of the bearings a little brush with the toothbrush and/or if you can a small blow of air to remove any small bits.
Step 8: Dry them with a cloth to remove excess moisture.
Step 9: Add speed lube and spin the bearings, adding more until you reach the desired spin. If it is still sticking, try cleaning them again. If they continue to stick or spin slowly they probably need replacing. They will also need replacing if they have any dents in or any loose bits. Over time they will bend in the direction you skate so look out for that lean too.
Step 10: Putting the crowns/ covers back on can require you to be quite careful and having a steady hand. When placing a crown back on (the covers that essentially look like little crowns) space out the balls evenly before pressing the crown in to avoid bending or denting the plastic.
Step 10: Putting the crowns/ covers back on can require you to be quite careful and having a steady hand. When placing a crown back on (the covers that essentially look like little crowns) space out the balls evenly before pressing the crown in to avoid bending or denting the plastic.
Step 11: Putting the bearings back in your wheels, be careful to spread the pressure, pushing across the bearings to avoid denting the bearing or pushing the middle section out of alignment. I use a penny to push the bearing into my wheel, as it conveniently matches the 8mm bearings I have. You can tell the bearing is in properly as it will make a slight click sound.
Step 12: If you are cleaning your bearings do make sure you have cleaned or at least wiped you wheels and nuts, otherwise that dirt will immediately go back onto your sparkly new bearings.
Step 12: If you are cleaning your bearings do make sure you have cleaned or at least wiped you wheels and nuts, otherwise that dirt will immediately go back onto your sparkly new bearings.
Some don'ts:
I find bearing cleaning quite therapeutic myself but others find it really tedious. I live with a bunch of derby people currently so we tend to do it together to make it more fun.
DISCLAIMER: THIS IS HOW I CLEAN MY BEARINGS AND MAY NOT BE RECOMMENDED BY EVERYONE, I HAVE BEEN SKATING FOR A FEW YEARS AND HAVEN'T REALLY HAD ANY PROBLEMS DOING IT THIS WAY BUT CAN'T GUARANTEE YOU WON'T HAVE ANY PROBLEMS.
- Don't put your bearings into soak in water or use water and soap to clean your bearings as the bearings can rust and become ruined.
- This might sound obvious but don't hair dry them or dry them in the oven as this could alter the shape of the bearings if heated too much.
- Don't avoid cleaning them unless you are happy to keep replacing them frequently.
- Don't clean the bearing covers/crowns in solvents or cleaning fluid as they can blister.
I find bearing cleaning quite therapeutic myself but others find it really tedious. I live with a bunch of derby people currently so we tend to do it together to make it more fun.
DISCLAIMER: THIS IS HOW I CLEAN MY BEARINGS AND MAY NOT BE RECOMMENDED BY EVERYONE, I HAVE BEEN SKATING FOR A FEW YEARS AND HAVEN'T REALLY HAD ANY PROBLEMS DOING IT THIS WAY BUT CAN'T GUARANTEE YOU WON'T HAVE ANY PROBLEMS.