How to Clean and Maintain Your Skateboard Bearings: The Complete Guide

The short answer: To clean your skateboard bearings, remove them from the wheels, wipe off excess dirt, soak them in a solvent like isopropyl alcohol or citrus cleaner, dry them thoroughly, then lubricate with a light oil or speed cream. Reassemble and spin to distribute. For maintenance, check them regularly, clean every few months or after wet or dirty rides, and replace when they feel gritty or slow. This guide covers the full process, tools, and tips to keep your bearings fast and durable.

Why Bearing Maintenance Matters

Skateboard bearings are the heart of your ride. They allow your wheels to spin freely, reducing friction and maintaining speed. Over time, dirt, dust, and moisture get inside, turning your smooth ride into a sluggish, noisy one. Neglected bearings can also wear out faster, leading to costly replacements. Regular cleaning not only extends their life but also improves performance significantly. Whether you’re a casual cruiser or a street skater, maintaining your bearings is one of the most impactful things you can do for your setup.

Tools You’ll Need

Before you start, gather these items:
– A bearing removal tool or a simple axle (like a bolt) to pop bearings out
– A small screwdriver or pick to remove shields
– A clean, lint-free cloth or paper towels
– A container with a lid (like a jar) for soaking
– Solvent: isopropyl alcohol (90%+), citrus degreaser, or specialized bearing cleaner
– Lubricant: speed cream, light machine oil, or silicone-based lube
– Optional: a toothbrush for scrubbing

Step-by-Step Cleaning Process

1. Remove the bearings from the wheels. Take off the wheel from the truck using a skate tool or wrench. Use a bearing remover or a small screwdriver to pry out each bearing. Be careful not to damage the rubber seals.

2. Remove the shields. Most bearings have metal or rubber shields. Use a thin pick to gently pop off the shield on one side only. Leaving one side on is fine, but taking both off allows for deeper cleaning. If shields are riveted, you may need to replace them if removed.

3. Clean the bearings. Place the bearings (and shields if removable) into a jar filled with your solvent. Shake vigorously for a few minutes. Let them soak for 10-15 minutes. Then shake again. The solvent will dissolve grease and loosen dirt.

4. Scrub and rinse. Use a toothbrush dipped in solvent to scrub the bearing surfaces and between the balls. If the solvent becomes dirty, drain and repeat with fresh solvent. After scrubbing, rinse bearings in clean solvent to remove any remaining grime.

5. Dry completely. Place bearings on a paper towel and let them air dry. Do not use heat as it can warp them. You can also spin them on a pencil to fling off excess liquid. Ensure they are completely dry before lubricating, as any moisture will cause rust.

6. Lubricate. Apply one drop of lubricant to each bearing, between the balls. Spin the bearing a few times to distribute the oil. Don’t over-lubricate; too much will attract dirt. Reinstall the shields, pressing them back in securely.

7. Reassemble. Put bearings back into the wheels, then mount the wheels back on the trucks. Spin each wheel to check for smooth rotation. If a bearing feels gritty, it may need another cleaning or replacement.

Maintenance Tips to Prolong Bearing Life

– Check regularly: Every few weeks, spin your wheels and listen for unusual noise or roughness. A quick visual check can spot dirt buildup.
– Clean based on usage: If you ride in dry, clean conditions, clean every 3-4 months. If you ride in wet, sandy, or dusty areas, clean monthly or more often.
– Protect from water: Avoid riding in rain or puddles. Water washes out lubricant and causes rust. If you do get wet, dry and re-lube immediately.
– Store properly: Keep your skateboard indoors and dry. Extreme temperature changes can cause condensation.
– Replace when necessary: Even with care, bearings wear out. If cleaning doesn’t restore smoothness, or if you see rust or damaged balls, it’s time for new ones. Quality bearings from a reputable brand (often found in the best skateboards) will last longer with proper care.
– Don’t use WD-40 as lube: It’s a solvent, not a lubricant. It will dry out and attract dirt. Use a proper bearing oil or speed cream.

Signs Your Bearings Need Replacement

Sometimes cleaning isn’t enough. If you notice any of these, replace your bearings:
– Persistent grinding or clicking even after cleaning
– Rust on the visible parts or races
– Excessive play or side-to-side movement
– Wheels don’t spin freely even after lubrication
– You’ve cleaned them multiple times and performance doesn’t improve

Understanding Bearing Sizes and Compatibility

Skateboard bearings are not one-size-fits-all. The industry standard is the 608 bearing, which measures 8mm inner diameter, 22mm outer diameter, and 7mm width. This size fits most skateboard wheels and trucks. However, some specialty wheels, particularly those for longboards or electric skateboards, may use different sizes like 627 or 6900 series. Before buying replacements, check your wheel’s bearing seat diameter and your axle diameter. If you have a standard skateboard, 608 bearings will almost certainly be correct. For longboards, verify the wheel specifications. Using the wrong size can damage the wheel or cause unsafe riding. Additionally, bearing spacers and speed rings are small but important. Spacers sit between bearings inside the wheel to maintain alignment and prevent side loading, while speed rings go on the outside between the bearing and axle nut. They reduce friction and extend bearing life. Many bearings come with spacers and speed rings included, but if not, they are inexpensive and worth adding. When installing, ensure the spacer is centered and the speed rings are in place before tightening the axle nut. This setup allows the bearing to spin freely without play.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Bearings

Even with good intentions, some mistakes can ruin your bearings or shorten their life. Avoid these pitfalls:
– Using the wrong solvent: Water, gasoline, or harsh chemicals can damage seals or leave residue. Stick to isopropyl alcohol or dedicated cleaners.
– Not drying completely: Any moisture left inside will cause rust. Air dry thoroughly or use a hair dryer on cool setting.
– Over-lubricating: Too much oil attracts dirt and can slow you down. One drop per bearing is enough.
– Losing shields or spacers: Keep track of small parts. Losing a shield exposes bearings to dirt; losing a spacer can cause uneven wear.
– Overtightening axle nuts: This compresses bearings and prevents free spinning. Tighten until snug, then back off slightly.
– Ignoring worn bearings: Continuing to ride on damaged bearings can damage wheels or trucks. Replace them promptly.
– Cleaning too often: Over-cleaning can strip lubricant and introduce contaminants. Clean based on usage, not on a strict schedule.

When to Replace vs. Clean Bearings

Cleaning can revive many bearings, but sometimes replacement is the better choice. Consider these factors:
– Age and wear: Bearings that have been used for years may have worn races or pitted balls. Cleaning won’t fix physical damage.
– Rust: If you see rust on the balls or races, replacement is necessary. Rust compromises strength and smoothness.
– Cost vs. effort: Budget bearings may not be worth the time and solvent to clean. Mid-range and premium bearings often justify maintenance.
– Performance needs: Competitive skaters may prefer new bearings for optimal speed. Casual riders can extend life with cleaning.
– Availability of parts: If shields are damaged or lost, and replacements aren’t available, new bearings are simpler.
– Signs of failure: Grinding, clicking, or excessive play after cleaning indicate it’s time to replace.
In general, if cleaning doesn’t restore smooth, quiet spin, replace. Keep a spare set on hand for quick swaps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use gasoline or brake cleaner to clean my bearings?
A: It’s not recommended. These are harsh chemicals that can damage the bearing’s seals and internal components. Stick with isopropyl alcohol or a dedicated bearing cleaner.

Q: How often should I clean my skateboard bearings?
A: For average skaters, every 2-3 months is good. If you skate frequently, in dusty conditions, or after any wet ride, clean them sooner. Listen to your bearings; if they sound or feel rough, it’s time.

Q: Is it okay to clean only the outside of the bearings without removing shields?
A: That helps with surface dirt, but to truly clean and re-lube, you need to remove at least one shield to access the balls and grease. For thorough maintenance, remove both shields.

For more on choosing quality skateboards that come with reliable bearings, check out our best skateboards buying guide. A good board often includes better bearings, making maintenance easier and less frequent.

Proper bearing care is simple, cost-effective, and greatly enhances your skating experience. Spend 30 minutes every few months and you’ll keep rolling smooth for years.

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