The first skateboard bearing was created by the Bones Brigade in 1981, inspired by inline skate bearings. Since then, there have been numerous advancements in bearing technology. Higher-quality bearings can provide smoother rides, faster speeds, and better control for skaters. They also tend to be more durable and longer lasting, decreasing the chance of accidents due to faulty equipment.
With so much riding on this tiny component, skaters must invest in high-grade bearings and properly maintain them to ensure their safety and improve their overall skating experience.
If you are reading this, chances are, your skateboard wheels are rusty, and you’re trying to figure out how to clean them. This is a common problem that many skaters face. Even if you take good care of your skate tool, the bearings will eventually get dirty and need to be cleaned. Luckily, cleaning them is not difficult and only takes a few minutes.
In this blog post, we will give you a step-by-step guide on how to clean skateboard bearings. Read on!
Importance of Investing in High-Quality Bearings and Properly Maintaining Them
One often overlooked aspect of skateboarding is the importance of investing in high-quality skateboard bearings and properly maintaining them. Many skateboarders make the mistake of thinking that any direction will do, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Quality skate bearings can make a massive difference in performance and significantly improve the skateboarding experience.
First, skateboard bearings play a significant role in the smoothness and speed of your ride. High-quality skateboard bearings reduce friction, allowing for a smoother and faster ride.
In addition, high-quality skateboard bearings are more durable and less prone to malfunction or breakage, saving you time and money in the long run.
Furthermore, high-quality skateboard bearings can improve your skateboarding technique by allowing for more precise control and maneuverability.
Ultimately, investing in high-quality skateboard bearings is worth the initial investment for the improved skating experience it can provide.
Maintaining them as well has several importance. These include:
- Properly lubricated skateboard bearings will allow for smoother rides, giving you more control over your board and helping you skate longer without fatigue.
- Clean skateboard bearings decrease friction, allowing you to achieve faster skateboarding speeds.
- Maintaining skateboard bearings can prevent rust build-up and potential damage to the path itself.
- Keeping skateboard bearings in good condition prolongs their lifespan, saving you money in the long run by reducing the need for replacement.
Don’t let neglected skateboard bearings hold you back – regularly clean and lubricate them for optimal skateboarding performance.
The Problem of Dirty or Rusty Bearings and How It Can Impact a Skater’s Performance
As skateboarders, we rely on our skateboard bearings to keep us rolling smoothly and efficiently. However, dirty or rusty bearings can decrease performance, causing a few problems for us.
- First, dirty bearings may cause the skateboard to slow down or grind, resulting in less speed and a loss of momentum.
- Dirty bearings can also increase friction leading to an increase in energy expenditure as the skater needs to push harder to move forward.
- Skateboard bearings that are too rusty can break while in use, leading to potentially dangerous situations.
- Dirty skateboard bearings may wear and tear on other skateboard parts, such as wheels or trucks.
- And lastly, skateboarding with dirty or rusty skateboard bearings doesn’t feel as good – it’s essential to properly maintain our equipment for optimal performance and enjoyment on our skateboards.
A Step-By-Step Guide on How to Clean Skateboard Bearings
When cleaning debris or rust off your bearings, you should take steps to do so correctly.
Gather the necessary materials:
Materials needed:
- Skateboard lubricant ( engine degreaser/ solvent, WD-40, olive oil, or rubbing alcohol will do the trick)
- Cleaning cloth or dry/damp paper towel
- Container to soak bearings in
- A small brush (toothbrush or paintbrush)
- Light grease/ speed cream
Optional:
- Bearing press (to remove the bearing from the skateboard wheel)
- Rubber shields/ metal shields
- Dry rag metal
- Razor blade
Once you have gathered the necessary materials, follow the steps below for how to clean your skateboard bearings.
Step 1: Wear gloves and remove the bearings from the bearing shields on the wheels. You can use a ball bearings press or pop them out with your fingers. Be careful not to lose any of the miniature paths.
Step 2: Soak the bearings in the container with your chosen cleaning solution for 10-15 minutes. This will loosen any dirt or grime that may be caked on.
Step 3: Take the bearings out of the container and brush them with a small brush or an old toothbrush. Be sure to get in all the nooks and crannies.
Step 4: Wipe the bearings dry with the cleaning cloth or clean paper towel. You can also blow it with a hair dryer or compressed air to dryness.
Step 5: Place a few drops of lubricant on each bearing and spin them around to distribute the oil evenly.
Step 6: Reinsert the bearings into the wheels and give them a spin to make sure they roll smoothly. And that’s it – you’ve successfully cleaned your skateboard bearings!
What to Consider When Choosing a Lubricant for Your Skateboard Bearings
The lubricant you use on your skateboard bearings can impact your path’s performance and lifespan.
There are three main types of lubricants:
Wax-based:
Wax-based lubricant is the most common type of lubricant used by skateboarders. It’s easy to apply and provides a good amount of protection against are best for high-speed and good protection against rust dirt. However, they can attract dust and dirt, so it’s essential to clean your bearings regularly if you use this lubricant.
Oil-based:
Oil-based lubricants provide good rust protection and work well in wet conditions. They can attract dirt, so it’s essential to clean your bearings regularly if you use this type of lubricant.
Grease-based:
Grease-based lubricants are best for high speed and protect against rust and dirt. However, thick grease can attract dust and dirt, so it’s essential to clean your bearings regularly if you use this lubricant.
When choosing a lubricant for your skateboard bearings, you must consider the conditions in which you’ll be skating.
If you are skating in wet or dirty conditions, an oil-based or grease-based lubricant may be a better option. If you’re looking for a long-lasting oil that can withstand high speeds, a grease-based fat may be the best option. And if you’re looking for an easy-to-apply lubricant that won’t attract dirt and dust, a wax-based fat may be the best choice.
How Often Should You Clean Your Skateboard Bearings?
It’s essential to clean your skateboard bearings regularly to ensure optimal performance and extend the lifespan of your paths. How often you wash your bearings depends on how often you skate and the conditions in which you slide.
If you skate frequently or in dirty or wet conditions, you should clean your bearings more often. We recommend cleaning your paths at least once a month, but if you skate frequently or in harsh conditions, you may need to clean them more often.
FAQs
How Do I Know if My Bearings Need to Be Cleaned?
There are a few signs that your bearings may need to be cleaned:
- Your skateboard is slower than normal
- Your skateboard is making strange noises
- There is visible dirt or grime on your bearings
If you notice these signs, it’s time to clean your bearings!
Can I Clean My Bearings with Water?
Yes, you can clean your bearings with water. However, we recommend using a bearing cleaning solution as it will help to loosen and remove any dirt or grime more effectively.
Do I Need to Lubricate My Bearings After Cleaning Them?
Yes, it’s important to lubricate your bearings after cleaning them. This will help to protect your bearings from rust and extend their lifespan.
Is Motor Oil a Good Lubricant?
Motor oil is not a good lubricant for skateboard bearings as it’s mostly used in engines.
How Can I Prevent My Bearings from Rusting?
The best way to prevent your clean bearings from rusting is to keep them clean and properly lubricated. We recommend storing your paths in a cool, dry place when you’re not using them.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this article has helped you to understand how to clean skateboard bearings and what to consider when choosing a lubricant for your directions. Skateboarding is a great way to stay active and have fun, but it’s essential to take care of your equipment to enjoy it.