With just some simple steps in cleaning your skateboard bearings, you can experience a faster and smoother ride on your old skateboard. Moreover, it doesn’t cost as much as replacing the whole set of wheels and bearings. By following the instructions below, both novices and pro skaters can easily remove the dirt and have perfectly cleaned bearings with some popular tools around your house.
Not only do skateboard bearings that have been used for a long time need cleaning properly but all parts of your skateboard should be checked every time before and after your skating session for the best result. Without clearing your skateboard regularly, you have to accept some negative effects on both your performance and the board itself. To find out the risk of not cleaning your skateboard regularly and the correct way for maintenance.
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So when do you need to clear the bearings? Naturally, it can be difficult to know the right time you have to do the clean-up until your bearings significantly cause difficulties for your skating session. An effective way is to spin your wheels and simultaneously watch and hear the sound they make. Stiff bearings usually make more noise than normal bearings and you can notice they sometimes fight against the balls.
Occasionally, you can notice a sound like mice with a screechy or high-pitched squeaking while skating. All these signs address the problems of rusty or dirty bearings that desperately need to be cleaned.
Cleaning the skateboard bearings means taking off the dirtiest part of your board so you may have to get your fingers dirty. Furthermore, well preparation will save a lot of time and you can take all the dirt out. Basically, for cleaning you need to prepare a skate tool or wrench to disassemble the board, paper towels, razor blade or knife, a cup, isopropyl-based alcohol like nail polish remover, or rubbing alcohol.
To begin, you have to find a flat surface like a table, the floor, or a desk for easily disassembling your board. Moreover, you can get lubricant, speed cream to add to the bearings after cleaning or you may want to lay down a towel on the table so you won’t need to spend hours cleaning the mess. Lubricant, towel, or a separate container is optional.
Although there are so many ways to clean your bearings, I have summed up the shortest and fastest way. In order to clean your skateboard properly, you need to follow the 6 golden steps below:
Step 1: find a suitable workspace like a workbench in your garage or backyard
Step 2: use skate tools to disassemble your skateboard then remove the wheels and bearings
Step 3: remove the shields to expose the dirt, gunk, and grime
Step 4: prepare a cup of isopropyl alcohol to soak your bearings
Step 5: add lubrication or speed cream for smooth operation
Step 6: reassemble all the components and recheck the bearings to make sure everything works perfectly
For novices without much knowledge and experience about skateboard components, there are some difficulties in disassembling and reassembling their skateboards. Therefore, finding a suitable product like top the best skateboard for beginners is a good way to extend the life of your bearings. Furthermore, it also saves your time and money when you have to replace components frequently.
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Furthermore, there are some tips to prolong the lifespan of your skateboard bearings or at least reduce the wear and tear in your bearings. With some care, you can easily follow the instructions below:
You can buy a set of 2 to 4 bearing packs for replacing conveniently
Skaters should spend a proper expense on their bearings for the best one. Although they may cost you a lot at first, they usually last longer
Remember to add speed cream or lubricant to the wheels and bearings regularly, especially if you are a skate park skater
Dry your board immediately after riding under the rain or through some puddles
Avoid skating on terrains that contain much dirt or sand, especially near the ocean or in downtowns
Avoid DW40 at all cost
With some tips above, I must say you are now having enough knowledge on how to extend the life of skateboard bearings as well as how to clean them properly. With some simple steps above, even a newbie can easily maintain their bearings at home with ease.