Replacing your skateboard bearings, installing new skateboard bearings, and putting your cleaned skateboard bearings back on can be quick and easy, once you know the tricks. Read though these simple step by step instructions to find out how.
How To Replace Skateboard Bearings - Installing
First, simply place the new or cleaned bearing into the wheel. Most skateboard bearings have one side with a colored shield. I recommend placing this side facing out. However, you don't need to do it this way.
Either way, the bearing won't fit all the way into the wheel - the fit will be too tight. So first, simply set the bearing into the wheel.
Next, press the bearing down into the hole, applying pressure on the outside metal rim of the bearing. DO NOT press on the shield, or the center of the bearing. You should be able to press the bearing down to where it is flat with the edge of the wheel.
Repeat this process with all 8 bearings, putting one on each side of each wheel. I recommend having the shielded side of the bearing facing out on each. If you are using Spacers, make sure to put one in each wheel, between the bearings. If you are worrying about the bearing size then here is the online bearing catalog for you.
How To Replace Skateboard Bearings - Washers
Just like the optional spacers, some skateboarders like to use bearing washers to help reduce friction and let your wheels spin faster. If you don't use washers, then skip ahead to step 3.
The washers are very small metal rings that fit on either side of your bearings. Put one on your axle trucks before you put the wheel on, and then one on after the wheel has been slid into place.
How To Replace Skateboard Bearings - Wheels in Place
With all the bearings set into the wheels, put your wheels on your trucks. It doesn't matter if you have the graphic side of your wheels facing out or not - that's up to you.
Next, fit a nylon inserted ½" lock nut on the end of your trucks. These nuts usually come with your trucks, but if not, head to a hardware store and get a set of 4. Each wheel should be set up as seen in the photo. Don't worry about tightening each nut right yet.
How To Replace Skateboard Bearings - Tighten Softly
Using your skate tool or a socket wrench, tighten each nut down slowly. This will push the bearings down into the wheels. Make sure you take your time and don't crank too hard or fast on the nuts, or you can damage your bearings. Tighten each nut down until it feels snug, and then STOP. Don't crank on the nuts too hard - you want the nuts to fit on snuggly, and to be done turning. That's it.
How To Replace Skateboard Bearings - Loosen to Jiggly
Now here's the secret. Once the nut has been tightened up, and the bearings are all sunk into place, you want to loosen the nut a little. Loosen it, and then jiggle the wheel a little, back and forth on the trucks. You want a small amount of play, just enough so you can feel it. When you pull the wheel from side to side, you want it to make a little clack sound, just a little. This will help your wheels to spin faster and more freely.
And with that, you are done! You have successfully replaced and installed new skateboard bearings!
Now, the very first thing what you have to do is purchasing a high performance skateboard bearing from Skateboard Bearings store by verifying the sizes you want and you are on.
Given link is the standard size 608-ZZ ABEC3 Bearing 8x22x7 Skateboard Bearing that works in most of the Skateboards & Long board.
Note : I recommend BearingsDirect bcoz these guys are very prompt and also am one of their customer .. I also do follow their online bearing catalog wherever I get confused about the bearing sizes, also they help every time I have any queries .. Appreciate their services ..
Leave your feed backs .. Thanks for the read
2 comments:
This information is completely wrong.
Proper bearing installation REQUIRES that you use bearing spacers between the bearings. Then, the axle nut is tightened down to freeze the bearing inner races in place. The inner race must NOT be able to spin on the axle. This leads to axle wear and bearing damage. Perfectly adjusted bearings with properly sized spacers do not have any play on the axles, and run fast and smooth. They also last longer when properly installed.
All wheels require bearing spacers. ALL OF THEM.
Thanks anonymous for correcting the information and telling us good information about how to replace skateboard bearing.
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