Keep all wheel materials (nuts, washers, etc. ) together in one place so you can easily find and attach them later. You’ll need every piece you take off, so don’t lose them!
Keep the wheel bearings and the wheels separate from each other so they’re easier to clean. If you can’t manage to remove the bearings in this way, try using a screwdriver to pry out the bearings. Simply hold on to the sides of the wheel out in front of you, insert the tip of the screwdriver in the front of the wheel, and pull the screwdriver to the side to release the bearing. When you remove the bearings from the wheels, a bearing spacer will fall out from the center of the wheel. Keep this in a safe place so you can reassemble the wheel and bearings later.
Don’t worry if you can’t get your wheels sparkly clean just yet—this is just the first step!
Just soak the wheels, not the bearings! Soaking your bearings in water can make them rust. The warm water will help to loosen any stuck-on dirt and grime.
Make sure you’re wiping down the inside of the wheels as well as the outside. Small rocks and dirt can get trapped in any nook and cranny.
Make sure your wheels are super dry before you reassemble your skateboard so you don’t slip and fall while riding.
If a razor blade doesn’t work, try a safety pin or a screwdriver instead. Be very gentle as you take the shield off! You can damage the thin material if you’re too rough. Some bearings only have one shield, while others have shields on both sides.
You can find bearing cleaning kits at most skateboard shops, but they’re often more expensive than just buying the solvent yourself. If you are using a harsh solvent, put on gloves to protect your skin before you start.
Leaving your bearings to soak for too long can damage them, so make sure you take them out right away.
If there’s still solvent in the bearings, use a toothbrush to scrub the insides. Don’t spin the bearings to get the solvent out—this could splash harsh chemicals into your eyes or face.
Too much lubricant can clog up the bearing rather than making it move smoothly. When in doubt, the less lubricant the better. Do not use thick oils as a lubricant on your bearings. Avoid lubricants like olive oil, vegetable oil, or motor oil, as they can clog up your board. Something like WD-40 will lubricate your wheels for a minute or two, but the bearings will quickly dry out. [12] X Expert Source Jon DepoianSkateboarding Instructor Expert Interview. 5 June 2020.
The shields help trap the lubricant on the inside of the bearing to keep them smooth.
This is why it’s important to keep all the hardware in one spot!
Be careful not to overtighten the nut. If you can’t spin your wheels, loosen it up again with your wrench. Your wheels should feel smoother without any sticky grinding as you ride.
