How to clean bearings longboard: a step-by-step guide

Almost all longboards are supplemented with bearings. They need constant maintenance to last long. If you ride in puddles, you will need to apply lubricant regularly. Read more about how to clean bearings longboard in this article.

What materials will be required?

Before proceeding with the study of the question, of how to clean the skateboard bearings specifically, you should prepare all the necessary materials.

Cleaner or solvent

It is better to choose products that contain alcohol.

Such compositions are based on water, so you will have to dry the skate bearings so that they do not rust.

There are many solvents on the market, however, not all of them will be appropriate for the job.

It is better to stop at isopropyl alcohol or solutions intended for the carburetor. You can also use acetone. Some people use ethanol or methyl, or engine degreasers and gasoline. The choice depends on your capabilities.

Lubricant

For longboard bearings, light lubrication will be appropriate. The thinner the lubricant, the better the skate bearings will rotate.

However, they can quickly fail. If the density is medium, the details of the longboard will be more difficult to get dirty. However, their rotation will be slow.

Thick lubricants will not allow water to penetrate inside. However, dirt will be attracted. Once the skateboard bearings are ready, apply not very thick grease to keep them running smoothly. Choose compounds that do not need to be run in.

Containers

Choose containers that come with lids and caps. Glass options will not be appropriate because they can quickly break. Plastic containers are also not suitable because they will react with chemical components.

Sharp blade or scraper

Similar devices are needed to remove the shield. You can use a paperclip, knife blade, or another sharp tool. A knife blade is the simplest tool.

Dryer

This tool is optional. However, it may come in handy. Often they are appropriate for the quick drying of skate bearings.

How to clean bearings longboard: steps

To properly clean skate bearings, it is important to follow several steps. More about them will be discussed below.

Remove skateboard bearings

First, you need to remove the bearings that are on the wheels of the longboard. First, move the axle nuts on all sides. To do this, use a socket wrench of the appropriate size. Next, you need to move all the speed washers and put them in a safe place. After that, you can start removing the wheels.

Once you remove the skateboard wheels, use the axle to remove the bearings. The main stage of work is over, and you can proceed to the analysis of the bearings themselves. From the outside of the parts, dirt should be removed using a towel or paper. If the skateboard bearings have a casing for protection, you will have to use a razor.

Insert it between the casing and the inner ring.

Pry a little to remove the shield. Work carefully so that the shield is not damaged, and you do not get hurt.

If the bearing shield is made of metal, use the pin to remove the C-ring. It is located between the bearing shield and the outer ring.

Lightly tap the surface to remove the protective screen. Some metal shielded bearings are not removable. If possible, remove one shield.

If all the parts are not removable, you will have to purchase fresh bearings. As soon as you remove the bearing shields, on one side, you will see plastic parts above the steel balls.

Such parts are called nylon retainers.

You can pull them out of the bearings with a razor or a pin. A fixative cleaning solution is not required. All parts must be set aside to complete the assembly afterward.

If the end shields are open and a metal clip appears inside, it cannot be removed. You will have to clean the bearings with the cage.

Cleaning kit setup

Almost all devices that are designed to clean longboard bearings differ in their basic design. They are shaped like a bottle with an axle.

There is a cover in which the skateboard bearings are fixed. The work process consists of a wing nut that needs to be removed.

You also need to remove the end cap from the bottom of the axle. After that, you can proceed to remove the spacer.

If there is a set with plastic gaskets, it is enough to separate them a little.

If the cleaning kit does not include gaskets, you can use the gaskets provided in a typical installation. If you use spacers for normal-sized bearings, then you will not be able to clean all the bearings at once. After all, they are much more.

Install bearings and spacers to the axle. It is necessary to alternate bearings and gaskets. Next, you will need to secure the bearings and spacers using a wing nut or end cap.

If you have a minimal budget, you can arm yourself with a regular toothbrush. This is enough to penetrate the bearings and remove the debris that is contained inside.

Using a special solution

Pour ¼ of a special cleaner designed to work with bearings into the prepared container. Install the longboard parts in the container, and close the lid.

Shake the container vigorously to break up the impurities. At the end of the work, the solution should be dirty.

If you are unable to purchase special solutions, you can use regular dishwashing detergent. It will not destroy the structure of bearings when compared to other cleaners. However, it is better to try to buy special formulations based on citrus fruits.

The remains of the cleaning agent must be carefully removed, only after that, it is allowed to proceed to the remaining stages of work.

Use of solvent not on a water basis is allowed. You can use rubbing alcohol, nail polish remover, acetone, or mineral spirits.

However, some users try to refuse such compositions. This is because they differ in rigid chemical composition. If you decide to use them, wear gloves first, and make sure that the formulations do not get on the skin.

Drying

After that, you can remove the lid from the container, and remove the bearings. The container filled with the cleaner must be removed to the side.

Remove the wing nut and plug, and fold the bearings over the towel. If you use special cleaning solutions, all that remains is to dry the parts.

It is easier and faster to dry using ordinary towels.

They can be paper or fabric. If a lot of carbon deposits have accumulated on the bearings, they should be thoroughly washed under running water. Then dry the part using a hair dryer or heat gun. After using a hair dryer or heat gun, immediately proceed to apply the skate lube.

The cleaning solution does not have to be poured out. Indeed, in the future, it may come in handy. However, it must be cleaned of contaminants using a coffee filter or sieve.

Reassembly and lubrication

Install the nylon retainer into the skate tool and insert the ball bearings. Insert the part inside. Slide the shield over the bearing, and carefully insert the rubber shields.

Work carefully so that the shields do not bend. Re-fastening the metal shield screen is that it is inserted into the bearing and the retaining ring is pushed in.

Place the bearing open side up and add some oil or grease.

It will take no more than 5 drops. If you add thick grease, the bearings will run slowly. Fasten the second bearing shield and place it on the longboard.

Do not use a motor, sewing machine oil, or Vaseline. After all, this will not moisten the bearings, and you will only waste your time.

Last stages of work

Once the clean and lubricated bearings are inserted into the longboard, you can start riding outdoors.

If the bearings are badly worn, and you decide to throw them away, you should not do this. Leave them for riding in the rain. Fresh bearings do not need to be spoiled because they will rust.

FAQ

When it comes to cleaning bearings on a longboard, there can be different questions.

How do you clean longboard bearings at home?

First, the bearings should be soaked in alcohol or a cleaning solution for 2-3 hours. Then take them out and dry them. Then apply lubricant for the cleaning skate bearings.

What can I use to clean skateboard bearings?

You can use a regular paper clip. Then clean up with rubbing alcohol, acetone, or nail polish remover.

How often should you clean your longboard bearings?

Cleaning should be done every 2-3 months.

Should you lube longboard bearings?

Yes, this is a must. If the bearings are dry, additional friction will be created. Apply some grease and spin the bearing. This allows the oil to evenly distribute.

What is the easiest way to clean bearings?

It is better to use denatured alcohol. You can also find special solvents. If this is not possible, use alcohol. Lemon juice works well.

Can I use WD40 on my longboard bearings?

Yes, you can use this tool. However, it must be dried afterward.

Can you clean the bearing with dish soap?

If you don’t have a citrus-based cleanser, you can use regular dishwashing detergent. It is quite easy to remove dirt from the bearings.

Can I use rubbing alcohol to clean the bearings?

First, you need to remove the bearings, and put them in a cup filled with alcohol. Wait half an hour, and periodically shake the container. This will provide the best cleaning.

Can you clean the bearing with water?

Plain water should be used only in emergency cases. This is because it will not be able to completely remove dirt; however, it can cause rust.

Can I use petroleum jelly to clean my bearings?

It is impossible to use motor oil or petroleum jelly, as mentioned earlier. After all, such compounds will not moisten the bearing. You are just wasting your time.

Results

As you can see, there is nothing complicated in cleaning bearings on a longboard. The main thing is to properly disassemble them, clean them, and then lubricate them with special lubricants for a smooth ride. Do you need skate shoes that are made exactly for this sport, read in the article