How To Clean Bearings

If you know how to clean the bearings on your skateboard, you can keep your skateboard moving faster. Cleaning your bearings is simple. Just gather your supplies and follow these simple steps.

You'll need:

• A paperclip
• Skateboard bearing lubricant
• A ratchet wrench or skate tool
• A clean cotton cloth
• Two plastic cups
• Rubbing alcohol

1. Remove the bearings from your skateboard. Use your ratchet wrench or skateboard tool to remove the nuts that hold your wheels onto the board. Set aside the nuts, along with any bearing washers, in a safe place. Use the end of your axle to gently pry the bearings out of your wheels.
2. Remove the skateboard bearing covers. These are the tiny metal shields that help to keep dust and grime out of your bearings. You can pop them off with a straightened paper clip. If your bearings don't have covers, consider getting new bearings.
3. Clean the bearings. Fill one of your plastic cups with enough rubbing alcohol so that you can immerse the bearings. Rubbing alcohol removes grease and grime. Remove the bearings from the alcohol after a few minutes and spin them until dry.
4. Lubricate the bearings. Fill your other plastic cup about halfway with skateboard bearing lubricant. Immerse the bearings for several minutes before removing them. Wipe off any excess grease with your cotton cloth. Spin the bearings a few times.
5. Put your bearings back on your board. Pop the bearing covers back on. Press the bearings back down into the wheels. Reattach the wheels to your board and you're ready to ride.