Ah, skate bearings, the unsung heroes of the skateboarding world. They allow your wheels to spin smoothly and effortlessly, giving you that coveted feeling of gliding across the pavement. But even these trusty components need a little TLC from time to time, and removing them is the first step to cleaning and lubricating them properly. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or just starting out, knowing how to take out skate bearings is an essential skill that will keep your ride running smoothly.

First things first, you’ll need to gather a few tools. You’ll need a skate tool (which typically comes with a socket wrench and allen key), as well as a clean rag or cloth. Once you have your tools ready, start by removing the axle nut that holds the wheel in place. Once the nut is removed, you can slide the wheel off of the axle. Now, take your skate tool and insert the socket wrench into the bearing. Gently turn the wrench counterclockwise to loosen the bearing. Once the bearing is loose enough, you can pull it out of the wheel.

Now that you have the bearing out, you can clean and lubricate it. Use your rag or cloth to wipe away any dirt or debris, then apply a few drops of bearing lubricant. Once the bearing is clean and lubbed up, put it back into the wheel. Insert the axle through the wheel and bearing, then tighten the axle nut. Repeat this process for all four wheels, and you’re good to go! With clean and lubricated bearings, your skates will be rolling smoother than ever before.

Identifying the Bearings and Tools

### Bearings

Bearings are small, round metal objects that allow the wheels of a skateboard to spin smoothly. They are located inside the wheels, and they are held in place by a bearing spacer. Bearings come in different sizes, so it is important to choose the right size for your skateboard wheels.

### Bearings

There are two main types of bearings: 608 bearings and 698 bearings. 608 bearings are the most common type of bearing used in skateboards. They are 8mm in diameter and 22mm in width. 698 bearings are slightly larger than 608 bearings. They are 10mm in diameter and 24mm in width.

### Tools

You will need the following tools to remove the bearings from your skateboard wheels:

### Precautions

Before you begin removing the bearings from your skateboard wheels, it is important to take the following precautions:

* Make sure that your skateboard is stable and secure.
* Wear safety glasses.
* Be careful not to damage the bearings or the wheels.

Preparing the Skateboard and Bearings

Before you start disassembling your bearings, it’s crucial to prepare your skateboard and the bearings themselves to ensure a smooth and effortless process. Here’s a detailed guide to help you through the preparation stage:

1. Gather your tools

You’ll need a set of Allen wrenches (or skateboard tool) that fits the size of your skateboard’s bolts and a bearing removal tool (or a 1/4-inch drill bit). Make sure the tools are clean and in good condition.

2. Loosen the truck bolts but don’t remove them

Use an Allen wrench to loosen the four truck bolts that hold the trucks to the skateboard. Don’t completely remove the bolts; just loosen them enough to free the trucks from the deck. This will allow you to access the bearings more easily.

3. Remove the wheels from the trucks

Grip the wheel firmly and pull it straight out from the truck. Be careful not to damage the bearings or the wheel. Repeat this process for all four wheels.

4. Remove the bearing shields

Place the bearing on a flat surface and locate the two removable shields. Using a small screwdriver or a bearing removal tool, gently pry off one shield at a time. Be careful not to bend or damage the shields.

5. Clean the bearings

Now that the bearings are partially disassembled, it’s a good time to give them a quick clean. Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove any dirt or debris from the bearing races and balls. Let the bearings dry completely before reassembling them.

Removing the Axle Nuts

To remove the axle nuts, you’ll need a skate tool or a 13mm wrench. First, place the skate on its side with the wheels facing up. Locate the axle nut on the end of the axle, which will be either a hex nut or a nylock nut. If it’s a hex nut, simply use the skate tool or wrench to loosen and remove it. If it’s a nylock nut, you may need to use a pair of pliers to hold the nut steady while you loosen it with the skate tool or wrench.

Once the axle nut is removed, you can pull the wheel off the axle. If the wheel is stuck, you may need to use a gentle rocking motion to loosen it. Once the wheel is removed, you can repeat the process on the other side of the skate to remove the other wheel.

Type of Axle Nut	Removal Tool
Hex nut	Skate tool or 13mm wrench
Nylock nut	Skate tool or 13mm wrench + pliers

Pushing Out the Bearings from One Side

To remove bearings from one side, follow these steps:

Identify the bearing side: Determine which side of the wheel the bearings are located on. This can usually be identified by the presence of a dust shield or bearing cap.
Prepare the axle: Remove the axle nut and washer from the side of the wheel with the bearings.
Insert a bearing removal tool: Place the bearing removal tool (or a suitable replacement, such as a small screwdriver or Allen wrench) into the bearing’s inner race.

Push the bearings out: Firmly but gently push the bearing removal tool against the inner race of the bearing. This should gradually force the bearing out of its seat. Repeat this process for all bearings on that side of the wheel.

Tip:	Details:
Use a stable surface	Place the wheel on a stable surface to prevent it from rolling and causing injury.
Apply even pressure	Push the bearing removal tool evenly against the inner race to avoid damaging the bearing or the wheel.
Reinstall carefully	When reinserting the bearings, ensure they are properly seated and aligned before tightening the axle nut.

How To Take Out Skate Bearings

Ejecting Loose Bearings and Washing Them

To eject loose bearings, you’ll need a thin, pointed object like a skate tool or a small screwdriver. First, identify the small hole on the side of the bearing.

Insert the pointed object into the hole and gently push inward. The bearing should pop out of its housing.

To wash the bearings, place them in a small container filled with rubbing alcohol or degreaser.

Let the bearings soak for a few minutes, then use a soft brush to remove any dirt or debris.

Rinse the bearings thoroughly with clean water and allow them to dry completely before reinstalling them.

Cleaning the Bearing Spacers

Once the bearings have been removed, the bearing spacers need to be cleaned. Bearing spacers are typically made of plastic or metal and can accumulate dirt and grime over time. To clean the bearing spacers, use a soft cloth or brush and some mild dish soap. Gently scrub the spacers to remove any dirt or debris. Rinse the spacers thoroughly with water and dry them completely before reassembling the bearings.

It’s crucial to pay attention to the following points when cleaning the bearing spacers:

Steps
Use a soft cloth or brush to avoid scratching the spacers.
Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that could damage the spacers.
Rinse the spacers thoroughly to remove any soap residue.
Dry the spacers completely before reassembling the bearings to prevent rust or corrosion.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your bearing spacers are clean and free of debris, which will help extend the life of your skateboard bearings.

Removal of Bearings

Locate the bearings at the core of the wheels. Use a 5/16-inch socket wrench or a skate tool to loosen the axle nut that holds the wheels in place.

Gently tap the axle with a hammer to remove the bearings from the inner part of the wheel. Bearings may come out easily or might require a bit more force. If they are stuck, use a bearing puller specifically designed for skateboards.

Cleaning the Bearings

Separate the bearings from their shields and spacers. Submerge them in a cleaning solution, such as rubbing alcohol or a specialized bearing cleaner. Agitate the solution to remove any dirt or debris.

Rinse the bearings thoroughly with clean water and dry them completely with a clean cloth or air compressor.

Lubrication

Apply a small drop of a high-quality bearing lubricant to the inside of each bearing. Avoid over-lubrication, as excess lubricant can attract dirt and create resistance.

Reinstallation of Bearings

Place the bearings back into the wheel, ensuring they fit snugly. Position the spacers between the bearings.

Insert the axle through the bearings and spacers. Thread the axle nut onto the axle and tighten it securely using a socket wrench or skate tool.

Use a hammer to tap the axle back into place. Ensure the axle is fully inserted and the wheels spin smoothly.

Maintenance and Care

Regularly inspect and clean your bearings to prolong their lifespan. Replace bearings when they start to show signs of wear or damage.

Tips for Removing Stubborn Bearings

Problem	Solution
Frozen bearings	Use a penetrating oil or heat gun to loosen the bearings.
Stuck spacer	Carefully pry the spacer loose using a flathead screwdriver.
Damaged bearing	Replace the damaged bearing with a new one.

Aligning the Bearings and Wheels

8. Installing the Bearings

First, take the axle nut and place it on the axle, then place one bearing on each side of the wheel. Make sure that the bearings are facing the correct way. The dished side should be facing the wheel.

Next, place the washer on the axle and then screw on the axle nut. Tighten the nut until it is snug, but do not overtighten it. The bearings should be able to spin freely but should not be loose.

To check if the bearings are properly aligned, spin the wheel. The wheel should spin smoothly and without any wobble.

If the wheel does not spin smoothly, the bearings may need to be adjusted. To do this, loosen the axle nut and then use your fingers to gently push the bearings back and forth until they are aligned properly.

Once the bearings are aligned, tighten the axle nut and check the wheel again to make sure that it is spinning smoothly.

Appropriate Axle Nut Tightness
Tighten the nut just enough to keep the wheel from wobbling.
The nut should not be too tight, as this can damage the bearings.
The nut should not be too loose, as this can cause the wheel to fall off.

Tightening the Axle Nuts

Once you have your skate bearings out, it’s time to tighten the axle nuts. This will help keep your bearings in place and prevent them from coming loose while you’re skating.

To tighten the axle nuts, you will need the following tools:

10mm socket wrench
10mm hex key

Once you have your tools, follow these steps:

Place the 10mm socket wrench on the axle nut.
Turn the socket wrench clockwise to tighten the axle nut.
Use the hex key to tighten the axle nut until it is snug.
Repeat steps 1-3 for the other axle nut.

Once you have tightened the axle nuts, your skate bearings should be securely in place. You can now reassemble your skates and start skating.

Here are some additional tips for tightening axle nuts:

Tip	Description
Don’t overtighten the axle nuts.	Overtightening the axle nuts can damage the bearings or the axles.
Check the tightness of the axle nuts regularly.	The axle nuts can come loose over time, so it’s important to check them regularly and tighten them if necessary.
Use a thread locker to prevent the axle nuts from coming loose.	A thread locker is a liquid that helps to keep nuts and bolts from coming loose. It can be applied to the threads of the axle nuts to help prevent them from loosening.

Reassembling the Skateboard

1. Inserting the Bearings

Gently slide the bearings into the wheels, ensuring they sit snugly inside. Use a light tapping motion or a bearing press tool for a secure fit.

2. Placing the Wheels on the Axles

Align the bearings with the axles and carefully push the wheels onto them, one pair at a time. Ensure the bearings are fully seated and the wheels spin freely.

3. Tightening the Axle Nuts

Using a skate tool or a wrench, tighten the axle nuts gradually. Overtightening can damage the bearings or strip the threads. Aim for a comfortable snugness where the wheels can still rotate smoothly.

4. Flipping the Board

Flip the skateboard over and repeat steps 1-3 for the other set of wheels.

5. Tightening the Truck Bolts

Use the skate tool to tighten the truck bolts that hold the trucks to the deck. Apply even pressure to distribute the load and prevent warping.

6. Adjusting the Truck Bushings

If desired, adjust the truck bushings for the desired tightness or looseness of the trucks. Use a skate tool to turn the kingpin nut clockwise to tighten or counterclockwise to loosen.

7. Setting the Wheels

Spin the wheels to check for smoothness and alignment. Make any necessary adjustments to the axle nuts or truck bushings to ensure optimal performance.

8. Tightening the Kingpin Nut

Using the skate tool, tighten the kingpin nut that connects the hanger to the baseplate of the trucks. Ensure it’s secure but not overtightened.

9. Checking the Grip Tape

Inspect the grip tape for any wear or tear. If it’s worn, consider replacing it.

10. Lubrication and Maintenance

Lubricate the bearings occasionally with a specialized spray lubricant. Regular maintenance will prolong the life of the bearings and improve the overall performance of your skateboard.