Ride a skateboard, you got to clean your bearings on a regular basis. Part of the maintenance as a skater.
Keep your wheels running smooth and fast.
After checking on your bearing and you see that they are rusty or damaged, then it is time to buy a new replacement.
Otherwise, prepare the following materials to get your bearings back to to spinning condition:
Use a socket wrench, ratchet or skate tool to remove the wheels by loosening the nuts holding it in its place. Pop out the bearings from the wheels using a screw driver. If a screw driver is not available, trucks of the skateboard can actually be used. You should have 8 bearings, 2 from each wheel (you have 4 wheels total dude).
Spray a generous amount of the cleaner. A citrus cleaner for glass or furniture works well. You may also use solvents like acetone or 70% isoprophyl rubbing alcohol. Acetone may be your mother’s or older sister’s nail polish remover so ask permission and check the label to be sure as there also non-acetone based nail polish removers. Make sure if you are using solvents like alcohol or acetone, you are in a well-ventilated area and you are using gloves to avoid the solvent getting in contact with your skin, or just man up!
Citrus cleaners are usually recommended as they are mild and will not leave residue on the bearings as compared with dishwashing solutions or other household cleaners. Solvents are recommended in as far as they will dry fast. However, they may be a health hazard once inhaled or in contact with the skin. Solvents are also flammable so stay away from any flame source or lighted cigarette.
Tap the bearing on to a rag or paper towel to remove excess cleaner and dirt embedded in it. Wipe off any cleaner and let it dry.
Put some lubricant and turn the bearing on your fingers to test if it rolls with less sound and with more ease. One to three drops is enough. Wipe off excess oil. Excess lubricant will attract more dirt and grime.
In choosing the lubricant, avoid thick oil like moto oil as it can slow down movement of bearings. There are commercial grade lubricants available in some skate shops so ask around if you can visit one. Do not use cooking oil as it disintegrates in a shorter time attracting more dirt and causing your bearings to gunk up. Mineral oil works better. You can try also a sewing machine oil or electronic oil for small devices.
The last step is to put back your bearings to your skate board wheels and start skating. However, if this fast and easy way doesn’t give you satisfactory results, then you might have to consider soaking your bearings in a cleaning solution for about 10-15 minutes.
Have Fun skating with your newly cleaned bearings.
Photo credit: brailleskateboarding
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