If you’ve been skating hard all summer, chances are your bearings are probably due for a cleaning. If you spin your wheels and hear a gritty, crunchy sound, that’s the dirt in there slowing you down. Sure, if you’re lazy you can always shell out $13 for a new set of Mini Logo Bearings but it’s super easy to just clean them too.
1. It should be obvious, but you’ll need to pop your bearings out of your longboard wheels first. You can use the axle of your truck to pry them out which is much better than a screwdriver.
2. To completely clean the bearing, you’ll also have to take the outer shield off. You can use a thumb tack or needle to pull it off but be careful during this step so you don’t damage the shield.
3. Use a papertowel or toothbrush to scrub off any loose dirt on the bearings.
4. Place the bearings in a container (one that has a top) and fill it with mineral spirits or acetone.
5. Shake the jar to distribute the cleaner through the bearings and let them marinate in the solution for 15 minutes.
6. Rinse your bearings off with a high concentration isopropyl alcohol which will remove any last bits of dirt and will also evaporate to dry the bearings.
7. Place 2 drops of bearing lube or speed cream inside the bearings.
8. Spin them to disperse the lube around the bearings.
9. Place the shield back over the bearings.
10. Pop them back in your wheels and you’re ready to take your longboard deck for a cruise.
how to clean longboard bearings
**NOTE: DO NOT use WD 40 to clean your bearings. Avoid riding through puddles which will rust your bearings quick. Thanks to this blog for the play-by-play.
hey i was wondering since i have no way of getting hold of skate lube if liquid wrench would work since its a metal lubricant? thnks