Smooth rides, high speed, and control are the name of the game when it comes to skateboarding—nothing influences these more than your skateboard bearings and skateboard wheels. No matter if you are riding the streets, busting tricks at the skatepark, or shredding hills on your longboard wheels, if properly maintained, they will perform at optimal levels and last significantly longer.
This guide will go over how you can clean, lube, and do maintenance on skateboard bearings and skateboard wheels yourself to ensure your ride is running smooth.
Why Maintain Your Skateboard Bearings & Wheels?
Your bearings and wheels on your skateboard get a beating. Over time, dirt and dust will just end up making you slower, and moisture or other debris can even damage your board. The following advantages are provided by regular maintenance:
- Smooth & Speedy Rides – Cleaned bearings means less resistance, meaning a smooth and speedy skate.
- Increased Lifespan – keep the rust, flat spots and cracks away for a longer life of your skateboard wheels.
- Improved Control & Safety – With proper servicing of parts, you enjoy better manoeuvrability and lower chances of a mishap.
OK, so let us go into some top tips for looking after your bearings and wheels.
Cleaning & Maintenance of Skateboard bearings
Step 1: Take the Bearings out of the Wheels
Take some skate tools or wrenches and unscrew the axle nuts to take the wheels of the trucks. Use the edge of your truck axle to gently pop out the bearings
Step 2: Clean all Dirt & Old Lubricant
Dissolve dirt with bearing cleaner or isopropyl alcohol (preferably at least 90%). Put the bearings in the beaker-filled solution and shake for a while then leave them for 10 to 15 min to soak.
Step 3: Dry & Lubricate
Once dry, apply the bearing lubricant or speed oil and let the bearings air dry. Stay away from WD-40 or heavy grease since they will attract dirt and will slow the performance.
Step 4: Reassemble & Test
Now, put the bearings back into the skateboard wheels and thread them back onto the trucks. Spin the wheels, they should roll nice and free
Maintenance Tips: If you ride your skateboard in dusty/wet environments, clean your bearings every 2-4 weeks.
A Guide to Keeping Your Skateboard & Longboard Wheels Going
Check for Flat Spots :
Flats happen when you slide, or just stop suddenly, and it causes uneven wear on your skateboard wheels. To prevent this:
- Every few weeks rotate your wheels to wear them evenly.
- Opt for only the better urethane wheels that are flat-spot resistant.
Clean the Wheels Regularly
- Take the wheels off the trucks and clean them using a mild soap solution.
- A toothbrush can help remove dirt stuck in the bearing seat and edges.
- Then rinse and allow them to air dry thoroughly before you put them back on.
Inspect for Cracks & Wear
If your wheels are cracked or chipped, this will affect ride quality and safety. If you notice:
- Cracks or too much wear → Change the wheels.
- Rolling uneven → Look for loose or damaged bearings
Pick the Right Wheels to Suit Your Style of Riding
- Street — harder wheels (99A-101A) for tricks and grinds
- Cruising & Longboarding: Softer wheels (78A–87A) are used to soften the ride over uneven terrains.
Bearing & Wheel Replacement Timing
Be it good maintenance or not, but the bearings and wheels wear out with time. Those would be the indications that prompt for a replacement:
Bearings:
- If they feel at all rough, make a noise, or don’t spin freely after a good cleaning.
- Any rust or signs of corrosion.
Wheels:
- If it’s deep slits, flat spots, or inconsistent forms.
- But even with clean bearings, they can slow down too aggressively.
Get the best experience and invest in quality skateboard bearings, and wheels from Ghost Boards!
Closing Words: Maintain Your Skateboard in Pristine Condition
The cleaner the bearings you have, the faster they roll so taking care of them, as well as the wheels will guarantee you a faster, smoother, and all-round safer ride. And, following these maintenance tips will boost the life span and capabilities of your board.
Ghost Boards provides you with high quality skateboard wheels, longboard wheels and premium skateboard and longboard bearings for your skateboard. No matter if you are looking to replace some gear or for upgrading, check out our range and keep what you need ready to roll!
Ghost Boards — Skateboard Gear For Board Riders.
