How to Replace Skateboard Bearings

Sometimes, skateboard bearings need more than cleaning. Sometimes they get rusted or pitted beyond repair and you have to replace them. Here's how to replace your skateboard bearings yourself.

Steps

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    Obtain the correct replacement bearings for your wheels. Your local skateboard shop should be able to help.
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    Remove the wheels with a ratchet or skate tool.[1] Put the two washers and nut from the wheel in a bag or other small container so you do not lose them.
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    Put the first bearing on the edge of the axle of the truck.[2]
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    Slowly pry the bearing off.[3] If you're going to throw the bearings away anyway, you don't need to be too delicate with them, but try not to damage the wheel in the process.
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    Repeat the process for the bearing on the other side of the wheel.
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    Repeat for the other wheels.
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    Drop the new bearings into the hole in the wheel[4] or directly on the truck, whichever will make it easier in attaching the bearings.
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    Put the wheel onto the truck of the skateboard and press down on the wheel to press the bearing into place.
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    Put the bearing spacer inside the wheel on the other side.[5]
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    Repeat the process to press the second bearing into place.
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    Repeat for the other wheels.
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    Replace the wheel washers and nut, making sure they are secure.
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    Go skateboarding.

Community Q&A

  • Question
    What tool do I use to pry the bearings out?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Put the wheel on the truck axle, and pull the wheel at an angle until the bearing comes out.
  • Question
    Do I need to have a spacer in-between the bearings?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Some wheels have a molded integrated spacer, some require a separate piece.

Things You'll Need

  • Bearings
  • Ratchet/skate tool

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References

  1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XWxK2FaVL8
  2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XWxK2FaVL8
  3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ku6gnFeqzzo
  4. ↑ https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Skateboard+Wheel+Replacement/11243
  5. ↑ https://sheshreds.co/blogs/news/tech-tip-tuesday-how-to-replace-skateboard-bearings

About This Article

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 9 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 93,851 times.
55 votes - 78%
Co-authors: 9
Updated: February 23, 2020
Views: 93,851
Categories: Skateboards and Gear