Friday, January 1, 2010

How to Clean Your Skateboard Bearings and Wheels

If you notice that your wheels are not gliding the way they should be or creating a distinct squeaking sound, then it is time to do some maintenance cleaning.

1. Using a +" socket wrench or a skate tool, remove the wheels from the trucks.

2. Then, remove the bearings from the wheels. To do this, barely hook the wheel back to the axle (the bearing should be hooked to the tip of the axle) and slowly pry the wheel, pooping the bearing out. This requires extreme care as you might damage the bearing in the process.

3. Once you have separated the bearing from the wheels, you can now clean them separately.

4. To clean the wheels, use water or mild soap and water solution. Brush the dirt off the wheels or simply wipe them with rag or towel. Check and remove dirt embedded in and around the wheel. Dry the wheels with cloth or towel.

5. Now, clean the bearings. Take one bearing and spray every edge with a generous amount of Tri-flow Superior Lubricant. Do this on both sides of the bearings. Repeat the same procedure to the rest of the bearings.

6. Once you are done with all the bearings, you can attach them one by one back to the wheels immediately or let them leak dan dry first.

7. Reattach the wheel and bearings assembly back to the truck.

If you do not have the time to do all these, you can clean the bearings while still inside the wheel. To do this, remove the wheel from the truck and spray Tri-flow Superior Lubricant directly to the bearings. Pat down the wheel assembly to remove the lubricant inside. Then, reattach the wheels back to the trucks. While this cleans the bearings, you may want to periodically remove the bearings off its wheel for thorough maintenance.

Cleaning your skateboard bearings and wheels not only will improve your skateboarding experience, it also will extend your bearings' and wheels' lifespan.

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