How To Clean Skateboard Bearings

Table of Contents

What can I use to clean my skateboard bearings?

Acetone, isopropyl alcohol and mineral spirits are all good options. When using solvents, wear gloves and avoid contact with your skin. Use a dish or wide-mouthed bottle as a container to soak the bearings for several minutes, occasionally swirling the bearings around in the cleaner.

Can I use rubbing alcohol to clean my skateboard bearings?

Soak bearings in isopropyl alcohol Take a disposable cup or a ceramic cup and fill it about an inch or enough to submerge all 8 of your bearings. With the bearings completely relieved of their shields, place each bearing in the cup and let the alcohol work its magic.

Is it worth cleaning skate bearings?

Once you’ve got your bearings out of your wheels, you need to get inside the cartridges. On some bearings it is possible to remove the balls and cage from the race entirely for individual cleaning – but unless you really have nothing better to do it’s not really worth it.

Can you use WD-40 on skateboard bearings?

It’s important to use a silicone-based lubricant. WD40 or others like it will dry out your bearings and attract dust and dirt. It doesn’t take much, and the excess will just spin out when you replace your shields, pop your bearings back in your wheels and start shredding. Skate safe and enjoy your new-found speed.”.

Can you use dish soap to clean bearings?

Gently pry up and around the bearing, making sure not to bend it too far out of shape. The shield should remain flat throughout the process, don’t pull up in one spot. Once all shields are off, they should be placed in a bowl of warm water and dish soap. Do not place the shields in acetone/solvent.

Can you use vegetable oil as lube for bearings?

Any vegetable oil will work fine, just replace it, and clean very well, before it goes hard. Of course this is just about friction, you’d then need soen corrosion protection which comes from the additives in a lubricant.

Can you clean bearings with vinegar?

Make sure you use WHITE vinegar, not cider or balsamic. (3) Now place bearing into the vinegar. You will begin to see hydrogen bubbles forming on the bearing (5th pic is bearings in vinegar). Remove the bearing every hour and give it a scrub with the toothbrush or cloth to remove loosened rust.

Can you clean bearings with water?

Water will rust your bearings and dirt will destroy the smoothness of the super finish on your bearing races, increasing friction. If you use a water based cleaner like a citrus cleaner or a detergent, be sure to dry your bearings IMMEDIATELY and then re-coat them with lubricant to prevent rust.

Can I use 91% isopropyl alcohol to clean bearings?

Yup, 91% is good. I use 70% because I like to live on the edge. Works great, but I’ve been lucky to not have a random bearing rust.

How often should I lube my skateboard bearings?

It is highly recommended to use oil on your bearings after every cleaning, but it is also important to keep an eye out for dry bearings. Skaters should apply lubricant once there are any signs of the bearings drying out.

How long do Bones Reds last?

Both Bronson and Bones Reds will last you anywhere from two years or more, depending on how much you skateboard and how often you clean your bearings. If money isn’t an issue though, you could go get some ceramic bearings that could last a lifetime. However, they come with a huge price tag of $90 for a set.

Can you use white spirit to clean bearings?

Place the bearings in a clean jam jar (or container) and fill with white spirit until it covers the bearings. If you have removed the retainers then place them in a container with white spirit as well.

What oil do you use for bearings?

The two types of oil used for bearing lubrication are petroleum based and synthetic. Synthetic fluids include synthetic hydrocarbons, diesters, polyesters, glycols, fluorinated compounds, silicones and phosphate esters.

Can you use motor oil on skateboard bearings?

If you’re in a pinch, there are some skateboard bearing lube alternatives around the house that you can try such a motor oil or even cooking oil to lubricate your bearings. As a forewarning, WD-40 is not a lubricant, it’s a solvent, and therefore should not be used in an attempt to lubricate or grease your bearings.

Can you use soap and water to clean skateboard bearings?

Once all shields are off, they should be placed in a bowl of warm water and dish soap. Do not place the shields in acetone/solvent. Solvent will dry out and destroy the rubber/nylon compound of the shields that helps keep dirt out. With your fingers, simply rub the dirt and grease off with the soapy water.

How often should you clean your skateboard bearings?

Remember, bearings only need to be cleaned about once every two to three months depending on the environment you are skating in. If you primarily skate inside several times a month but the surface is not cleaned often, you might have to shine up your bearings once a month.