Skateboard Wheels: Bearings, Types, and Performance

Bearings: The Heart of Rolling Wheels

Bearings are the unsung heroes of skateboarding, accounting for a significant 80% of the impact on how a skateboard rolls. These tiny precision devices allow wheels to spin smoothly, enabling riders to accelerate, maneuver, and maintain speed.

Types of Skateboard Bearings

Skateboard bearings come in various types, each with its own characteristics:

Choosing the Right Bearings for Your Ride

Speed: Ceramic bearings offer the highest speed due to their low friction, while ABEC-rated bearings provide a balance of speed and durability.

Durability: Ceramic bearings are the most durable, followed by Swiss Precision and Bones Reds. ABEC-rated bearings offer varying levels of durability depending on the rating.

Cost: Ceramic bearings command the highest price, followed by Swiss Precision and Bones Reds. ABEC-rated bearings are typically more affordable.

Maintaining Your Bearings

Bearings require regular cleaning and lubrication to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Cleaning Bearings:

1. Remove bearings from wheels.
2. Soak bearings in a degreaser or bearing cleaner.
3. Rinse bearings thoroughly with water.
4. Dry bearings with a clean cloth or compressed air.

Lubricating Bearings:

1. Apply a small drop of high-quality bearing oil to each bearing.
2. Spin bearings to distribute oil evenly.
3. Reinstall bearings into wheels.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common mistakes to keep your bearings in top condition:

• Over-tightening: Tightening axle nuts too much can damage bearings.
• Using the wrong tools: Remove bearings using a proper bearing puller to prevent damage.
• Lack of maintenance: Regularly cleaning and lubricating bearings extends their lifespan.

Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Bearings

1. Gather materials: Bearings, bearing puller, axle wrench, lubricant, and cleaning solution.
2. Remove old bearings: Use a bearing puller to remove the old bearings from the wheels.
3. Clean the wheels: Use a brush and cleaning solution to clean the inside of the wheels.
4. Lubricate the bearings: Apply a small drop of lubricant to each new bearing.
5. Install the bearings: Hand-press the new bearings into the wheels.
6. Tighten the axle nuts: Use an axle wrench to tighten the axle nuts, but avoid over-tightening.

Conclusion

Skateboard bearings play a critical role in performance. By choosing the right bearings, maintaining them properly, and avoiding common mistakes, riders can enhance their skateboarding experience and ensure smooth, fast, and controlled rides.