4 Easy Steps: How to Remove Skateboard Bearings

Image of skateboard bearings

Taking out skate bearings may seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually quite simple with the right tools and a little know-how. Whether you’re replacing old bearings or simply cleaning them, knowing how to remove them properly is essential. This guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to take out skate bearings safely and efficiently, ensuring that your wheels keep rolling smoothly for years to come.

First and foremost, you’ll need to gather the necessary tools for the job. These include a skate tool, a bearing puller, and a clean cloth. Once you have your tools ready, you can begin the process. Start by removing the axle nuts using the skate tool. Once the nuts are off, you can use the bearing puller to pry the bearings out of the wheels. Be careful not to damage the bearings or the wheels during this process. Finally, use the clean cloth to wipe away any dirt or debris from the bearings and wheels.

Now that you know how to take out skate bearings, you can keep your wheels rolling smoothly and safely. Taking out bearings is a relatively simple task, but it’s important to do it properly to avoid damaging your equipment. With the right tools and a little know-how, you can keep your bearings in top condition for years to come, ensuring that your skating experience is always a smooth one.

Gathering the Necessary Tools

Before you embark on the task of removing skate bearings, it’s essential to assemble the required tools. Having the right equipment ensures a smooth and efficient process.

The most crucial tool is an Allen wrench or skate key. Choose the correct size for your skateboard’s axle nuts, typically 3/8″ (9.5mm) or 1/2″ (12.7mm). Skate keys often come in a T-shape with a built-in bearing removal tool.

A bearing press can make the removal process easier, especially if the bearings are difficult to dislodge. This device typically consists of a socket and anvil that fits around the bearing, applying pressure to push it out.

Other useful tools include a rag or cloth, a lubricant like WD-40, and a small hammer. The rag is for wiping away dirt or debris, while lubricant can help loosen stubborn bearings. The hammer is necessary if the bearings are extremely tight and require tapping.

Tool	Description
Allen wrench or skate key	For removing axle nuts and bearing spacers
Bearing press (optional)	For easier bearing removal
Rag or cloth	For cleaning debris
Lubricant (optional)	For loosening bearings
Small hammer (optional)	For tapping stubborn bearings

Removing the Axle Nuts

To remove the axle nuts, you will need a wrench or skate tool. Place the wrench or skate tool on the axle nut and turn it counterclockwise to loosen it. Once the axle nut is loose, you can remove it by hand. Be careful not to lose the axle nut, as you will need it to reassemble the skateboard.

Using a Wrench or Skate Tool

If you are using a wrench or skate tool to remove the axle nuts, place the wrench or skate tool on the axle nut and turn it counterclockwise. Use a firm grip and apply even pressure to loosen the axle nut. Be careful not to overtighten the axle nut, as this can damage the nut or the skateboard.

Tools for Removing Axle Nuts
Wrench	Skate tool

Using a Skate Tool to Separate the Bearings

The most efficient method for removing skateboard bearings is using a skate tool. This tool features a specific attachment designed to fit snugly around the outer bearing race. Once the tool is in place, follow these steps to separate the bearings:

1. Loosen the Axle Nut

Place the skate tool on the axle nut and turn it counterclockwise to loosen it. Avoid over-loosening, as this can damage the axle or nut.

2. Remove the Wheel

Once the axle nut is loosened, slide the wheel off the axle. Be careful not to lose the bearings or any spacers that may be present.

3. Position the Skate Tool

Insert the bearing removal attachment of the skate tool into the outer bearing race. The tool should fit snugly, ensuring a secure grip.


Step	Action
1	Place the skate tool inside the outer bearing race.
2	Ensure the tool is fully seated and gripping the bearing firmly.
3	Check that the tool is perpendicular to the bearing.
4	Apply force to the tool to pop the bearing out of the wheel.

4. Pop the Bearing

Apply firm downward pressure on the skate tool while keeping it perpendicular to the bearing. This will force the bearing out of the wheel with a satisfying “pop” sound.

5. Repeat for the Other Bearings

Repeat the same process for the other three bearings on the wheel. Once all bearings are removed, you can proceed with cleaning or lubricating them as needed.

Avoiding Damage to the Bearings

Use the Right Tools

Firstly, having the right tools will make the process faster and more effective. A skate tool is highly recommended, as they typically have the right size hex key or allen key to fit your skateboard’s axle nuts. If you don’t have a skate tool, you can use a regular hex key or allen key, but make sure it’s the right size for your axle nuts.

Wipe Them Down First

Cleaning the bearings before attempting to take them out will make everything run much more smoothly. Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe down the bearings and remove any dirt or dust. This will help to prevent the dirt from getting into the bearings and causing damage.

Use a Block of Wood

Once the bearings are clean, you can start to remove them. To avoid damaging the bearings, it’s important to use a block of wood to protect them. Place the block of wood over the bearings and then use a hammer to tap on the block of wood. This will help to loosen the bearings and make them easier to remove.

Use a Bearing Puller Key

Bearing puller keys are designed to remove bike wheel bearings but can also be used successfully to remove skateboard wheel bearings. To use a bearing puller key, insert the hook end inside the bearing’s inner race (the smaller ring inside the bearing) and pull the hook toward you while wiggling the key to work the bearing loose, Once the bearing starts to come out, you can remove the puller and finish removing the bearing with your hands.

Tools you need:

– Skate tool or hex key or allen key

– Cloth

– Block of wood

– Hammer

– Bearing puller key (optional)

Cleaning and Inspecting the Bearings

Step 1: Remove the Bearings
To remove the bearings, you will need a bearing puller tool. This tool is a small, inexpensive device that can be found at most skate shops. With the puller tool, insert the tips into the bearing and squeeze the handles. This will loosen the bearing and allow you to pull it out of the wheel.

Step 2: Clean the Bearings
Once the bearings have been removed, they need to be cleaned. This can be done with a variety of methods, but the most effective way is to use a bearing cleaning kit. These kits typically come with a cleaning solution, a brush, and a drying rack. Follow the instructions provided with the kit to clean the bearings.

Step 3: Inspect the Bearings
After the bearings have been cleaned, they need to be inspected for wear and damage. Look for any cracks, chips, or other signs of damage. If you find any damage, the bearing should be replaced. You should also check the bearings for smoothness. If a bearing feels rough or gritty, it should be replaced.

Greasing the Bearings

Skate bearings come pre-lubricated with grease, but that grease can wear off over time. To keep your bearings running smoothly and efficiently, it’s important to lubricate them regularly. Here’s how to do it:

Remove the bearings from the wheels.
Clean the bearings thoroughly with a degreaser or rubbing alcohol.
Apply a small amount of grease to the inside of each bearing.
Reinstall the bearings into the wheels.
Tighten the axle nuts, but don’t overtighten them.
Types of Grease:

Grease Type	Benefits
Lithium Grease	High melting point, water-resistant, and protects against corrosion
Synthetic Grease	Low friction, high speed performance, and long-lasting
Ceramic Grease	Extreme temperature resistance, low friction, and reduced wear

Note: It’s important to use a grease that is specifically designed for skate bearings. Automotive grease or other types of grease may not provide adequate lubrication and could even damage your bearings.

Removing the Bearings

1. Place the wheels with the bearings facing up on a flat surface.

2. Locate the small hole in the center of the bearing.

3. Insert the skate tool into the hole and turn it counterclockwise to loosen the bearing.

4. Once the bearing is loose, pull it out of the wheel.

5. Repeat steps 2-4 for the remaining bearings.

Cleaning the Bearings

1. Place the bearings in a container filled with cleaning solvent.

2. Use a brush to clean the bearings, removing any dirt or debris.

3. Rinse the bearings thoroughly with water.

4. Dry the bearings completely using a towel or compressed air.

Lubricating the Bearings

1. Apply a drop or two of bearing lubricant to the inner race of each bearing.

2. Rotate the bearings to distribute the lubricant evenly.

Installing the Bearings

1. Hold the wheel so that the bearing holes are facing up.

2. Align the bearing with one of the holes.

3. Press the bearing into the hole until it is seated.

4. Repeat steps 2-3 for the remaining bearings.

Tightening the Bearings

1. Use the skate tool to tighten the bearings by turning them clockwise.

2. Be careful not to overtighten the bearings, as this can damage them.

Adjusting the Bearing Tension

1. Skate around for a few minutes to break in the new bearings.

2. Adjust the bearing tension as needed by loosening or tightening the bearings with the skate tool.

Maintaining the Bearings

Frequency	Action
Monthly	Clean and lubricate the bearings.
Weekly	Inspect the bearings for wear or damage.
As Needed	Replace worn or damaged bearings.

Tightening the Axle Nuts

Without tightening the axle nuts securely, the wheels will wobble and impede your skating experience. Here are the steps to tighten the axle nuts:

1. Identifying the Axle Nuts

Locate the two axle nuts on each wheel. They are usually positioned on the outer sides of the wheel, just inside the bearing shields.

2. Securing the Skate with a Tool

Hold the skate securely with a skate tool or pair of pliers. Make sure the wheels are facing you.

3. Tightening the Axle Nut

Insert the skate tool or pliers onto the axle nut. Turn the nut clockwise to tighten it. Do not overtighten, as this can damage the bearings or axle.

4. Checking the Tightness

After tightening the axle nut, spin the wheel. It should spin freely without any wobbling or resistance.

5. Tightening the Second Nut

Repeat the tightening process for the second axle nut on the same wheel. Ensure that both nuts are tightened equally.

6. Tightening All Four Wheels

Follow the same steps to tighten the axle nuts on all four wheels of the skateboard.

7. Final Tightening

Once all the axle nuts have been tightened, grab the wheels and try to wiggle them. If there is no movement, the nuts are sufficiently tightened.

8. Alignment with the Bearing Shields

Examine the alignment of the axle nuts. They should be flush with or slightly recessed within the bearing shields. If the nuts protrude, loosen them slightly until they align properly. If they are too deep, tighten them slightly until they become flush.

9. Replacing the Wheel Nuts

Once the axle nuts are properly tightened, replace the wheel nuts if they were removed during the tightening process. Hand-tighten the wheel nuts onto the exposed axle threads.

By following these steps and paying attention to the alignment and tightness of the axle nuts, you can ensure a smooth and safe ride on your skateboard.

Testing the Bearings

Once you have removed the wheels, it is time to test the bearings to determine if they need to be cleaned or replaced. Here are the steps to test the bearings:

Hold the bearing in one hand and the inner race in the other.
Spin the inner race.
Feel for any resistance or grinding.
Listen for any unusual noises.
If you feel any resistance or hear any unusual noises, the bearings need to be cleaned or replaced.
Repeat steps 2-5 for the other bearings on the wheel.

Here is a table summarizing the different bearing conditions and what they indicate:

Bearing Condition	Indication
Spins smoothly with no resistance or noise	Bearings are in good condition.
Spins with some resistance or noise	Bearings need to be cleaned.
Does not spin or spins very slowly with significant resistance or noise	Bearings need to be replaced.

Storing the Bearings Properly

Bearing are precision parts. They need to be handled with care to prevent damage. When storing your bearings, follow these tips:

Clean and lubricate the bearings before storing them.
Wrap the bearings in a soft cloth to prevent them from bumping against each other.
Store the bearings in a cool, dry place.
Avoid storing the bearings in direct sunlight.
Do not store the bearings in extreme temperatures.
Do not store the bearings in a humid environment.
If you are storing the bearings for a long period of time, consider placing them in a sealed container with desiccant.
Do not store the bearings in a bag or container that is not breathable.
Do not store the bearings in a place where they could be exposed to chemicals.
Do not store the bearings in a place where they could be damaged by pests.

The table below provides a quick summary of the storage guidelines:

Storage Condition	Recommendation
Cleanliness	Clean and lubricate bearings before storing
Protection	Wrap bearings in soft cloth to prevent bumping
Environment	Store bearings in a cool, dry place
Avoidance	Do not store bearings in direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, or humid environment
Long-term Storage	Place bearings in a sealed container with desiccant
Breathability	Do not store bearings in a bag or container that is not breathable
Chemicals	Do not store bearings in a place where they could be exposed to chemicals
Pests	Do not store bearings in a place where they could be damaged by pests

How To Take Out Skate Bearings

Skate bearings are an important part of your skateboard, and they need to be taken out and cleaned on a regular basis to keep your skateboard running smoothly. Here are the steps on how to take out skate bearings:

Loosen the axle nuts. Use a skate tool or a wrench to loosen the axle nuts on both sides of the wheel.
Remove the wheels. Pull the wheels off of the axles.
Remove the bearing spacers. There will be one bearing spacer on each side of the wheel. Use a skate tool or a small screwdriver to pry the bearing spacers off of the axles.
Remove the bearings. Use a skate tool or a small screwdriver to pry the bearings off of the axles.