How to Clean Your Skateboard Bearings and Wheels

If you notice that your skateboard 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. (But if you are planning to throw the old bearings away and replace them with new ones, you can pry as hard as you want but make sure that you do not damage the wheels.)

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. Make sure that you are able to flush away all the dirt inside and in between the ball 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 and 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. The process may be meticulous but it is all worth the effort.

More than Just a Fashion Statement

The resurgence of the popularity of skateboarding can be attributed to a lot of factors. It is a simple sport that can be very exciting especially if you learn to do the complicated tricks. The movements are incredible and many people get a rush when doing these tricks, especially when they get to impress a lot of people. But as mentioned, the sport can be highly dangerous and many injuries have been attributed to skateboarding.

That is why it is essential that you have sturdy and durable equipment and good safety gear as well. But aside from your skateboard, your pads and your helmet, having proper skateboarding shoes will allow you to have a safe ride. Not all shoes are tailor fit for skateboarding.

When you skateboard, your ankle and feet need ample protection. A good skateboard shoe should be able to have a good grip on the board and be able to protect your ankle and foot and should have the right fit. Slips and slides can happen anytime and it does happen even to the best of them. The perfect skateboard shoe will be able to prevent injuries when these accidents do happen. Also, if your shoes have a good grip on the surface of the board, you will be able to do your tricks more effectively without letting the board slip from under you.

Good skateboarding shoes should be sturdy and strong enough to withstand the constant beating and pounding shoes absorb in skateboarding. But, it should also be flexible enough to allow a variety of foot movements especially when a rider is going fast and preparing to do tricks. The sole of the shoe should also be thick enough so that they will last a long time. Skateboarders push often for momentum and the rough surface of the skateboard can also eat through the sole in time.

You should also take into consideration comfort. Skateboarding requires hours of practice and the constant foot movements can take a toll. If you are not wearing comfortable shoes, you will end up with a blistered sore foot which can be very painful. An improper fitting shoe can take away your stability and balance which will result in accidents.

Buying a good pair of skateboarding shoes may mean more expense on your part as some of these good shoes can be quite expensive. But this extra cost will also spell the difference between effective riding and a trip to the hospital.