Skateboard bearings can last anywhere from several months to several years, depending on how much you use your board and how well you maintain the bearings. Most bearings will last between 3-6 months with frequent use, while lightly used skateboards may have bearings that last up to a year or more.
Including the quality of the bearings, how often they are lubricated, and how often the skateboard is used. Higher-quality bearings usually last longer than lower-quality ones. Keeping the bearings clean and properly lubricated can also extend their lifetime.
Additionally, riding in wet or salty environments can cause corrosion and reduce the longevity of the bearings. The best way to increase the life of your skateboard bearings is to take good care of them, clean and lubricate them regularly, and replace them if they start to show signs of wear.
Table of Contents
How often should you replace skateboard bearings?
It depends on how often you are skating and how much maintenance you are providing them. Generally, good bearings should last anywhere from several months up to a year depending on the quality of the bearings.
As bearings wear they can become less efficient, more noisy, and cause increased wear on other parts of your skateboard setup. Regularly cleaning and lubricating the bearings on your skateboard can help extend the life of your bearings, if you’re using them often.
If you notice any signs of wear, such as grinding sounds or difficulty rolling, then it’s time to replace them. It may also be a good idea to replace them at least once a year, regardless of their condition, to ensure that you’re getting the best performance from your bearings.
Is it OK to use wd40 on skateboard bearings?
No, it is not recommended to use WD-40 on skateboard bearings. WD-40 is a lubricant, but it does not provide enough lubrication or protection for bearings. Using WD-40 might actually weaken or damage them.
Skateboard bearings are designed to specifically require a specialized lubrication or oil. WD-40 might allow dirt and moisture to get in them and cause them to corrode faster. If your bearings are squeaking, it is best to use a drop of skateboard bearing oil or a specialized lubricant specifically formulated for skateboard bearings.
Doing so will ensure that your bearings last longer and perform better.
Is rubbing alcohol good for skate bearings?
No, using rubbing alcohol on skate bearings is not recommended. Rubbing alcohol is a powerful solvent that can break down the grease inside skate bearings, ultimately causing them to degrade quickly.
Instead of using rubbing alcohol, skate bearings should be serviced with industry-grade lubricants designed specifically for skateboarding. Different types of lube may also be used to adjust the feel or spin time of skate bearings, depending on the preference of the rider.
It is always recommended to consult the bearing manufacturer’s instructions for proper cleaning and lubrication methods. If a deep clean is necessary, a bearing cleaner should be used instead of rubbing alcohol.
Can you clean skateboard bearings with dish soap?
Yes, you can clean skateboard bearings with dish soap. To do so, you will need to remove the bearings from the skateboard and place them in a bowl or container filled with a small amount of warm water, a few drops of dish soap, and a few drops of lemon juice.
Swish the bearings around in the bowl until you have noticed that the water has become murky or has turned the color of the bearings, indicating that the dirt has been removed. After that, you can use a dry microfiber cloth to dry off the bearings, and then place them back in the skateboard to make sure they have been completely dried off.
Be sure not to use too much water or soap as this may create a thick, foamy residue on the bearings that can cause dust, dirt, and grime to become trapped.
What can I use to lubricate skateboard bearings?
Skateboard bearings require a light lubricant to keep them in optimal operating condition. The recommendation is to use a light, water-resistant lubricant such as 5/30 motor oil, 3-in-One lubricant, or a specialized skateboard bearing lube.
Avoid the use of heavy-duty or wet lubes as they can leave residue and attract dirt and other contaminants. For added protection, use a bearing shield or rubber-based shielding to keep dirt and debris out.
You might also want to check with your local skate shop or skateboard bearing manufacturer for more specific advice. When applying the lubrication, make sure to apply a small drop of lubricant to the bearing and inside each bearing shield.
Give the bearing a few minutes to absorb the lubricant. Wipe off any excess lubricant before putting the wheels back on. Additionally, make sure to check the bearings periodically to ensure the lubrication is still working, and to add more if necessary.
Is WD40 a good bearing lubricant?
No, WD40 is not an ideal lubricant for bearings. WD40 is a water displacement formula, meaning it works to keep water and moisture away from surfaces, which is useful for short-term protection. However, because the product contains many different chemicals, the long-term exposure to these chemicals can damage the bearing over time.
The product also contains solvents, which can cause premature bearing failure due to the evaporation and breakdown of the lubricant. Therefore, it is best to use a high quality bearing lubricant to ensure maximum performance and long-term protection.
What lubricant can I use on my bearings?
When it comes to lubricants for bearings, there are several types available. The most common type is a grease-based lubricant, typically made with a base oil, thickener and additives. This type of lubricant helps to reduce bearing noise and operating temperatures.
Oil-based lubricants are also popular, and typically contain mineral, synthetic or eco-friendly bases. These oil-based lubricants help to reduce wear and last longer than grease lubricants. In some cases, a combination of both grease and oil is used, usually for specialty applications.
Lastly, there are dry lubricants, such as molybdenum disulfide (or MoS2) and graphite. These offer superior protection in extremely high or low temperature operations, and have little or no mess when not in use.
When choosing a lubricant for your bearings, always keep the application’s temperature ranges and load capacity in mind to help you determine the best option.
What are good bearings for skateboarding?
Good bearings for skateboarding vary depending on a few factors such as your riding style, budget, and desired speed. Generally, high quality bearings feature hardened steel and match grade components to withstand extreme speeds, is rust-resistant, and offers smoother spins.
Also, you may want to look into getting bearing spacers (optional but can prevent wheel wobble!) and bearing lubricants for an even smoother ride.
For beginners, there are plenty of cost-effective options that can still provide a good quality ride. Abec 3, 5, or 7 rated bearings are a good place to start with such as Bones Red bearings or Mini Logo bearings.
Meanwhile, for more advanced skaters, you might want to upgrade your bearings. High-end bearings such as Bones Swiss or Black Magic are known for their high-tolerance and offer lower friction for high speeds and provides a faster, smoother ride with less wheel drag.
Depending on your budget, you can also try Ceramic options such as Bones Super Swiss Ceramics.
For the best performance, maintenance and cleaning of your bearings is essential – it will improve their spin and lifespan. Consider cleaning and lubricating your bearings every few weeks if you skate regularly.
What is better ABEC 7 or 9?
This is a difficult question to answer because it depends largely on the type of activity you plan to use the bearings for, as well as the type of terrain and riding environment. Generally, ABEC 7 bearings are considered to be the best choice for park and ramp skateboarding, as they don’t require as much force to turn and offer a smoother, more controlled ride.
However, if you’re looking to use your bearings for downhill or speed skating, you may want to consider ABEC 9. These bearings are more precise and offer a faster ride, which can be beneficial in these types of activities.
Ultimately, the decision between ABEC 7 or 9 comes down to personal preference, so it would be best to test out different types to find out which one you prefer for your own skating needs.
Do I need 7mm or 8mm bearings?
The size bearings you need will depend on the type of skateboard you are using. Generally speaking, 7mm bearings are for quarter pipes, half pipes, and mini ramps, while 8mm bearings are for street and freestyle skateboarding.
However, this is not always the case as some boards have specifically built in features that may require a specific size bearing. Ultimately, the best way to determine which size bearings to use is to check the manufacturer’s recommendation for the skateboard you have.
What bearings does Tony Hawk use?
Tony Hawk is well-known for professionally using Bones Bearings. He has been using Bones Bearings for over 35 years and credits them for helping him to achieve success in his skateboarding career. Bones Bearings are designed and manufactured to perform at a high level and to be resistant to wear and corrosion.
They feature high-quality construction, high-precision components, and advanced lubrication systems to help Tony skate at his best. Tony has also been an ambassador for Bones Bearings since 1998, and regularly endorses them as an excellent brand of bearings for skateboarders.
How do I choose a bearing?
Choosing a bearing can be a difficult task as there are a variety of factors to consider. The first step in selecting a bearing is to determine the purpose of the bearing and its intended environment.
This is important because certain bearings are more suited for certain applications. It is important to understand the design requirements of the application and the load characteristics that the bearing must sustain.
Additionally, the operating temperature, speed, and the type and amount of lubrication the bearing requires should be taken into account. Once these parameters are established, the optimum bearing type and size can be chosen from a range of available options.
In most cases, the bearing should come from a reliable, experienced supplier as quality is of paramount importance when selecting a bearing. Furthermore, the cost of the bearing should also be considered, as some options may be more affordable than others.
Ultimately, when choosing a bearing, it is essential to consider all of the aforementioned factors in order to make the optimum selection for a successful application.
What is a good brand for wheel bearings?
Timken is an excellent brand for wheel bearings. Products from this well-respected American company feature superior craftsmanship, attention to detail, and high-grade materials. They offer a variety of wheel bearings such as tapered and rod end bearings, sealed and unsealed bearings, bearing kits, and much more.
Additionally, Timken manufactures products with superior quality control and strict adherence to ISO/TS-16949 standards. With wheels being one of the most important components to a vehicle’s safety, it is important to use quality parts to ensure smooth operation.
Timken is considered a top-of-the-line choice for wheel bearings not only by vehicle manufacturers, but also by many mechanics. The company is renowned for producing trustworthy, long-lasting products that you can trust even when you’re cruising down the highway.
Do good bearings make a difference?
Yes, good bearings can make a difference when it comes to performance. The quality of your bearings will affect how fast and smoothly the wheels on your skateboard, roller skates, or bike spin. High quality bearings provide less friction and allow for faster speeds and better turning ability.
The tighter the bearing tolerances are and the better the fabrication quality of the bearing, the better the performance of your board, skates, or bike will be. Good bearings will also have lower levels of drag so they will take less effort to move and spin, and therefore provide better performance.
Bearing materials also make a difference, as higher quality bearings are usually made of harder materials, such as titanium and stainless steel, that are better suited for long use and higher temperatures.
The cost of good bearings can be higher but, in the long-run, they are worth it as they could be the difference between an enjoyable experience or a painful one.
