If you are skating on asphalt parking lots and sidewalks, a softer wheel will help absorb the surface's roughness to produce a smoother ride and more grip.

How to removebearings from roller skate wheels

How toclean bearings

Remember that two bearings go in each wheel, one on either side. They will slide directly into the space made for them, but it will be a tight fit.

Last but not least, spin the wheels - they should spin easily, smoothly, and quietly. If a urethane wheel stops spinning quickly, loosen the nut a little until you can move the wheel a tiny bit along the axle.

However, if you like the printed graphics, you can always have that side facing out; if you prefer a simpler look, you can have the graphic side of the wheel facing inward.

By applying even pressure to the wheel, the hanger will push the bearing into its seat. Don't worry about not doing it right - you will know it when it's nested.

When you have both bearings in the wheel, you can slide the whole ensemble onto the axle. On most wheels, it doesn't matter which side faces out.

How tocleanskateboardbearings

You'll find a Phillips screwdriver for the baseplate bolts, two different sockets for your axle nuts and kingpin, and sometimes a few other features that make working on your skateboard easier.

How toput bearings inskateboardwheels

Some bearings have metal on both sides, so either way is acceptable. Keep the bearing even - you don't want it inserted at an angle.

When the nut is firmly tightened, back it off about half a rotation. The wheel should have just a little bit of jiggle along the axle, just enough that you easily feel and maybe even hear it.

Do keep in mind that to get the most out of your wheels, you need to know where you'll be using them and what you expect to do.

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How to removeskate bearings withoutatool

Although high-performance skaters and skate shops don't recommend this method because it can be hard on the bearings, many riders do it without any noticeable issues.

Do it by screwing the axle nut onto the axle as far as you can with your fingers, and then tighten it the rest of the way with your skate tool.

How to removebearings from longboard wheels

If the bearing has one metal side and one plastic side - the dust guard - you should have the plastic side facing outward and the metal side on the inside when you insert it.

If you do most of your skateboarding at a classic concrete skatepark, a harder wheel will provide plenty of grip and speed.

How toput bearings in wheels

How toinstallskateboardbearings spacers

Inserting and removing bearings from the wheel can be a complicated experience, but there are a few tricks to make the whole process easy.

The first thing you'll need to do is get the tools for the job, and any skateboard adjustment and assembly can be made with just one object.

It's a good idea to put a washer as a spacer between the hanger and the inner bearing and another between the outer bearing and the axle nut.

The process of removing the old wheels and bearing and installing new ones shouldn't take you more than 15 or 20 minutes.

Some skate tools will have a small cylindrical protrusion for prying bearings out of wheels, but the end of the axle works well, too.

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The flat spots that can be found on the surface of the urethane wheel will not allow smooth riding, resulting in uncomfortable vibrations and distracting noises.

If you were not able to get the bearings completely seated, you might screw the nut down tight, and it should press the bearings fully into their place.