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How to Disassemble a Skateboard Bearing

Although skate bearings generally last a long time and require little maintenance, you may need to disassemble them for cleaning if you ride through rain puddles, mud or sand on a regular basis. When bearings get dirty or corroded with rust, the balls and races inside the bearings pit, causing friction and excessive heat when the wheels spin. Eventually this problem will impede the spinning of the bearings and wheels, and this typically occurs while you are actively riding your skateboard.

Things You'll Need

Adjustable wrench
Pushpin
Screwdriver

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the nut from the axle. Pull the wheel down the axle to position the inner bearing on the edge of the axle. Twist the bearing clockwise manually while simultaneously pushing it down to remove it from the wheel. Turn the wheel over. Repeat to remove the remaining bearings.
- 2
  Access the cartridges by carefully inserting a pushpin between one of the rubber shields and the edge of the inner race of the bearing. If the shield is metal instead of rubber, unscrew the ̶0;C̶1;-shaped clip that surrounds the inner race.
- 3
  Gently pry the shield up until it pops off of the bearing without bending or tearing it.
- 4
  Insert the pushpin between the ball seats and push the ball retainer out of the bearing. Pushing alternatively in several different spots is often helpful.
- 5
  Tilt the bearing to one side to group the balls together and allow the balls to fall out of the races freely.

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