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Sometimes, skateboard bearings need more than cleaning. Bearings can get rusted or pitted beyond repair, and when that happens there’s no real solution beyond replacing them. Luckily, replacing your bearings is one of the easier (and more satisfying) skateboard projects. In this article, we’ll break down everything you’ll need to do in order to install some fresh bearings so you can get back on the board.

1

Purchase replacement bearings.

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  1. How.com.vn English: Obtain the correct replacement bearings for your wheels.
    Your local skateboard shop should be able to help if you don’t know what kind of bearings you’d need.
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2

Take the wheels off.

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  1. How.com.vn English: Remove the wheels with a ratchet or skate tool.
    Put the two washers and nut from the wheel in a bag or other small container so you do not lose them.[1]
3

Put the first bearing on the axle.

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  1. How.com.vn English: Place the bearing on the edge of the axle of the truck.
    [2]
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4

Pry the bearing off.

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  1. How.com.vn English: Continue to slowly apply pressure until it pops off.
    If you're going to throw the bearings away anyway, you don't need to be too delicate with them, but try not to damage the wheel in the process.[3]
5

Repeat this process on the other wheels.

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  1. How.com.vn English: Repeat the process for the bearing on the other side of the wheel.
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6

Slide the bearings into place.

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  1. How.com.vn English: Drop the new bearings into the hole in the wheel or truck.
    Go for whatever makes this easier for you when it comes to attaching the bearings.[4]
7

Put the wheel on the truck.

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  1. How.com.vn English: With the bearing in place, slide the wheel on to the truck.
    Put the wheel onto the truck of the skateboard and press down on the wheel to press the bearing into place.
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8

Install the spacer.

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  1. How.com.vn English: Put the bearing spacer inside the wheel on the other side.
    [5]
9

Slide the bearing on.

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  1. How.com.vn English: Repeat the process to press the second bearing into place.
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10

Repeat this process for the other wheels.

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  1. How.com.vn English: Add the second bearing to each of your wheels.
11

Swap out the washers and nuts.

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  1. How.com.vn English: Make sure they’re secure before tightening everything.
    The wheels should rotate without the bearing jiggling or providing friction.
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12

Go skateboarding.

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  1. How.com.vn English: Enjoy your new board and it’s smooth ride!
    With your bearings replaced, your wheels should feel brand new now.


Community Q&A

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  • Question
    What tool do I use to pry the bearings out?
    How.com.vn English: Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Put the wheel on the truck axle, and pull the wheel at an angle until the bearing comes out.
  • Question
    Do I need to have a spacer in-between the bearings?
    How.com.vn English: Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Some wheels have a molded integrated spacer, some require a separate piece.
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      Tips

      • Work slowly to avoid damaging the parts of your skateboard that you're not replacing.
      • Clean your bearing using bones cleaning solution or other solvents (avoid water based) to avoid rusted bearings.
      • Lubricate your bearing every so often with bones speed cream or other alternatives to prevent damage from friction.
      Show More Tips
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
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      Things You'll Need

      • Bearings
      • Ratchet/skate tool

      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about skateboarding, check out our in-depth interview with Jon Depoian.

      About This Article

      How.com.vn English: Jon Depoian
      Co-authored by:
      Skateboarding Instructor
      This article was co-authored by Jon Depoian. Jon Depoian is a Skateboarding Instructor and the Owner of Intro2Skateboarding, an organization based in Orange County, California that provides professional private, home-school, after-school, birthday party, and summer camp skateboard lessons for beginners and experienced skateboarders alike. Jon has over 21 years of skateboarding experience and over 10 years of skateboard instruction experience. He also has extensive experience producing street skateboarding videos and skating competitions. This article has been viewed 122,783 times.
      2 votes - 100%
      Co-authors: 12
      Updated: July 18, 2023
      Views: 122,783
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 122,783 times.

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