The Ultimate Guide to Lubricating Skateboard Bearings for Optimal Performance

Introduction

Next to buying a new set of bearings, lubrication is the single most important thing you can do to keep your skateboard bearings running smoothly and lasting longer. Additionally, bearings that are properly lubricated will maintain their speed longer, which means you'll have to push less often.

Choosing the Right Lubricant

Not all lubricants are created equal. When it comes to skateboard bearings, you'll want to choose a lubricant that is:

• Thin and oily: This will help it penetrate the bearings and reach all of the moving parts.
• Non-sticky: You don't want the lubricant to gum up the bearings and slow them down. The lubricant should also come off easily when you wash your bearings.
• Water-resistant: This will help protect the bearings from rust and corrosion.

Step-by-Step Guide to Lubricating Skateboard Bearings

1. Remove the bearings from your skateboard.
2. Wipe down the bearings with a clean cloth to remove any dirt or debris.
3. Apply a small drop of lubricant to each bearing.
4. Use a clean cloth to spread the lubricant around the bearing.
5. Reinstall the bearings on your skateboard.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using too much lubricant: This can gum up the bearings and slow them down.
• Not using enough lubricant: This can lead to the bearings wearing out prematurely.
• Using the wrong type of lubricant: Some lubricants can damage bearings.
• Not lubricating the bearings regularly: This can lead to the bearings rusting and corroding.

How Often Should You Lubricate Your Skateboard Bearings?

The frequency with which you need to lubricate your skateboard bearings will depend on a number of factors, including:

• How often you ride your skateboard: If you ride your skateboard frequently, you'll need to lubricate the bearings more often.
• The type of terrain you ride on: If you ride on rough terrain, your bearings will need to be lubricated more often.
• The climate you live in: If you live in a humid climate, your bearings will need to be lubricated more often.

As a general rule of thumb, you should lubricate your skateboard bearings every 3-6 months. If you ride your skateboard frequently or in harsh conditions, you may need to lubricate the bearings more often.

What Are the Benefits of Lubricating Skateboard Bearings?

There are a number of benefits to lubricating your skateboard bearings, including:

• Increased speed: Lubricated bearings will roll faster and smoother, which means you'll have to push less often.
• Extended lifespan: Lubricated bearings will last longer than bearings that are not lubricated.
• Reduced noise: Lubricated bearings will make less noise, which can be beneficial if you're riding in a quiet area.

Conclusion

Lubricating your skateboard bearings is a simple and inexpensive way to keep your skateboard running smoothly and lasting longer. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your bearings are properly lubricated and performing at their best.

Additional Resources

• How to Clean Skateboard Bearings
• The Best Skateboard Lubricants
• How Often Should You Lubricate Skateboard Bearings?

Call to Action

If you have any questions about lubricating skateboard bearings, please feel free to leave a comment below. I'll be happy to help!

Choosing the Right Lubricant for Your Skateboard Bearings

The type of lubricant you choose for your skateboard bearings will have a big impact on their performance and longevity. Here is a comparison of the three most common types of lubricants:

How to Lubricate Skateboard Bearings: A Step-by-Step Guide

Materials:

• Skateboard bearings
• Lubricant
• Clean cloth
• Optional: bearing press

Instructions:

1. Remove the bearings from your skateboard.
2. Wipe down the bearings with a clean cloth to remove any dirt or debris.
3. Apply a small drop of lubricant to each bearing.
4. Use a clean cloth to spread the lubricant around the bearing.
5. Reinstall the bearings on your skateboard.

Tips:

• If you are using a bearing press, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.
• If you are lubricating bearings that are already installed on your skateboard, be careful not to get lubricant on the wheels or deck.
• If you are lubricating bearings for the first time, it is a good idea to test them out before riding.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Lubricating Skateboard Bearings

• Using too much lubricant: This can gum up the bearings and slow them down.
• Not using enough lubricant: This can lead to the bearings wearing out prematurely.
• Using the wrong type of lubricant: Some lubricants can damage bearings.
• Not lubricating the bearings regularly: This can lead to the bearings rusting and corroding.
• Overtightening the bearings: This can damage the bearings and make them less efficient.

FAQs

Q: How often should I lubricate my skateboard bearings?

A: As a general rule of thumb, you should lubricate your skateboard bearings every 3-6 months. If you ride your skateboard frequently or in harsh conditions, you may need to lubricate the bearings more often.

Q: What is the best type of lubricant to use for skateboard bearings?

A: The best type of lubricant to use for skateboard bearings is a thin, oily, non-sticky, water-resistant lubricant. Some good options include Bones Speed Cream, Bones Swiss Precision Oil, and G3 Bearing Lube.

Q: Can I use WD-40 to lubricate my skateboard bearings?

A: WD-40 is not a good choice for lubricating skateboard bearings. It is a water-based lubricant, which means that it will not protect the bearings from rust and corrosion. Additionally, WD-40 can attract dirt and debris, which can gum up the bearings.

Q: How do I know if my skateboard bearings need to be lubricated?

A: There are a few signs that your skateboard bearings may need to be lubricated, including:

• Slowing down: If your skateboard is slowing down more quickly than usual, it may be a sign that the bearings need to be lubricated.
• Making noise: If your skateboard bearings are making noise, it may be a sign that they need to be lubricated.
• Feeling rough: If your skateboard bearings feel rough when you spin them, it may be a sign that they need to be lubricated.

Q: Can I over-lubricate my skateboard bearings?

A: Yes, it is possible to over-lubricate your skateboard bearings. If you use too much lubricant, it can gum up the bearings and slow them down.

Q: What are the benefits of lubricating my skateboard bearings?

A: There are a number of benefits to lubricating your skateboard bearings, including:

• Increased speed: Lubricated bearings will roll faster and smoother, which means you'll have to push less often.
• Extended lifespan: Lubricated bearings will last longer than bearings that are not lubricated.
• Reduced noise: Lubricated bearings will make less noise, which can be beneficial if you're riding in a quiet area.

Q: Can I lubricate my skateboard bearings with olive oil?

A: Olive oil is not a good choice for lubricating skateboard bearings. It is a thick, sticky lubricant that can gum up the bearings and slow them down. Additionally, olive oil can attract dirt and debris, which can further gunk up the bearings.

Humorous Stories

Story 1:

One time, I was riding my skateboard down a hill when I suddenly lost all speed. I looked down and saw that my bearings were completely dry. I had to push my skateboard the rest of the way down the hill, which was not fun.

Lesson learned: Always lubricate your skateboard bearings before riding.

Story 2:

One time, I was trying to lubricate my skateboard bearings with