Lubricating Skateboard Bearings: A Guide to Smoother Rides and Longer Bearing Life

Introduction

Skateboarding is a fun and exciting activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. However, one of the most important things to keep in mind when skateboarding is the maintenance of your bearings. Lubricating your skateboard bearings is essential for keeping them running smoothly and preventing them from wearing out prematurely.

Why Lubricate Skateboard Bearings?

There are several reasons why you should lubricate your skateboard bearings. First, lubrication reduces friction between the bearing's balls and races. This makes the bearings spin more freely, which results in a smoother ride. Second, lubrication helps to prevent the bearings from rusting and corroding. Rust and corrosion can damage the bearings, causing them to fail prematurely. Third, lubrication extends the life of the bearings. By reducing friction and preventing rust and corrosion, lubrication can help your bearings last longer.

How Often Should You Lubricate Skateboard Bearings?

The frequency with which you should lubricate your skateboard bearings depends on several factors, including the type of bearings you have, the conditions in which you ride, and how often you ride. However, as a general rule of thumb, you should lubricate your bearings every 3-6 months. If you ride your skateboard in wet or dusty conditions, you may need to lubricate them more often.

What Type of Lubricant Should You Use?

There are several different types of lubricants that you can use on skateboard bearings. However, not all lubricants are created equal. Some lubricants can actually damage bearings, so it is important to choose the right one.

The best type of lubricant to use on skateboard bearings is a dry lubricant. Dry lubricants do not contain any oil or grease, which means that they will not attract dirt and grime. They also do not evaporate, so they will last longer than other types of lubricants.

Some of the most popular dry lubricants for skateboard bearings include:

• PTFE (Teflon)
• Graphite
• Molybdenum disulfide

You can also use a light oil to lubricate your skateboard bearings. However, oil can attract dirt and grime, so it is important to clean your bearings more frequently if you use oil.

How to Lubricate Skateboard Bearings

Lubricating skateboard bearings is a simple process that can be done in a few minutes. Here are the steps:

1. Remove the bearings from your skateboard. To do this, you will need to use a skate tool to loosen the axle nuts.
2. Clean the bearings. Use a clean cloth or brush to remove any dirt or grime from the bearings.
3. Apply the lubricant. Apply a small amount of lubricant to the balls and races of the bearings. Be sure to coat all of the surfaces evenly.
4. Reassemble the bearings. Place the bearings back into your skateboard and tighten the axle nuts.

Effective Strategies for Lubricating Skateboard Bearings

In addition to using the right lubricant and following the proper steps, there are a few other things you can do to ensure that your skateboard bearings are properly lubricated. These include:

• Use a bearing press. A bearing press is a tool that can be used to remove and install bearings without damaging them.
• Clean your bearings regularly. Dirt and grime can build up on your bearings over time, which can reduce their performance. Cleaning your bearings regularly will help to keep them running smoothly.
• Store your skateboard in a cool, dry place. When you are not using your skateboard, store it in a cool, dry place. This will help to prevent the bearings from rusting and corroding.

Benefits of Lubricating Skateboard Bearings

There are several benefits to lubricating your skateboard bearings. These include:

• Smoother ride. Lubricated bearings spin more freely, which results in a smoother ride.
• Longer bearing life. Lubrication helps to prevent bearings from rusting and corroding, which extends their life.
• Reduced maintenance. Lubricated bearings require less maintenance than dry bearings.

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.

Q: What type of lubricant should I use on my skateboard bearings?
A: The best type of lubricant to use on skateboard bearings is a dry lubricant, such as PTFE (Teflon), graphite, or molybdenum disulfide.

Q: Can I use oil to lubricate my skateboard bearings?
A: Yes, you can use a light oil to lubricate your skateboard bearings. However, oil can attract dirt and grime, so it is important to clean your bearings more frequently if you use oil.

Q: How can I tell if my skateboard bearings need to be lubricated?
A: There are a few signs that indicate that your skateboard bearings need to be lubricated. These include:
* The bearings feel rough or gritty when you spin them.
* The bearings make a squeaking or grinding noise when you ride your skateboard.
* The bearings are difficult to turn.

Q: What happens if I don't lubricate my skateboard bearings?
A: If you do not lubricate your skateboard bearings, they will eventually wear out and fail. This can lead to a number of problems, including:
* The wheels will stop spinning smoothly.
* The bearings will become rusty and corroded.
* The bearings will break down and need to be replaced.

Conclusion

Lubricating your skateboard bearings is an important part of skateboard maintenance. By following the tips in this guide, you can keep your bearings running smoothly and extend their life.

Call to Action

If you are looking for a high-quality lubricant for your skateboard bearings, we recommend the following products:

• Bones Speed Cream
• Lucas Oil Slick Mist Speed Lube
• WD-40 Specialist Dry Lube with PTFE

Tables

Table 1: Types of Skateboard Bearing Lubricants

Table 2: Signs That Your Skateboard Bearings Need to Be Lubricated

Table 3: Benefits of Lubricating Skateboard Bearings

Stories

Story 1

My friend once went skateboarding without lubricating his bearings. He was only a few blocks away from home when his bearings started to squeak and grind. He had to walk the rest of the way home, which took him over an hour.

Story 2

I once saw a group of kids skateboarding down a hill. One of the kids' bearings was so dry that it seized up and the kid fell off his skateboard. He scraped his knee pretty badly.

Story 3

I used to be really bad at lubricating my skateboard bearings. I would always put too much lubricant on, which would attract dirt and grime. My bearings would always end up getting really dirty and gritty.

One day, I finally learned how to lubricate my bearings properly. I started using a dry lubricant and I only applied a small amount. My bearings have been running smoothly ever since.

What We Can Learn from These Stories

The stories above illustrate the importance of lubricating your skateboard bearings. If you don't lubricate your bearings, they will eventually wear out and fail. This can lead to a number of problems, including:

• The wheels will stop spinning smoothly.
• The bearings will become rusty and corroded.
• The bearings will break down and need to be replaced.

By lubricating your skateboard bearings regularly, you can avoid these problems and keep your skateboard running smoothly for years to come.