Cleaning your longboard bearings is essential for smooth and fast rolling. The best way to clean them is by using a solvent or degreaser to break down the dirt and grime that builds up inside.
Regular cleaning prevents friction caused by dirt and ensures your longboard performs at its best. Here’s a straightforward guide:
Why Clean Your Bearings?
Over time, longboard bearings collect dust, dirt, sand, and moisture, which act like sandpaper, causing wear and slowing you down. Cleaning removes this debris, restoring smoothness and speed.
Cleaning Methods
According to some sources, the most effective way is to use methylated spirit or just soak the bearings in some solvent or alcohol. These liquids penetrate the bearing and dissolve the built-up grime.
Alternatively, if you can find a spray-on degreaser, you can blast all the crap out of your bearings to great effect. A more natural option suggested is that Lemon juice works well too! The acid helps break down grease and dirt.
What You'll Need
- Your longboard bearings
- A small container or jar (for soaking)
- One of the suggested cleaning agents:
- Methylated spirit
- Solvent (specifically for bearings or metal)
- Alcohol (like isopropyl alcohol)
- Spray-on degreaser
- Lemon juice
- Paper towels or a clean cloth
- A bearing puller tool (optional, but helpful)
- New bearing lubricant (crucial after cleaning!)
Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide
Follow these steps to get your bearings spinning freely again:
- Remove Bearings: Use a skate tool or the axle of your truck to gently pry the bearings out of your wheels.
- Remove Shields (Optional but Recommended): If your bearings have removable shields (usually held in place by a small C-clip or simply pressed in), carefully remove them using a thin blade or pin. This allows the cleaning agent to reach all parts of the bearing.
- Soak or Spray:
- Place the bearings (with or without shields removed) into the container.
- Pour enough of your chosen solvent (methylated spirit, alcohol, or lemon juice) to fully submerge the bearings.
- If using a spray-on degreaser, place the bearings on a surface that can get dirty and spray generously, ensuring the liquid flows through the bearing.
- Agitate: Swirl the bearings around in the container or gently shake the sealed jar for a few minutes. This helps the solvent penetrate and loosen the dirt. For stubborn grime, you might let them soak for 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse (Optional): Some people rinse with clean solvent or water, depending on the cleaning agent used. Make sure to check if rinsing is compatible with your chosen cleaner.
- Dry Thoroughly: This is a critical step.
- Remove the bearings from the solvent.
- Place them on paper towels or a clean cloth.
- Allow them to air dry completely. You can sometimes speed this up by gently shaking them or using a fan, but avoid using heat sources like a hairdryer, as this can damage the bearing.
- Ensure all moisture is gone. Any remaining liquid can attract new dirt or prevent lubricant from working properly.
- Lubricate: Once completely dry, add a few drops of specific bearing lubricant to each bearing. Spin the bearing by hand to distribute the lubricant evenly. Do not use too much, as excess lubricant can attract dirt.
- Replace Shields (If Removed): Carefully snap or press the shields back into place.
- Reinstall Bearings: Press the cleaned and lubricated bearings back into your wheels.
By following these steps and using appropriate cleaning agents like those mentioned – methylated spirit, solvent, alcohol, spray-on degreaser, or lemon juice – you can effectively remove the "crap" and keep your longboard rolling smoothly.
