Restoring your skateboard wheels, primarily by cleaning them thoroughly, is a straightforward process that can significantly improve your ride's performance and appearance.
Dirty wheels can accumulate grime from various surfaces, impacting speed and grip. Cleaning, or restoring, them removes this buildup.
When Should You Clean Your Wheels?
According to the provided reference, you should consider cleaning your wheels when they become visibly dirty or when you notice a decrease in performance due to accumulated gunk. Regular cleaning prevents long-term damage and maintains smooth rolling.
Step-by-Step Guide to Restoring Skateboard Wheels
Follow these steps to bring your wheels back to life:
Step 1: Secure Your Work Space
Before you begin, set up a clean, secure area where you can work without losing small parts like bearings or washers. A table or workbench with good lighting is ideal. Lay down a cloth or newspaper to catch dirt and prevent scratching surfaces.
Step 2: Remove the Wheels and Bearings
Carefully remove the wheels from your skateboard trucks using a skate tool or appropriate wrench. Once the wheel is off the axle, use the edge of your skate tool or a flathead screwdriver to gently pry the bearings out of the wheel's core. Be careful not to bend or damage the bearings.
Step 2B: Clean Bearings (Optional)
The reference notes cleaning bearings as an optional step. If your bearings are also dirty or not spinning freely, you can clean them separately. This usually involves removing shields, soaking them in a cleaning solution (like citrus cleaner or rubbing alcohol), and then lubricating them once dry. Note: This step is optional for wheel restoration but highly recommended for overall performance.
Step 3: Soak Your Wheels in Soapy Water
Place your removed polyurethane wheels (without bearings) into a container of warm, soapy water. A mild dish soap works well. Let them soak for a while to loosen built-up dirt, dust, and grime. This step softens the tough, stuck-on gunk, making it easier to remove.
Step 4: Wire Brush Away the Gunk
After soaking, use a stiff brush, such as a wire brush or a sturdy nylon brush, to scrub the wheels. Focus on the surface, sides, and especially the areas near the core where dirt tends to accumulate. The soaking should make the gunk much easier to brush off. Rinse the wheels under running water as you scrub if needed.
Step 5: Drying Your Skateboard Wheels
Thoroughly dry your cleaned wheels. Use a clean cloth to wipe away all moisture. Ensure the bearing seats (the holes where the bearings go) are completely dry. Any residual water can potentially affect your bearings if not dried properly before reassembly. Allowing them to air dry completely after towel drying is also a good practice.
Step 6: Reassemble Your Wheels & Board
Once the wheels are completely dry, reinsert the cleaned (or new) bearings back into the wheels. Make sure they are seated firmly and flush with the wheel's core. Then, place the wheels back onto the skateboard trucks, adding any spacers or speed rings in their correct order. Tighten the axle nuts until the wheels spin freely but without excessive wobble.
Summary of the Restoration Process
Here is a quick overview of the steps:
| Step Number | Action | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Secure Work Space | Prepare area, prevent losing parts |
| 2 | Remove Wheels/Bearings | Access wheels for cleaning |
| 2B | Clean Bearings (Optional) | Improve bearing performance (optional) |
| 3 | Soak in Soapy Water | Loosen stubborn dirt |
| 4 | Wire Brush Away Gunk | Physically remove loosened grime |
| 5 | Dry Wheels | Prepare for reassembly, protect bearings |
| 6 | Reassemble | Put the cleaned wheels back on the board |
By following these steps, you can effectively restore your skateboard wheels, improving both their look and performance. Regular cleaning extends the lifespan of your wheels and provides a smoother, faster ride.
