Skateboard bearings constantly pick up sand, dust and moisture. Grit in the balls slows the wheels, makes them noisy and eventually causes the bearing to seize or break up. After riding through puddles, on wet tarmac or on sand, service them quickly: moisture and dirt do their damage within days.
Cleaning and lubricating all eight bearings takes about an hour and brings back a smooth, fast roll.
What you will need
Important: Work in a well-ventilated area and wear safety glasses: products and dirt can spray out when you blow the bearings through. Keep products off the grip tape and the urethane wheels, and make sure the wheels are dry before reassembly.
Step 1
Remove the wheels and bearings
Undo the axle nuts with the skate tool and take off all four wheels, keeping the washers safe. To remove a bearing, slip the wheel onto the end of the axle and lever the bearing out gently. If it is tight or stuck, spray a little WD-40 Multi-Use around the edge and wait a minute.
Step 2
Remove the shields and clean the bearings
Slide the tip of the knife or needle under the inner edge of the shield and lift it carefully. Rubber shields come off easily; metal ones held by a clip need more care. Put the bearings in the container, cover them with WD-40 Multi-Use, close the lid and shake for a few minutes: it dissolves old gummed-up grease and washes out sand. Take the bearings out and wipe them with a paper towel.
Step 3
Flush and dry
For a final flush, treat each bearing with WD-40 Specialist Contact Cleaner: it evaporates quickly and leaves no residue, so no dirt or film stays inside. Blow through with compressed air to clear the last particles. Spin the bearing with your finger: it should turn evenly without grinding. If it still grinds, clean it again or replace it.
Step 4
Lubricate the bearings
Apply WD-40 Specialist Dry PTFE inside each bearing and spin it so the lubricant spreads over the balls. Dry PTFE lubricant cuts friction and wear and does not attract dust or sand, which matters for street skating. Let it dry for a few minutes. Refit the shields, pressing with your fingers until they seat in their groove.
Step 5
Wash the wheels
While the bearings dry, soak the wheels in hot soapy water and go over the outside and the bearing seats with a sponge. Dry them thoroughly with a clean cloth.
Step 6
Reassemble and check the deck
Press the bearings into the wheels with the shield facing out, using the axle to seat them fully. Refit the washers and nuts, leaving a tiny bit of play so the wheel spins freely. Inspect the deck: sand small chips and splinters with fine sandpaper and replace any peeling grip tape. Wipe the metal trucks and bolts with a rag and WD-40 Multi-Use to protect them from rust.
Tip: Avoid puddles: water washes the lubricant out of bearings faster than anything else. If the board does get wet, dry it and service the bearings straight away rather than the next day. Compact
WD-40 200 ml fits easily in a backpack.
What next
With regular skating, clean the bearings once a month, and immediately after rain or the beach.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».