To put bearings in longboard wheels, first, remove the wheel from the truck axle and then, place the bearing on the axle. Press the bearing into the wheel by using your weight and force.
Longboarding is a popular activity these days. It is not only a fun outdoor activity but also a way to commute. If you own a longboard, sooner or later, you will need to replace the bearings in the wheels. This article will guide you on how to put bearings in longboard wheels, so you can enjoy its smooth ride again. It is essential to maintaining your longboard to keep it in good condition, and changing its bearings is one of the maintenance tasks. The process of putting bearings in longboard wheels is not difficult if you know the right steps, and it can save you a lot of money if you do it yourself.
Credit: www.sickboards.nl
Tools Needed
Longboarding is a thrilling and fun activity that requires maintenance, just like any other type of sport. One of the essential things to keep your longboard running smoothly is to ensure that the bearings in your longboard wheels are correctly fitted.
Bearings play a crucial role in how your longboard rides and operates. Putting bearings in longboard wheels is not a tricky job, and you only need a few tools to do it. In this post, we’re going to see the tools needed for this task.
List Of Necessary Tools
Here’s a list of the necessary tools to replace bearings in your longboard wheels:
- Longboard bearings
- A skateboard tool
- A press tool
Description Of Each Tool And Its Function
- longboard bearings: bearings are small metal parts that fit into the wheel’s centre and allow it to spin with less friction. They play a vital role in acceleration, speed, and overall performance.
- a skateboard tool: a skateboard tool comes with different sizes of sockets for loosening and tightening nuts and bolts. It is a versatile tool that can be used to adjust your trucks, wheels, and bearings.
- a press tool: a press tool is an efficient and easy way to remove and install bearings safely. It is usually made of metal or plastic components and designed to withstand the pressure of bearing extraction.
Importance Of Having The Correct Tools
Having the proper tools to remove and install bearings is essential to ensure that the job is done correctly.
- Helps to prevent damage: the right tools prevent damage to your bearings and longboard wheels during installation or removal.
- Ensures your safety: incorrect tools can cause injury, so it’s essential to have the right tools to remove and install bearings correctly and safely.
- Saves time: the right tools can complete the job faster and more efficiently than trying to do it without them.
By using the correct tools, you can save time, prevent damage, and ensure your safety when installing or removing bearings. So, make sure that you have all the essential tools ready before you start working on your longboard.
Removing Old Bearings
Longboarding is an exciting and thrilling activity, but it requires maintenance to keep the board in good condition. One of the essential things a longboard rider should know is how to put bearings in longboard wheels. In this post, we will discuss how to remove old bearings from longboard wheels in a step-by-step guide.
Explanation Of How To Remove Old Bearings:
Before installing new bearings on your longboard wheels, it is essential to remove the old bearings. Find below a detailed explanation of how to remove bearings from longboard wheels.
- Remove the axle nut and speed washers.
- Insert the axle through the bearing that you want to remove until the bearing is sitting on the truck.
- Wedge the screwdriver between the bearing and wheel, and lift the bearing out of the wheel. Be careful not to damage the wheel or bearing.
Different Techniques For Removing Bearings (Puller, Press, Etc.):
There are different techniques to remove bearings from longboard wheels.
- Bearing puller: this is a tool that helps you remove the bearings with less force and ease.
- Bearing press: bearing press helps you remove the bearings by pressing them out of the wheel.
- Diy bearing removal tool: you can make a diy bearing removal tool with household items that help you remove the bearings with ease.
Tips For Removing Stubborn Or Rusted Bearings:
Stubborn or rusted bearings can be difficult to remove.
- Apply heat to the wheel with a heat gun or hairdryer; the heat expands the metal and helps loosen the bearing.
- Use a penetrating oil such as wd-40 to loosen the rust’s grip on the bearing.
- Use a hammer and tap the bearing with a punch; this will help break the rust and loosen the bearing.
By following the above steps, you can easily remove the old bearings from your longboard wheels and prepare them for new ones. With a little bit of time and effort, you can continue to enjoy cruising on your longboard for miles.
Longboarding Tips: Bearings
Preparing New Bearings
Longboarding is an exciting activity that is popular among many individuals. However, just like any other physical activity, it is vital to ensure that your longboard is in good condition. One common problem that many longboarders face is when their bearings no longer roll smoothly.
This can lead to a reduced performance, and if left unchecked, it may even cause damage to the wheels. In this section of the blog, we will be discussing how to prepare new bearings for installation and the importance of cleaning and lubricating new bearings.
Explanation Of How To Prepare New Bearings For Installation
Before installing new bearings, proper preparations must be made to ensure a smooth installation process.
- Acquiring new bearings that are compatible with your longboard.
- Gathering necessary tools such as a bearing press tool or a socket wrench.
- Removing the wheels from your longboard.
Importance Of Cleaning And Lubricating New Bearings
Cleaning and lubricating new bearings are crucial steps that should not be skipped. These steps ensure that the bearings perform optimally and have prolonged lifespans.
- Bearings are often coated with protective oil that must be removed before installation.
- Dirt, dust, and debris often accumulate in bearings over time, which can hinder their performance and cause damage to the wheels.
- Lubricating the bearings with a suitable lubricant prevents corrosion and reduces friction, leading to smoother and faster rides.
Before installing new bearings, ensure that they are adequately cleaned and lubricated to prevent any hitches or damages to your longboard.
Properly Seating Bearings Before Installation
Once the new bearings are cleaned, lubricated, and ready for installation, the next step is to seat them correctly. Proper seating ensures that the bearings perform optimally, and the wheels roll smoothly.
- Hold the wheel on its sides, then insert the bearing into the hole.
- Using a bearing press tool or a socket wrench, press the bearing firmly until it clicks into place. You should feel resistance when inserting the bearing, indicating that it has been properly seated.
- Repeat the process for the other side of the wheel.
- Finally, reinstall the wheel onto your longboard and repeat the process for the remaining wheels.
When installing bearings into your longboard wheels, proper preparations, cleaning, lubrication, and correct seating should always be observed. These steps will not only ensure the longevity of your bearings but also boost the performance and efficiency of your longboard.
Installing New Bearings
Longboarding is an exciting activity that can be both fun and challenging, but it requires proper maintenance to ensure you enjoy the sport fully. One of the things that you’ll encounter as a longboarder is replacing the bearings on your longboard wheels.
This may seem like a daunting task, but with a little bit of practice, you’ll be able to do it with ease. This post will take you through the step-by-step process of installing new bearings in longboard wheels. Let’s get started!
Step-By-Step Instructions For Installing New Bearings
The following instructions will guide you on how to install new bearings in your longboard wheels:
- First, gather all the necessary tools like a skate tool, axle washers, and new bearings.
- Use the skate tool to remove the wheel from the truck by unscrewing the nut that holds it in place.
- Take out the old bearings by using the skate tool to pop them out of the wheel gently.
- Clean the wheels and trucks thoroughly, including the axle, with a rag to remove any dirt or debris.
- Align the new bearing with the axle and press it into the wheel until you hear it click into place.
- Repeat the process for the second bearing, making sure they are aligned correctly with the axle.
- Place an axle washer on the axle, and then slide the wheel back onto the truck.
- Use the skate tool to fasten the nut back onto the truck, using caution not to overtighten it as it may cause the wheel to slow down.
How To Align And Press Bearings Into Wheel
The following are the steps to align and press the bearings into a wheel:
- Hold the wheel with one hand and insert the bearing with the other hand.
- Make sure that the bearing is aligned with the axle before pressing it gently into place.
- Apply pressure evenly around the bearing until it fits snugly into the wheel.
- Once the bearing is in place, give it a gentle twist to ensure that it’s correctly aligned with the other bearing.
Tips For Avoiding Damage During Installation
Here are some handy tips to ensure that you don’t damage your bearings during installation:
- Avoid pressing the bearings into the wheel too hard, as it may cause damage to the bearing’s inner and outer races.
- Always use a skate tool when removing or installing wheels to avoid damage to the trucks or your fingers.
- Clean the wheels and trucks before installation to prevent the introduction of debris, which may cause damage to the bearings.
- Use caution while tightening the nut back onto the truck as overtightening may cause the wheel to slow down and damage the bearings.
That’s it! Now you know how to install new bearings in your longboard wheels like a pro. Happy longboarding!
Testing And Maintenance
Longboarding is a thrilling and adventurous sport, but when it comes to wheels, proper maintenance is crucial for a smooth ride. One of the essential components of a wheel is the bearing, which helps the wheel rotate smoothly. Over time, bearings can wear out or get damaged, leading to a bumpy and unpleasant experience.
In this section, we will discuss the significance of testing new bearings and proper maintenance to extend bearing life and performance. We will also look at some of the signs of worn or damaged bearings.
Importance Of Testing New Bearings
Testing new bearings is essential before installing them on your longboard wheels.
- Testing new bearings ensures that they rotate smoothly and are free of any manufacturing defects.
- It helps to identify any issues before installing them on the wheels, saving you time and money down the line.
- Testing new bearings will help you compare and choose the best ones that suit your style and needs.
Proper Maintenance To Extend Bearing Life And Performance
Proper maintenance is crucial to extend the life and performance of bearings.
- Keep bearings clean by removing dirt and debris regularly. Dirty bearings cause friction and reduce the speed and performance of the wheel.
- Lubricate brake drums and bearings frequently with a silicon-based lubricant to maintain the smooth rotation of the wheel.
- Keep the bearings dry and avoid exposing them to water to prevent rusting.
Signs Of Worn Or Damaged Bearings
It is essential to replace worn or damaged bearings to maintain a smooth ride and avoid accidents.
- If the wheel feels slow or sticks, the bearings may need lubrication or replacing.
- Grinding or clicking sounds from the wheels while riding are also indications of worn or damaged bearings.
- A wobbly or loose wheel is another sign of worn or damaged bearings.
Proper maintenance and regular inspection of bearings are critical for a longboard’s smooth performance and longevity. Remember to test new bearings, keep them clean and lubricated, and replace worn or damaged bearings promptly to ensure a safe and enjoyable longboarding experience.
Conclusion
After following these step-by-step procedures, you should feel more confident in putting bearings in your longboard wheels. Not only will properly installed bearings improve your ride, but it can also increase the longevity and durability of your board. Remember to assemble your tools before beginning, apply the proper lubricants, and adjust the tightness to your liking.
Always ensure the bearings are fully seated and secure, and don’t hesitate to seek help if you’re unsure about any steps. By taking care of your bearings and wheels, you’ll be able to enjoy a smoother ride and better performance.
Don’t be intimidated by this process – with practice, you’ll be able to swap out bearings like a pro and keep your longboard performing at its best. Happy riding!
