Inline skating is a fun and exciting activity that can even be used as a mode of transportation. However, over time, the bearings in your inline skates will accumulate dirt, dust, and grit, which can slow down your skates and even damage the wheels’ axle. Cleaning your inline skate bearings can bring them back to their original performance level and increase their lifespan. In this guide, we will show you how to clean inline skate bearings in five easy steps.
Step 1: Remove the bearings
The first step in cleaning inline skate bearings is to remove them from the wheels. You will need a skate tool to loosen the axle nuts that hold the wheels in place. Once you have removed the wheels, you can use a bearing tool or the axle itself to pop the bearings out of the wheel.
Step 2: Prepare the cleaning solution
After removing the bearings, you will need to prepare a cleaning solution. You can use a commercial bearing cleaner or make your cleaning solution using isopropyl alcohol or citrus cleaner. Fill a jar or container with the cleaning solution, and place the bearings inside.
Step 3: Shake the container
Once you have placed the bearings inside the container, shake it vigorously for a few minutes. This action helps to remove any dirt or debris that is sticking to the bearings.
Step 4: Dry and lubricate the bearings
After removing the bearings from the cleaning solution, dry them thoroughly with a lint-free cloth. Once they’re dry, add a few drops of bearing lubricant to each bearing and spin them to ensure the lubricant is distributed evenly.
Step 5: Reinstall the bearings
Finally, with clean bearings and lubrication, you can reinstall the bearings into the wheels. Align the bearings with the wheel’s axle and press them in firmly. Then, reattach the wheels to the skate using the skate tool.
Conclusion
With clean bearings, your inline skates will perform better and last longer. Cleaning your bearings is an easy process and can make all the difference to your skating experience. Remember to clean your bearings regularly to maintain their performance, and you’ll be gliding along in no time.
