Skateboard Bearing Lubrication: The Ultimate Guide to Smoother, Faster Rides

Proper skateboard bearing lubrication is crucial for maintaining the performance and longevity of your board. Without adequate lubrication, bearings can seize up, grind, and cause premature wear. This can lead to reduced speed, increased friction, and a rough, uncomfortable ride. In this guide, we'll dive into the importance of skateboard bearing lubrication, provide step-by-step instructions on how to do it correctly, and share some valuable tips and tricks to keep your bearings running smoothly.

Benefits of Skateboard Bearing Lubrication

Increased Speed and Efficiency: Well-lubricated bearings reduce friction and resistance, allowing your wheels to spin faster and smoother. This translates into increased speed and efficiency, making it easier to push, accelerate, and maintain momentum.

Lubricated Bearings	Unlubricated Bearings
Reduced friction and resistance	Increased friction and resistance
Increased speed and efficiency	Decreased speed and efficiency

Reduced Wear and Tear: Lubrication also plays a vital role in reducing wear and tear on bearings. The lubricant creates a protective barrier between the moving parts, minimizing metal-on-metal contact and preventing premature damage. By reducing wear, lubrication extends the lifespan of your bearings and your skateboard as a whole.

Lubricated Bearings	Unlubricated Bearings
Reduced wear and tear	Increased wear and tear
Extended lifespan	Reduced lifespan

Smoother and More Comfortable Ride: Lubricated bearings ensure smooth and consistent wheel rotation, eliminating the grinding and jarring that can come from dry or poorly lubricated bearings. This results in a more comfortable and enjoyable ride, free from unnecessary vibrations and noise.

Lubricated Bearings	Unlubricated Bearings
Smoother and more comfortable ride	Rough and uncomfortable ride
Reduced vibrations and noise	Increased vibrations and noise

How to Lubricate Skateboard Bearings

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

You'll need a few simple materials to lubricate your bearings:

Skateboard bearing lubricant (Bones Speed Cream)

Clean rags or paper towels

Skate tool

Optional: Bearing cleaner (Bones Bearing Cleaner)

Step 2: Remove the Bearings

Use your skate tool to carefully remove the bearings from your wheels. Wipe away any visible dirt or debris from the bearings using a clean rag or paper towel. If the bearings are heavily soiled, you can use a bearing cleaner to remove the dirt more thoroughly.

Step 3: Apply the Lubricant

Apply a small drop of lubricant to each bearing. Do not over-lubricate, as this can attract dirt and grime. Use a clean rag or paper towel to spread the lubricant evenly over the surface of the bearing.

Step 4: Reinstall the Bearings

Once the bearings have been lubricated, reinstall them into your wheels. Make sure the bearings are seated properly and that the axle nuts are tightened securely.

Step 5: Test Your Bearings

Spin the wheels to check that the bearings are rotating smoothly and without any grinding or noise. If you notice any issues, you may need to adjust the lubrication or replace the bearings.

Tips and Tricks for Skateboard Bearing Lubrication

Use a high-quality bearing lubricant: Look for a lubricant that is specifically designed for skateboard bearings. These lubricants contain ingredients that are formulated to reduce friction and prevent wear.

Lubricate your bearings regularly: How often you need to lubricate your bearings depends on how frequently you ride and the conditions you ride in. As a general rule, it's a good idea to lubricate your bearings every 2-3 months, or more often if you ride in wet or dusty conditions.

Avoid over-lubricating: Too much lubricant can attract dirt and grime, which can actually increase friction and wear. Use a small drop of lubricant per bearing and spread it evenly over the surface.

Replace bearings if necessary: If your bearings are damaged or worn, it's important to replace them. Worn bearings can cause serious problems, including wheel lock-ups and accidents.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using the wrong type of lubricant: Do not use lubricants that are not specifically designed for skateboard bearings. These lubricants may contain ingredients that can damage bearings or reduce their performance.

Over-lubricating: As mentioned earlier, over-lubricating can attract dirt and grime and increase friction. Apply a small drop of lubricant per bearing and spread it evenly.

Using dirty bearings: Dirty bearings can wear out prematurely and cause your skateboard to ride poorly. Clean your bearings regularly to remove dirt and debris.

Not tightening the axle nuts properly: Loose axle nuts can cause your wheels to fall off, which can be dangerous. Tighten the axle nuts securely, but do not overtighten them.

Riding with dry bearings: Dry bearings will grind and seize up, causing premature wear and potentially leading to accidents. Always lubricate your bearings before riding.

Getting Started with Skateboard Bearing Lubrication

Lubricating skateboard bearings is a simple and essential maintenance task that can significantly improve the performance and lifespan of your board. By following the steps outlined above and using the tips and tricks provided, you can ensure that your bearings are running smoothly and your rides are as enjoyable as possible.

Call to Action:

Don't let dry or poorly lubricated bearings ruin your skating experience. Order your Bones Speed Cream today and start enjoying smoother, faster, and more comfortable rides!

Skateboard Bearing Lubrication: The Ultimate Guide to Smoother, Faster Rides