Bearings keep the wheel spinning. To put it simply, the wheel becomes quicker as the bearings lubricate. The major reason to use bearing lubricant is to improve the rotational speed of the wheels through reduction of the friction ball. When the friction ball between the wheel and the road is decreased, a wheel may be utilized for a longer duration.
If you are asking yourself, what can I use to lube my bearings, keep on reading to find out what you can and can’t use.
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Choices of Lubrication for Bearings
Re-lubricating your bearings helps you purchase new bearings less frequently. If you take proper care of them, bearings can last for many years.
Grease can be used, though it’s not always recommended because it has a thickener, which contains metal soaps such as aluminum and calcium.
Another option is oil. As long as the bearing has oil, its speed is increased. However, oils evaporate; therefore, they serve less time than grease.
When oil and grease cannot survive, you should consider using a solid film. However, it should only be used when the other lubricants are not available.
You can find a skateboard bearing lube alternative around the home if you are in a bind, like motor oil or even canola oil, cooking oil or spray. The famous WD-40 is not a lubricant, but a solvent; hence, it should not be applied to lube or grease any moving parts.
Using solvents as lubricants
When using solvents, the polymers in the bearing might be completely removed, reducing the lifetime of your bearings. Remember that olive oil should not be used as a cooking oil on bearings. However, it is preferable to nothing, and far better than using a solvent.
Using grease as lubricant
Skateboard bearings based on grease have a few differences when compared with oil-based lubricants.
Because oil is less thick, it generates less resistance and allows for the bearings to move faster.
Skateboard grease is a better alternative for those who don’t want to keep their wheels and bearings lubricated frequently. Bike grease and lithium grease are a few of the several types of skateboard bearing lubricant to use on your skateboard bearings. You may also use molybdenum grease, although it is a bit excessive.
Cleaning and Applying Lubrication to Bearings
The cleaner and greasier your bearing, the better it will rotate. In addition to sand and dirt, the roadways are also loaded with puddles and sludge. This affects the rolling action of the bearings.
Properly lubricating bearings will ensure that your skateboard does not get stuck due to bearing friction the next time you wake up and want to skate. Such a mishap may damage your skateboard.
Step 1: Removing the seals
Rubber seals and metal shields are prevalent on skateboard bearings. In the case of these seals, it is possible to pry them out using a tiny pin or a straightened-out staple.
Use a pin to push the seal out, placing the pin between the ball cage and the outer bearing race. Aim for the middle of the seal, as it is composed of metal and will not be damaged.
The metal shields are likely secured by a circlip. In order to remove the circlip, get your pin under one edge of the circlip and it will release. As a result, the metal shield will be detached.
Step 2: Soaking the bearings in a cleaning solution
Put the bearings in a half-filled basin of acetone, and let them soak for a minute. If the bearings feel gritty, apply gentle pressure to the bottom of the bowl while spinning the bearings in your palm. To dry a bearing, spin it once on a dry paper towel, and then set it on a clean towel.
Step 3: Greasing the gaps
While the bearings dry, clean the acetone seals. Treat the inner metal ring gently; otherwise, you could damage it. Apply skateboard bearing grease on the gaps between the balls. Roll the bearing back and forth so that all the balls are coated in grease.
Carefully place the seal back on. It will fit snugly. Trace around the exterior of the seal with your greasy finger to keep it wet. Apply grease to the metal surfaces to help protect the metal from corrosion.
How Often Should You Lubricate Your Bearings
Congratulations! Skateboard bearings have just been cleaned and re-greased. How often should you perform this activity? It depends on how frequently you skate, and how often you have to ride in bad weather.
For bearings that have grease lubricants, try it every month and increase the frequency if you skate in wet conditions a lot. Boards that use oil need to be serviced around every two weeks if they are ridden every day. The oil doesn’t give the same corrosion prevention after a rainy ride.
Conclusion
To maintain your skateboard wheels at their best, clean and lubricate your skateboard bearings regularly. Bearings should not hinder you from showing off your skating abilities. In case you need to fix them, check this guide here.
Consider making many visits to different businesses, going online, making phone calls, and enlisting the assistance of friends to obtain lubrication for skateboard bearings.
Lubricate your bearings and make sure they are in good working order. It will be straightforward, and you will be ready to skate your board. The next time you ask what can I use to lube my bearings, be sure to follow our advice and come back to this article any time you need to.
I am Michael, and I have been enjoying this fun sport for seven years. And nothing is better than having a community to share our passion for those thrilling tricks. I am ready to tell you all I know about skateboarding, showing you how to choose a good board and trick to start and how the practice goes. Stay tuned!