How to Make Your Bearings Last Twice as Long – The Ultimate Guide
How to Make Your Bearings Last Twice as Long – The Ultimate Guide
If you want to get the most out of your skateboard or roller skate bearings, taking care of them properly is non-negotiable. Bearings are the heart of your setup, keeping your wheels spinning smoothly and effortlessly. But if you’re not cleaning, lubricating, and storing them correctly, you could be throwing money away—replacing them more often than you need to.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to make your bearings last twice as long with some simple yet effective maintenance techniques. Whether you’re rocking Beagle Bearings or another brand, these tips will help you save money and keep your rides buttery smooth.
Why Bearings Wear Out Faster Than They Should
Before we get into the solutions, let’s talk about why bearings fail in the first place.
Here are the biggest culprits:
- Dirt & Debris – Dust, grime, and moisture get inside your bearings, slowing them down and causing rust.
- Lack of Lubrication – Bearings need oil or grease to keep friction low. Without it, they wear out quickly.
- Improper Cleaning – Using the wrong methods or chemicals can actually do more harm than good.
- Bad Storage – Leaving your skates or skateboard in damp or dirty environments speeds up deterioration.
Now, let’s dive into how to keep your bearings spinning like new for as long as possible.
1. Clean Your Bearings Regularly (But The Right Way)
Cleaning your bearings is the single most important thing you can do to extend their lifespan. However, many people either don’t clean them often enough or use the wrong methods.
Here’s the correct way to do it:
Step-by-Step Bearing Cleaning Guide:
- Remove the bearings from your wheels using a skate tool.
- Pop off the shields carefully using a small knife or razor blade.
- Use a bearing cleaner – Soak them in a dedicated bearing cleaner or isopropyl alcohol (at least 90%). Avoid WD-40—it’s not a cleaner!
- Shake the container to loosen up dirt and grime.
- Let them dry completely on a paper towel before reassembling.
- Lubricate before reinstalling (more on that below).
⏳ How often should you clean them? If you’re skating in clean environments (like indoor rinks), every 2-3 months is fine. If you’re skating outdoors or in wet/dusty areas, clean them every few weeks.
2. Always Lubricate After Cleaning
After cleaning, your bearings need lubrication to prevent friction, overheating, and rust. But not all lubes are created equal.
Best Lubes for Skate Bearings:
✅ Skate-specific lubricants (like Bones Speed Cream or Bronson High-Speed Oil)
✅ Synthetic motor oil (lightweight, like 5W-20)
✅ Silicone-based lubricants (designed for high-speed applications)
🚫 What NOT to use:
❌ Cooking oil (turns sticky over time)
❌ WD-40 (it’s a solvent, not a lubricant!)
❌ Heavy grease (too thick and slows you down)
How to apply lube properly:
- Put one to two drops of lube inside each bearing.
- Spin the bearing to spread the lubricant evenly.
- Reinstall the shields and put the bearings back in your wheels.
💡 Pro tip: Over-lubricating can attract dirt and slow you down. Less is more!
3. Protect Your Bearings From Water & Dirt
Skating in wet or dirty conditions will ruin your bearings fast. While Beagle Bearings are designed to handle tough environments, no bearing is completely waterproof.
Ways to Protect Your Bearings:
- Avoid skating in the rain or through puddles. Water will get inside and cause rust.
- Don’t skate in sand or dust-heavy areas. Fine debris works its way inside and grinds down the metal.
- Use sealed or rubber-shielded bearings. They help keep dirt and moisture out. Beagle Bearings, for example, come with durable glow rubber shields that block debris while looking awesome under the lights!
4. Store Your Bearings Properly
Believe it or not, where you store your skates or board makes a huge difference in bearing lifespan.
Here’s how to store them the right way:
✅ Keep them in a cool, dry place (humidity causes rust).
✅ Use a bearing case or keep them inside the wheels.
✅ If you’re not skating for a while, apply a drop of lube before storing.
🚫 What to avoid:
❌ Leaving your skates in a damp garage or basement.
❌ Tossing them in your car (temperature changes cause condensation).
❌ Storing them dirty, always clean and lube before putting them away!
5. Upgrade to High-Quality Bearings
Even with perfect maintenance, cheap bearings will still wear out faster. That’s why investing in high-quality bearings, like Beagle Bearings, makes a difference.
Why Beagle Bearings Last Longer:
✔️ Precision engineering for maximum durability
✔️ Rubber shields to protect against dirt and moisture
✔️ Designed specifically for roller skaters and skateboarders
✔️ Tested by real skaters for top-tier performance
If your bearings are beyond saving, it might be time for an upgrade. You can grab a fresh set of Beagle Bearings here and feel the difference for yourself.
Final Thoughts: Keep Your Bearings Spinning Longer
By following these maintenance tips, you can easily double the lifespan of your bearings, save money, and keep your skating smooth.
Quick Recap:
✅ Clean your bearings regularly (use the right cleaner).
✅ Always lubricate after cleaning (with a proper lube).
✅ Avoid water, sand, and dust (they kill bearings fast).
✅ Store them properly (dry and protected from moisture).
✅ Use high-quality bearings like Beagle Bearings for maximum durability.
Take care of your bearings, and they’ll take care of you, keeping you rolling fast and smooth for years to come.
Got questions or your own bearing maintenance tips? Drop them in the comments below!