If your roller skate bearings feel gritty, sound different or no longer turn smoothly, check them before your next session. For bearings designed to be serviced, cleaning removes contamination so you can inspect, dry and lubricate them before putting them back into your wheels.
Use the instructions supplied with your bearings and cleaning equipment. Shield designs and cleaning methods vary, so check your bearing model before opening it.
What you need
- A skate tool that fits your axle nuts.
- A bearing puller or press compatible with your bearings and wheels.
- Cleaner approved for your bearing materials and a compatible cleaning container.
- Clean cloths that do not shed lint and the recommended bearing lubricant.
- Any protective equipment specified on the cleaner label.
Choose a clear work area and keep removed nuts, washers and spacers together. Follow the cleaner label for ventilation, handling and disposal.
Step 1: Remove the wheels and bearings
Undo the axle nuts with your skate tool and remove the wheels. Note the position of any washers or spacers so you can put them back correctly.
Use a suitable puller or bearing press to remove the bearings. Follow the tool instructions and avoid forcing a tool against the shield. The Bont roller skate bearing press has separate poles for 7 mm and 8 mm bearings and is specified for quad wheels up to 70 mm by 43 mm.
Step 2: Check the bearing and its shields
Wipe away loose dirt. Look for damage and turn the bearing gently to check for roughness or binding.
Remove a shield only if the bearing manufacturer identifies it as removable and provides a method. Leave the ball cage in place for routine cleaning. If you cannot service the bearing as instructed, ask a skate shop or consider a replacement.
Step 3: Clean the bearings
For manual cleaning, place serviceable bearings in a container compatible with the approved cleaner. Use the cleaner quantity and cleaning time specified by its manufacturer. Move the bearings gently through the solution, renewing it as directed if it becomes dirty. Keep any removed shields separate and clean them according to their own material requirements.
The Bont electronic bearing cleaner is an alternative for compatible 608 and 688 bearings with an 8 mm bore. Its product instructions require a non-flammable cleaning solution. Follow those instructions when using the device; do not use a flammable solvent in it or assume that it fits 7 mm bearings.
Step 4: Dry and lubricate
Dry the bearings promptly and completely using the method recommended for the bearing and cleaner. Check that no moisture or cleaning residue remains before applying lubricant.
Use the bearing manufacturer's recommended lubricant and amount. Turn the bearing to distribute it, then refit any removable shields as instructed. Adding oil to a dirty bearing does not remove the dirt. Clean it first.
Step 5: Install and check the wheels
Clean the bearing seats in the wheels. Press each bearing in straight with a suitable tool that loads the outer ring during installation, keeping pressure off the shield. Reinstall any specified spacer between the bearings.
Return the wheels, washers and nuts to their original positions. Secure them according to the skate or plate instructions. Check every wheel for smooth rotation, correct seating and secure retention before skating. If a wheel binds, find and correct the cause rather than leaving its nut insecure.
When to clean or replace bearings
Inspect your setup regularly and after exposure to moisture or heavy dirt. Cleaning frequency depends on where you skate and the bearing design. Replace bearings that remain rough, bind or show damage after correct servicing.
For replacement sizes and buying advice, use our roller skate bearing guide. You can also compare current Bont roller skate bearings.