Skateboard Bearings Guide

You’re on your board when, suddenly, your skateboard wheels don’t feel so smooth anymore. The culprit? It’s probably your skateboard bearings.

We know the frustration of skateboard bearing issues, and we’re here to help you combat that with this comprehensive guide to skateboard bearings. In this buying guide, we’ll delve into understanding what these essential components do. Skateboard bearings are an integral part of the skateboard, including the deck, skateboard trucks, skateboard wheels, and bearings. We’ll also talk about the specifics of the bearings, including the size, material, and construction.

But that’s not all! We’ll also walk you through installation and replacement processes while offering tips for maintenance to ensure longevity in every spin. Finally, we’ll tackle common bearing problems to keep you rolling smoothly down every street or ramp.

Here’s our promise: By the end of this buying guide, you’ll be well-equipped with practical knowledge about skateboard bearings — all in service of a smoother ride for fellow skaters everywhere.

Summary

Skateboarding is an incredibly fun activity for all ages. There are no rules or any policy on riding one. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, having the right skateboard bearing can make all the difference in your experience. Ceramic bearings, steel bearings, and hybrid skateboard bearings all have unique attributes that can improve your board’s speed, stability, and agility. Aside from the bearing type, regular maintenance is important for optimal performance. If you ever run into any problems, don’t be afraid to troubleshoot.

At FamilyHype, we know how important it is for families and parents to have reliable, helpful information. That’s why we encourage you to use our website to share your experiences and feedback with the broader community. Here at FamilyHype we provide the top customer service for you. Keep pushing, keep skating, and most importantly – keep enjoying every second on your board!

Understanding Skateboard Bearings

Skateboards Bearing

Why are these skateboard bearings important?

• Skateboard bearings contribute to the smooth rolling, speed, and overall performance of a skateboard.
• Durable skateboard bearings reduce friction.
• Durable skateboard bearings enhance the lifespan of the skateboard.
• Well-maintained skateboard bearings minimize resistance.
• Well-maintained skateboard bearings increase speed.
• Skateboard bearings are crucial components that significantly influence the maneuverability and control of your skateboard, as detailed in this guide about skateboard bearings.
• In essence, skateboard bearings ensure an enjoyable and optimal skateboard riding experience.
• Skateboard bearings technology advancements have led to improved performance.

Here at FamilyHype, we understand the importance of skateboard bearings, and we want to help you explore different types and their unique traits.

The primary component of skateboard bearings is the wheel system, which includes other parts such as Skateboard wheels, Bearings, Spacers, and Risers. Each of these entities including the bearing spacer has unique attributes and values that affect the overall performance of the skateboard. For example, the bearings are responsible for reducing friction and improving speed, and bearing spacers are used to space the wheels accurately.

When it comes to skateboarding, understanding the components of your skateboard, such as bearings, bushings, and skateboard wheels, is key to a successful journey. Bearings allow the skateboard wheels to rotate, and bushings provide cushioning between the skateboard trucks and the skateboard deck. The bearing spacer keeps all of the parts in place.

The bearings are made from round metal pieces held in place by a ball retainer holding the individual ball bearings. These metal pieces are made of quality steel. Their performance is often measured on the ABEC scale, though regular bearings may suffice for casual use. In downhill skating, where high speeds are common, fewer balls in the bearings can mean faster rotation, making them some of the best bearings for this purpose.

Many inexpensive bearings come with quality steel metal pieces that won’t break your budget. There are others, like the high impact polymer wheel with ball bearing, that costs a bit more.

Skateboard Bearings

Types

As skateboard enthusiasts know, diving headfirst into the world of skateboarding requires that you understand the various components that come with it—especially when it comes to different types of bearings.

From learning about the various bearing materials and brands to understanding how these choices impact your skating experience, we’ll make sure you have all the necessary information to make the best selection for you.

There are mainly two types of skateboard bearings:

1. Steel Skateboard Bearings: These are the most common and affordable skateboard bearings. Steel bearings are made of steel and are suitable for most skateboard riders, providing a good balance of performance and cost. Affordability is the best asset of steel bearings compared to ceramic bearings. But there are still situations where steel bearings can do the job. So don’t hesitate on buying steel bearings if that’s what’s available.
2. Ceramic Bearings: These skateboard bearings use ceramic balls, which are harder and lighter than steel bearings. Ceramic skateboard bearings are known for their durability, smoother performance, and reduced friction. The ceramic bearings are often favored by advanced skateboard enthusiasts who prioritize high speed and precision. Aside from that, ceramic bearings also lasts longer. You can clean ceramic bearings with water as well.

Choosing The Right Skateboard Bearings

Choosing the right bearing for your skateboard is essential for smooth riding and a longer-lasting experience. It’s up to you whether to get steel or ceramic bearings, but keep these factors in mind:

Quality

• Quality skateboard bearings enhance performance, providing a smoother and faster skateboarding experience.

Durability

• Skate is also a key factor, as selecting bearings made from robust materials ensures they withstand the demands of skateboarding. Bearing durability and quality are crucial when choosing components for your skateboard. We recommend opting for trusted bearing brands like Bones, Independent, and Bronson which are already proven to have higher quality products. These skate-rated bearings, known for their high precision and higher-grade steel, offer superior quality and skateboard durability. Each skateboard wheel requires bearings of the same size to achieve optimal skate speed and skate performance. A bearing with a size of 22mm outer diameter and 7mm width is optimal.

Speed

• A higher-quality skateboard bearing with precise construction and materials contributes to a faster and more efficient skate.

Terrain Adaptability

• Different skate bearings may perform better on specific terrains. Knowing the bearing type can help you select skateboard ones that suit your preferred skating environment, whether it’s street, park, or downhill. If you value privacy and wish to ride on a more secluded and special terrain then consider the bearing that you are getting.

Cost

• You might also consider the costs and how much of a budget you should allocate for your skateboard. Though there are inexpensive skateboard bearings you can purchase. More expensive skateboard bearings contain more inner ball bearings. Ceramic skateboard bearings tend to be on the pricier side. When purchasing ceramic skateboard bearings, you will find that it’ll be a smooth ride. So, the pros of the ceramic bearings still outweighs the cons.

Guide In Installing And Replacing Your Skateboard Bearing

Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of installing and replacing those crucial little elements in your ride. Remember, even if a bearing with a size of 22mm outer diameter and 7mm is recommended,  they’re not one-size-fits-all; proper fitting ensures a longer lifespan and better performance of your skateboard.

To install or replace skateboard bearing:

• Start by removing the skateboard wheels using a skateboard tool or wrench.
• Pop out the old bearings from each wheel, clean the skateboard wheel cores, and insert the new bearings with the open side facing outward.
• Press the bearings into the wheel cores using your body weight or a bearing press tool. With a gentle press, fit new bearings into each wheel hub.
• Reattach the skateboard wheels by putting washers on the truck axles and tightening the nuts with a skateboard tool or wrench.

In skateboard wheel assembly, the axle nut secures the skateboard wheel to the axle, while the bearing spacer aligns the bearings, consisting of an inner small metal ring and an outer ring, which is a round metal exterior, designed to create less friction for smoother motion. These bearing spacers are small metal cylinders made from steel, aluminum, or other metal types. Bearing spacers since the main purpose of bearing spacers  is to lock all pieces together. Almost all skateboard bearings feature an outer diameter that fits snugly into soft wheels, with speed rings ensuring optimal rotation. The bearing spacer  is an essential part of the skateboard, since it aligns the inner and outer ring so consider the bearing spacer  as well when buying your set of skate deck.

Maintenance Of Skateboard Bearing

• Next, we’re diving into the all-important topic of maintaining your skateboard bearings. We understand that keeping your skateboard ride smooth requires more than just installing new bearings – it’s about cleaning and lubricating them regularly too.
• Even if they are in a ball retainer, you still need to take them out and clean them.
• Trust us, with our years of experience and practical knowledge, a little bit of regular maintenance will drastically extend the life of your skateboard bearings and enhance your skating performance. It’s not all about designing your board with assorted grip tape and sticker, make sure to maintain them too.

Cleaning Skateboard Bearings

• Keeping your skateboard bearings clean is a crucial part of maintaining their performance, and here at FamilyHype, we understand that! Of course it doesn’t only include bearings, but only cleaning your wheel, skateboard deck, grip tape, and skateboard trucks. Not only does it enhance skateboard bearing durability, but it also reduces environmental impact. We recommend doing this regularly to your skateboard trucks and bearings to keep your ride smooth.

Lubricating Skateboard’s Bearings

• After ensuring your bearings are clean, it’s essential to lubricate them properly for optimal performance and durability. At FamilyHype, we recommend choosing a high-quality bearing coating with superior resistance to minimize friction.
• The type of lubricant you use can have a significant impact on the performance of your skateboard. By using the right lubricant, you can ensure smooth and efficient rides.
• Types of lubricant choices are mineral oil, synthetic oil, grease, and dry lubricants. These can be helpful in the ball retainer bearing and quality steel metal pieces you will be lubricating.
• Mastering lubrication techniques is key—apply a thin, even layer to ensure smooth rides. Remember, over-lubricating can attract dirt, so be sure to use the right amount of lubricant.

Skateboards

Troubleshooting Skateboard Bearing Problems

We’ve all been there: a smooth ride suddenly becomes bumpy, or our board doesn’t glide as effortlessly as it used to. Recognizing these signs of wear and tear is crucial in maintaining the longevity and performance of your skateboard bearings.

Addressing common issues early on improves your skateboarding experience and saves you from costly repairs or replacements down the line. It’s much more troublesome if your hardware came overseas and you have to have it replaced with a free shipping discount.

Skate Bearing

Bearing Signs Of Wear And Tear

You’re cruising down the street, wind in your hair, board beneath your feet – but then you notice that ride isn’t as smooth as it used to be, which could be a sign of wear and tear on your skateboard bearings. Recognizing damage indicators can help mitigate the wear impact. Always check if there’s already a sign of damages, it’s better to address the problems early on.

Maybe there’s grinding or strange noises. Don’t worry; FamilyHype will guide you through addressing these common skateboard issues next. We understand the importance of keeping your skateboard in optimal condition.

We want to help you identify the signs of wear and tear on your skateboard bearings, including the bearing type, axle size, and bearing lubrication, as well as other important factors, such as grinding, noises, friction, and rust. Aside from wearing safety gear, understanding the warning signals of skateboard wear and tear can help you maintain a safe and enjoyable ride. Especially understanding how you can take care of your quality steel inexpensive bearings in the ball retainer.

Common Issues

Addressing common issues in skateboard bearings is crucial for maintaining optimal performance. If you notice reduced speed, loud noises, or uneven rolling, it may be time to address common problems.

Steps To Ensure Your Bearings Are In Top Condition

• Regularly clean and lubricate your bearings.
• Replace worn-out bearings promptly.
• Invest in high-quality, durable bearings.
• Always use the correct tools when working on your skateboards.
• By following this skateboard bearings guide, you’ll improve your ride and promote a safer skating community.

Bearing Of Skateboards: Conclusion

We’ve journeyed through the world of skateboard bearings together. With this buying guide, we hope you now feel well-equipped to make informed decisions about the bearings on your skateboard. Whether you choose ceramic, steel, or even hybrid bearings, selecting the best skateboard bearings can enhance your ride. Make sure to wear safety gear every time you ride. No matter where you are riding, you must always brace yourself for the possibility of high impact injuries.

You can buy them at a nearby skate shop or online using a free shipping discount. When buying your own skateboard in the shop, also look out for the quality of the skateboard accessories. Do they roll fine? Are the wheels fast or slow? Are the trucks sturdy? Is it worth the price? Does the length and width fit well on the rider? Is the material prone to rust? It’s free to do all of these standard checking first.

If you’re planning to buy online, make sure to get it from a legitimate shop and always check the status of the shipping. If you are unsure of what to get, or unsure of the features of their products, contact customer service of these stores or brands to know. It’s never a bad idea to seek customer service support!

Before you shop, do online research first. Compare prices and standard shipping information. Set an expectation on what you want your new board to be. Skateboards have many components, from decks to wheels to trucks. Get the perfect price for your needs.

Aside from wearing safety gear to prevent high-impact falls, don’t forget routine maintenance for longevity and performance. If problems arise, don’t panic—troubleshooting is part of the process, or you may ask your manufacturer’s customer service. Go fast, spin well! Keep pushing, keep skating, and most importantly, enjoy every second on your board!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What’s Better ABEC 7 Or 9 For Skateboard Bearing?

The ABEC rating system measures the precision of ball bearings, including skateboard bearings. In this case, ABEC 9 bearings are generally considered better than ABEC 7 bearings as they offer higher precision and smoother performance, particularly when used with ceramic materials on your performance skateboard. For optimal performance, skaters may also use bearing spacers and ceramic skateboard bearings with steel bearings in combination with higher-quality skateboard wheels and axle nuts to reduce friction and enhance the overall skating experience.

What Skateboard Bearings Are Best For High Speed?

Ceramic bearings are considered the best for high-speed performance in skateboarding, especially if speed is one of your priorities. Their smooth and durable ceramic balls, along with their ability to reduce friction and heat, make them ideal for achieving top speeds. When combined with inner and outer races, bearing shields, and titanium materials (titanium bearings), such as bone bearings, skaters can experience optimal performance and speed while gliding on their boards. To maintain the ceramic bearings’ efficiency, it’s essential to clean the ceramic bearings regularly to remove debris and dirt that might hinder their performance and cause unnecessary wear.

Does It Matter What Skateboard Bearings You Get?

Yes, it does matter what bearings you get for your performance skateboard. The type of bearings, such as ceramic bearings, steel bearings, and titanium bearings, along with the ABEC rating, can significantly affect the performance and speed of your skateboard. Factors like the quality of inner and outer races, bearing shields, and regular cleaning of skate bearings also play a crucial role in ensuring optimal performance and durability, making it essential to choose the best skateboard bearings that suit your needs and preferences. To top it all, whether you got steel or ceramic bearings, pair your high quality skateboard parts with safety gear.

What Are ABEC 7 In Longboards?

ABEC 7 bearings are a type of ball bearings that have steel balls and are rated according to the ABEC rating system. The ABEC 7 rating indicates a high level of precision and smoothness, making them suitable for high-speed skating and providing better performance compared to lower-rated ABEC bearings.

These bearings typically consist of two bearings per wheel, with inner and outer races, and are commonly used in skateboards, where bearing maintenance and a higher quality skateboard wheel core are essential for optimal performance. However, this rating does not specify other critical factors such as ball precision, load handling capabilities, material Rockwell hardness, lubricant, and more.

Bones Bearings use their own system of rating known as “Skate Rated”. These remain some of the best selling bearings on the market. This brand does offer cheap bearings ranging from around $18 and above. But of course, their ceramic versions offer high quality steel and allow for decreased friction while riding.

What Is Better ABEC 9 Or 11 For Skateboard?

In general, ABEC 11 bearings are considered better than ABEC 9 bearings for skateboarding. Higher ABEC ratings indicate greater precision and smoother performance, which is beneficial for achieving faster speeds and smoother rides. When choosing a bearing, consider factors such as the type of material used, such as metal bearings, titanium bearings, or ceramic bearings, as they can affect performance and durability.

Additionally, pay attention to the quality of the outer race, opt for a higher quality, and make sure to regularly clean your bearings to maintain their efficiency aside from wearing safety gear to ensure a smooth and enjoyable skateboarding experience. The higher quality the ABEC rating of a skateboard bearing, the more precisely the inner ring and bearing shield are crafted, allowing the skateboard wheels to roll faster; however, it is recommended to avoid skating in dirty areas for easier cleaning and maintenance of these high-performance components.

Are ABEC 1 Bearings Fast?

ABEC 1 bearings are not typically considered fast compared to higher-rated ABEC bearings. While these balls can still provide a smooth ride, most bearings with ABEC 1 rating are made with less precision and use metal balls, resulting in slower speeds than bearings with higher ABEC ratings or those utilizing ceramic balls. Additionally, using bearing spacers can improve performance by reducing friction and enhancing the overall speed and smoothness of the skateboard. Bearing spacers are essential parts on your skateboard. Go for those with a higher quality.

How To Choose Board Gears?

When choosing a bearing, consider factors such as the type of material used, such as metal bearings, titanium bearings, or ceramic bearings, as they can affect performance and durability. Additionally, please pay attention to the quality of the outer race, and make sure to regularly clean your bearings to maintain their efficiency and ensure a smooth and enjoyable skateboarding experience.

The higher the skateboard bearing’s ABEC rating, the more precisely the inner ring, outer ring, and bearing shield are crafted, allowing the wheels to roll faster. When the wheels roll faster, it adds to your skateboarding speed. But remember to choose the right skate components and accessories that are fit for your board. Also, remember not to be in too many dirty areas, as cleaning the balls on the bearings can be hard. Check your surroundings and if it would accumulate dirt and rust.

What Grade Of Bearings Is Best?

The best grade of bearings depends on your specific needs and preferences as a skateboarder. Factors like the quality of the outer race, the type of skating you do, and your desired level of precision and speed will influence your choice between different grades of bearings.

It’s important to consider factors like ABEC ratings, material (metal, titanium, or ceramic), and bearing spacers to determine which grade of bearings will suit your style and provide the best performance for your skateboarding needs.

Are Bigger Bearings Better?

Whether bigger bearings are better depends on the specific application and the size of the wheels. Larger bearings can provide more stability and better performance for larger wheels, while smaller bearings may be more suitable for smaller wheels and a lighter setup.

Which Brand Of Skate Bearing Is Best?

As for the best brand of bearings, it can vary depending on personal preferences and the specific use case. Some popular and reputable skateboard-bearing brands include Bones Swiss Bearings, Bronson Speed Co., and Independent Bearings, but the “best” brand ultimately comes down to individual experiences and preferences. It’s recommended to read reviews and consider factors like material, ABEC rating, and price to find the brand that suits your needs and budget.

Last Updated on July 6, 2024 by Lisette Lao

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