A Comprehensive Guide: How To Change Skateboard Wheels

Skateboarding, a thrilling sport loved worldwide, takes a toll on our skateboard wheels as we enthusiastically shred through urban landscapes. As the miles add up and tricks take their toll on our longboard, those once-smooth bearings begin to show signs of wear and tear, affecting our skateboard ride quality and overall performance.

To keep the stoke alive and ensure your longboard remains in peak condition, knowing how to replace your skateboard wheels with a new wheel (skateboard wheels at home) is crucial. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or a beginner just embarking on this thrilling journey, this article is here to be your ultimate go-to resource for replacing skateboard wheels with a new wheel.

In this guide, we’ll take you on how to change skateboard wheels step-by-step through the easy process of swapping out those worn-out skateboard wheels with new wheels. This makes the change easier than ever to keep your longboard rolling smoothly. From choosing the right set of skateboard wheels and essential tools to mastering the proper techniques for installing skateboard wheels and a bearing, we’ll cover it all. But it doesn’t stop there—get ready to delve into the world of skateboard bearings, understand the significance of grip tape and riser pads, and gain top insights into regular maintenance to prolong the lifespan of your skateboard wheels and ensure an unparalleled free slide.

Join us as we learn the world of longboard maintenance, offering valuable tips, skate tricks, and expert advice to unleash the true potential of your skateboards. Let’s start keeping the wheels spinning, the tricks flowing, and the stoke alive—because in the realm of skateboarding, the journey never ends.

Key Takeaways

Replacing wheels step-by-step

• Regularly inspect your longboard rollers for signs of small wear and tear before you leave your home.
• Just like humans change clothing, remove and change your skateboard grip tape and wheel rollers to maintain optimal performance and a smooth ride.
• Choose longboard rollers that match your skateboarding style and terrain.
• Consider changing the skateboard bearings to new ones if they are damaged or don’t spin smoothly.
• Use a skate tool or wrench and socket set to loosen and tighten the nuts on the longboard rollers.
• Test the longboard for wheel bite after changing to larger rollers or adding riser pads.
• Proper maintenance, including replacing grip tape and other accessories, cleaning skateboard bearings into new ones, and adjusting rollers, is essential for extending your skateboard’s lifespan.
• Experiment with different skateboard wheel sizes and durometers to find the best setup for your preferences.
• Take care of your skateboard wheel, and it will take care of you—regularly clean and maintain your skateboard and skateboard wheel to ensure longevity.
• Repeat all these things when necessary.

What Are Flat Spots? 

Flat spots on skateboard wheels are usually caused by powerslides or when you slide the wheel the wrong way while landing from a trick. Other causes are pebbles or small rocks hitting the site of the wheel and using cheap skateboard wheels. These flat spots make zipping noise as you maneuver your skateboard. If the flat spots are bad, you need to change your wheels.

How To Change Skate Rollers

Changing skateboard wheels is an essential maintenance task that ensures optimal performance and a smooth skateboarding experience. Over time, longboard wheels wear down due to regular use, rough surfaces, and tricks. Here’s a guide to help you change your wheels step-by-step:

Things You Need When Changing Skateboard Wheels

To replace your wheels, shop for the following materials needed:

1. Skate tool or wrench and socket set that fits your skateboard hardware
2. New skateboard wheels
3. Skateboard bearings (optional if your current ones are worn out)
4. Skateboard deck
5. Skateboard trucks
6. Skateboard riser pads (optional if you want to increase the clearance of the wheels)

Change Longboard Wheels: Step-By-Step Process

This is how you change your wheels step-by-step

1. Prepare your workspace: Find a flat, clean surface to work on. Lay down a soft cloth or old towel to prevent scratching your skateboard deck.
2. Loosen the trucks: Grab a skate tool or a wrench and socket set to loosen the nuts on the street skateboard trucks. Loosening the nut or the axle nut will make it easier to remove the axle nuts and change your rollers later.
3. Remove the old wheels: Gently slide the wheels from the truck axle. To avoid losing the nuts, axle nuts, or any small pieces, put them in a small container.
4. Lift the longboard off the ground. Once the axle nuts are loose, do this and hold it with one hand. Use your other hand to pull the front wheels and back wheels off the truck’s axle. Gently wiggle the other rollers from side to side while pulling to release the wheels from the bearings.
5. Inspect the skateboard’s bearings: Take a look at the bearings. If they look damaged, rusted, or don’t spin smoothly, consider changing them. Clean and maintain the two bearings into new regularly to extend their lifespan.
6. Install new bearings (if necessary): If you’re changing the bearings, remove the bearings using a bearing press tool or a skateboard tool. Insert the new bearings by applying even pressure until they are fully seated on the rollers. To place the bearings on the truck axle, slide your bearings shield, side down position. Make sure they spin freely.
7. Insert the new wheels: Place the new rollers onto the street skateboard trucks’ axles. Ensure that the new rollers fit securely and that the urethane of the new rollers does not touch the street surfing board deck or truck hanger. Make sure that you have the correct side facing out. Some have indications as to which is the correct side facing out. Push the wheels on firmly, but avoid using excessive force.
8. Tighten the skateboard’s trucks: Once the new rollers are in place, tighten the axle nuts on the street surfing board trucks using your street skate tool or wrench. Make sure the rollers spin freely without wobbling. Be cautious not to over-tighten them as it can damage the bearings.
9. Check for wheels’ bite: If you’ve changed to larger rollers or added riser pads, test the street surfing board to make sure there is no skateboard wheel bite (when the rollers rub against the street surfing board deck). Adjust the tightness of the trucks or add/remove riser pads if necessary.
10. Test ride: When the process is complete, take a short test ride to ensure all feel good before going all out. Make sure the rollers are rotating smoothly and the street surfing board’s stability meets your preference.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully replaced your skateboard wheels. Remember to regularly inspect skateboard wheels and maintain your bearings and trucks to keep your skateboard in top-notch condition and extend its lifespan. Happy riding!

Conclusion

• Maintaining your street surfing board’s wheels is an essential aspect of being a responsible and skilled skater. By regularly inspecting, cleaning, and changing worn-out wheels with reserved skateboard wheels at home, you ensure a smoother ride, enhanced performance, and a safer street surfing experience. With the knowledge gained from our comprehensive guide, you now have the power to change your wheels in order and your board rolling at its best.
• Remember to invest in high-quality wheels that suit your street surfing style and preferences. Whether you’re into street skating, cruising, or hitting the skatepark, the right set of wheels can make all the difference. Additionally, pay attention to your bearings and consider changing them with skateboard wheels at home when necessary, as they play a vital role in your skateboard’s overall performance.
• Don’t shy away from experimenting with different sizes of wheels and durometers to find what suits you best. Each skateboarder has unique preferences, and it’s all about discovering your perfect setup for the ultimate ride.
• Lastly, we cannot stress enough the significance of regular maintenance. Take good care of your skateboard, and it will take good care of you. Regularly inspect your board, clean the bearings, and adjust the trucks to prevent unnecessary wear and tear.
• With this knowledge and a little love for your street surfing board, you’re now equipped to face any challenges that may come your way.
• So, roll on, fellow skaters, and keep the wheels spinning as you embrace the exhilarating journey of skateboarding—a never-ending adventure of pushing boundaries, honing skills, and unleashing your inner creativity on four wheels. Do not forget to know the skateboarding policy of the area and wear skateboarding protective accessories.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How To Change Skateboard Wheels Step-By-Step Without A Proper Tool?

Before changing the wheels, try to turn the wheel and flip the wheel. To replace your skateboard wheels without a skate tool, you can use a few alternative methods. One approach is to find a sturdy flat surface and use your foot to apply pressure while turning the skateboard upside down. This will help you pop the old wheels off and insert the new replacement wheels in place, ensuring the wheels spin smoothly. When you mount your new wheels, make sure that you have the correct side facing out. For further ideas and guides, you can watch some helpful videos from YouTube.

How Do I Know If My Skateboard Wheels Are Bad?

Before changing the wheels, try to turn the wheel and flip the wheel. You can determine if your longboard wheels are in need of replacement by checking for signs of wear and tear, such as a flat spot, uneven wear, or a missing chunk. If your wheels no longer provide a smooth ride or proper grip, it might be time to replace your longboard wheels and bearings. This is also a good opportunity to inspect your bearing cleaning kit to keep your longboard in tip-top shape. Additionally, examine the condition of your bearings and speed washers, and consider switching to harder wheels if you prefer higher speeds and smoother slides.

How Do I Know If I Need New Skateboard Wheels?

Before changing the wheels, try to turn the wheel and flip the wheel. You’ll know if you need to replace your longboard wheels by examining their condition for signs of wear and tear, such as a flat spot, uneven wear, or missing chunks. If the wheels show significant wear such as a flat spot, have become uneven, or have lost their grip, it’s time for a replacement. Consider upgrading to new wheels that suit your needs, like longboard truck axle compatibility and improved performance compared to old street longboard wheels.

When Should I Change The Wheels Of My Board?

Before changing the wheels, try to turn the wheel and flip the wheel. It is time to replace your wheels when they show signs of excessive wear such as a flat spot, become too flat or squared off, or when the material has become significantly thinner due to prolonged use.  Before you replace your wheels, it’s advisable to inspect all longboard parts periodically to ensure optimal performance. Before you replace your wheels, it is also advisable to upgrade to softer wheels, adding a bearing spacer, changing longboard wheels, and changing old skateboard bearings as they can also enhance the overall performance and smoothness of your ride.

Are Hard Skateboard Wheels Better Than The Soft Wheels?

The choice between changing hard or soft longboard wheels depends on your riding style. Hard wheels are better for smooth surfaces and high speeds, providing less grip but more slide. Conversely, soft wheels are ideal for rough terrain and offer better grip, making them more suitable for cruising and tricks. To adjust the wheels’ hardness, you can use a skate tool or wrench to swap out the bearing slides.

Is It Easier To Ollie With Smaller Longboard Rollers?

Yes, replacing your skateboard wheels with a new wheel (smaller ones) can make it easier to ollie due to reduced friction or a flat spot. Replacing your skateboard wheels with smaller wheels may also offer better grip, aiding in controlling power slides and improving the rotation of the skateboard wheels during tricks.

How Do You Ride A Skateboard Without The Wheels Stopping?

How Do You Pop Out Bearings?

• To replace skateboard wheels with a new wheel, you can pop out the skateboard bearings or a single bearing by employing landing tricks and gently applying force onto the axle. Having the right tools for the job, such as an Allen key, can provide the necessary leverage without causing damage. This should facilitate the removal of the wheels, making the process of changing skateboard wheels with a new wheel straightforward and efficient. Remember to handle the process with care to avoid any damage to the components.

Is 99a On Skateboard Wheels Soft Or Hard?

The 99a refers to the hardness of longboard wheels used for street surfing. It is considered one of the harder wheels, making it suitable for tricks and technical riding. Changing two skateboard bearings and adding speed washers can help enhance the overall performance and speed of the street longboard.

How Do I Know The Axle Nut Size For Skateboard Wheels?

To determine which wheels will fit your longboard, you need to consider the axle nut size. There are many wheels sell on the market. But Before attempting to change skateboard wheels, ensure that the axle nuts of the new wheels match the size of your current ones to ensure the axle nuts properly fit.

Last Updated on July 4, 2024 by Rejie Salazar

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