Miniature, deep-groove ball bearings are what allow your skate wheels to turn freely without friction as you glide down the street or rink. Each wheel on your roller or inline skates contains two wheel bearings, one on each side. Skate wheels that stick or seize often need to have the bearings replaced. Removing skate bearings requires the use of a few tools that you might already have in your skate bag.
Step 1
Loosen each of the bolts that hold the skate wheels in place using a 1/2 inch socket wrench, Allen key or special skate tool provided by the manufacturer of your skate wheels. Remove the loose skate wheels by pulling them off the trucks.
Step 2
Hold one of the skate wheels in the palm of your hand. Insert a slot screwdriver into the center of the skate wheel bearing.
Step 3
Push down on the handle of the screwdriver. Pushing down will set the blade of the screwdriver on an angle inside of the skate wheel bearing, prying the bearing from the wheel.
Step 4
Rotate the screwdriver as you pry. Rotating the screwdriver will assist the prying process by loosening the bearing at all angles.
Step 5
Continue the process of prying and rotating the screwdriver until the skate bearing pops out of place. Flip the skate wheel over and remove the bearing from the other side in the same manner. Repeat the process on the other skate wheels.
Tips and Warnings
- You might feel more secure prying the skate bearing while resting the wheel on a flat surface, held firmly in place with the fingers of one hand.
- Regardless of how you decide to hold the wheel during the prying process, be very careful. Hold the skate wheel firmly with one hand, while gripping the screwdriver handle firmly in your other hand. This will prevent slipping.
Things You'll Need
- Socket wrench, Allen key or special skate tool
- Slot screwdriver
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