How to Clean Rollerblade Wheel Bearings
Rollerblading is a popular outdoor activity which is widely referred to as an alternative to ice skating during summer months. Besides being a recreational activity, it serves as an exercise as well, which helps strengthen your core body muscles. Rollerblades are also used sports such as street hockey.
Overtime, the wheel bearings of your rollerblades accumulate dirt and become gritty. Rollerblades with sticky bearings do not turn as quickly and easily or travel as fast as they did when new, and force the rider to push forward more frequently. If not cleaned and maintained properly, your wheel bearings may wear out completely and you will need to change them. You can improve the functioning of your rollerblades and extend their life through regular cleaning, which is not at all a difficult task.
Things Required:
– Allen wrench or skate tool
– Citrus based cleaner or Automotive brake cleaner
– Rubber gloves
– Disposable plastic container
– Clean rag
– Skate bearing lubricant
Instructions
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1
Using your Allen wrench or a skate tool, remove the hex nuts securing the wheel to the axle and set them aside in a safe place. Slip the wheel off the axle. Similarly, remove the remaining bearings from the four wheels.
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2
Fill a small disposable plastic container with the citrus based cleaner and dip the bearings into it, making sure the bearings are completely submerged.
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3
Shake the container vigorously for about a minute and then pour out the liquid.
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4
Again fill the plastic container with the citrus cleaner and rattle for about a minute. Once the dirt and grime has been dissolved into the cleaner pour it out.
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5
Repeat the process until the cleaner is no longer clouded by the grime on shaking the bearings.
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6
Once the bearings are clean enough, remove them from the container and wipe down with a rag. Dry the bearings with canned air.
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7
Spray the dried bearings with a lubricant specially designed for skate bearings.
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8
Re-attach the clean wheel bearings, place the wheel back in position and replace the hex nuts. Tighten the nuts with the help of an Allen wrench or skate tool and test your rollerblades on a ride.
