Removing bearings from roller skate wheels isn’t easy. If you’re also struggling with this task, this guide will help you. By following the methods below, you will be able to take bearings off your skates easily and safely.
The methods we will go through will use one of the tools below:
- A bearing puller
- A bearing press
- A screwdriver
- A nut splitter
- The skate’s axle
Besides how to remove bearings from roller skate wheels, there are handy tips for you to pick up as well. Read until the end to get all the information on roller skate bearing removal that skaters should know.
Page Contents
4 Different Ways to Remove Wheel Bearings from Roller Skates
Way #1 - Using a Bearing Puller
What you will need to prepare
- A wrench or socket screwdriver
- A bearing puller
The first way you can remove roller skate bearings is by using a bearing puller. This is made specifically for the task and best suits 8 mm axles. That said you can use it to put bearings in skate wheels afterward as well.
What you will need to do
Step 1: Remove the wheels from skates
You can do this with the help of a socket screwdriver or a wrench. Simply loosen the axle nuts or screws, then slide the wheels off. Set them aside somewhere you wouldn’t lose them.
Step 2: Clamp the bearings with the bearing puller
By using a thumb to push the knob on the bearing puller’s handle, you’ll retract the prongs on its body, allowing you to slide the tool inside the bearing seamlessly. Once you’ve inserted the puller, let go of your thumb so the prongs can spring forward and clamp onto the bearing.
Step 3: Pull the bearings out with turning motions
Now, you can start working your muscles. Simultaneously yank and pull the wheel to pop bearings out of the skates. As you pull, you’ll heave clicky noise – this means that the bearing is slowly edging out.
Step 4: Repeat the process for all other bearings
To complete the process, just repeat the steps to remove all the bearings. Remember that there are two bearings in each roller skate wheel. And with four wheels on a pair of roller skates, there should be 16 bearings to remove in total.
Way #2 - Using A Bearing Press
What you will need to prepare
- A wrench or socket screwdriver
- A bearing press
Another roller skate bearing removal tool that you can use is a bearing press. This makes it super easy to take off bearings. This tool is typically designed for 7 mm and 8mm axles.
Here is how you use it:
- Slide your wheels from the skates with the help of a wrench or screwdriver.
- Take one wheel and insert it into the puller on the back side of the tool.
- Push the arm on the opposite side down to knock the bearings right off.
You can also use this tool to put the bearings back on your wheels. It can easily fit into your skate bag and can definitely save you a lot of time and effort. Investing in one is not a bad idea at all.
Way #3 - Using A Screwdriver
What you will need to prepare
- A flathead screwdriver
- A wrench
You can get bearings out of roller skate wheels with a screwdriver as well. If you already have this lying around at home, you will not have to spend money on other roller skate-bearing tools.
However, note that this method can potentially scratch your wheels, so proceed with caution. The upside is that you can rely on a screwdriver to remove bearings of any axle size, including ones as small as 6 mm.
What you will need to do
Step 1: Remove the wheels from skates
Use a wrench or socket screwdriver to remove the axle screws/nuts, then the wheels.
Step 2: Slip the screwdriver’s flathead into the bearing
Once the wheels are off, grab your screwdriver and slip it through the bearing so the flat portion is set against the bottom bearing.
Step 3: Remove the bearing
Grip tightly onto the wheel and apply some force to pry off the bearing. If the bearing still doesn’t come off, gently move the screwdriver around in circles.
Way #4 - Using A Nut Splitter
What you will need to prepare
- A nut splitter
What you will need to do
A nut splitter is another tool that can help you get the job done. All you need to do is wedge it in between the bearing you are trying to detach and the wheel. Use the two prongs of the splitter to pry the bearing off. Once you can do this for one bearing, repeat the steps for the rest.
Again, this method is only for 8 mm axles – the most common type of roller skate wheel bearings.
How to Remove Your Roller Skate Bearings without Tools
What if you have no tools mentioned above? Fortunately, you can skate bearings without tools.
What you will need to prepare
You can remove your roller skate bearings without tools as well. Another advantage of this approach is that it can work for any axle size, no matter how big or small.
What you will need to do
Here is how you can take the bearings off your roller skate wheels:
- Take the wheels off your skates.
- Starting with one wheel, put it back on the axle, but do not slide it back in. Instead, keep it at the tip. It should be slid in just barely.
- Next, twist the wheel to the side to pry the bearing off. So, you are using the axle like a tool itself. The bearing should pop off with just a bit of prying.
- To complete the removal process, simply repeat the steps for all of the bearings.
5 Helpful Tips to Keep in Mind When Removing Roller Skate Bearings
- Use Allen keys to detach the wheels on skates with Allen screws. It will save you a lot of time and effort.
- Spritz WD40 on bearings that are stuck on the wheels. Give it several minutes to work its magic, and you should be able to take bearings out with ease.
- Remove one side of the wheels at a time to avoid scratching the bearings. If the metal layer of the bearings is scraped, the wheels might have a harder time rotating smoothly.
- Apply penetrating oil to the bearings to make it easier to separate them from the wheels. You can get these at most local automotive stores.
- Do not rush through the process. The bearings might come flying out and hit you or someone near you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
#1 – Are skateboard and roller skate bearings the same?
In most cases, skateboard and roller skate bearings are similar, as they are typically mounted to 8mm axels. This is why you can sometimes use these two bearing types interchangeably.
That said, roller skates can sometimes use smaller axles (and consequently smaller bearings).
#2 – When to remove the bearings from roller skate wheels for replacement?
Here are some cases where you should remove the bearings from roller skate wheels and replace them with new ones:
- The bearings are rusty
- The bearings make noises
- The bearings do not spin or roll smoothly anymore
#3 – How to check the bearings of roller skate wheels?
Simply flip the skates over and try spinning the wheels with your hands. Observe how they spin. Do they make any noise? Are they spinning freely? If they are crunching, you need to clean them. And if they are squeaking, you need to lubricate them.
#4 – How long do roller skate bearings last?
This depends on many factors, including how often you use your skates and where you use them. In general, however, they last between 1 and 3 months. Luckily, they are not too pricey if you do have to replace them regularly.
Conclusion
Now that you have read through this detailed guide featuring 5 methods, handy tips, and several relevant FAQs, you should have a good grasp of how to remove bearings from roller skate wheels.
In short, it is possible to get the job done with or without tools. You just need to choose the best method depending on how much time you have and what materials there are available.
We hope that this has been a helpful guide. Leave us a comment should you have any questions.
Harrison is a skating enthusiast who picked up the sport during her student exchange years in Canada. She has been a skating coach for children and teens for 3 years and now holds classes as a freelancer. Harrison entwines her experience leading skating classes in the content published on Cora to help readers fall in love with skating, just like she did.
