Note: This technique for removing bearings is only suitable for skateboard wheels. Since scooter wheels are made from metal, extracting bearings from them is likely to cause damage to the bearing.
When assembling skateboards, changing the bearings in the wheels is often seen as the most challenging and intricate task. Many individuals choose not to do this themselves, opting instead to purchase new bearings alongside new wheels. However, for those who wish to save some money or are attached to their well-used bearings, there is a method available.
1. Detach the wheel from the axle.
2. Acquire a sturdy, long, and thin tool. A screwdriver or Allen key is typically the most effective tool, as it provides substantial leverage. The truck's axle itself can be utilized, but this might damage the axle and may not offer sufficient leverage.
3. Insert the end of the tool between the two bearings, positioning it in the center.
4. Push the tool downwards, gently prying the bearing out of its position.
5. The bearing should gradually be extracted and come out of the wheel.
6. Repeat the process for the other side of the wheel.
In general, the longer a bearing has been in the wheel, the more difficult it will be to remove, as it has settled over time. Some bearings will be easier to extract than others, while some may require considerably more force. If a bearing becomes stuck at a certain angle, it might be helpful to try prying it from different angles or to push the bearing back into its original position and start again.
Inserting new bearings into wheels
To insert new bearings into the wheel, follow the usual procedure for setting a bearing into a wheel.
1. Position the bearing over the cut-out in the wheel.
2. Press the bearing firmly into the wheel. This is best accomplished using a hard, flat surface.
3. Repeat this process for each side.
4. Secure the wheel onto the truck axle with the truck nut, ensuring the bearings are firmly seated in the wheel.
5. Make sure the truck nut is properly tightened, allowing the wheel to spin freely with no movement between the hanger and the nut.