Skateboard bearings are made up of several different parts, including the outer and inner races, the cage, and the ball bearings themselves. Over time, dirt, dust, and other debris can build up inside the bearings, causing them to slow down or even seize completely. This makes your skateboard sluggish and less fun to ride.

Regular maintenance is important to keep your bearings clean and fast. This involves removing them from your skates and cleaning them thoroughly. The specific process will vary depending on the type of bearings you have, but it generally involves five steps:

1. Remove the wheel
2. Remove the bearings and shields
3. Soak the bearings in cleaner
4. Let it dry and re-lubricate
5. Replace the shield and install the bearing

If you notice your bearings slowing down, try putting a few drops of lubricant on the outside of each bearing and rotating them to redistribute the lubricant and free up any stuck ball bearings. If this doesn't help, a more thorough cleaning may be necessary. Taking proper care of your skateboard bearings and performing regular maintenance will keep them clean and fast for longer. This will not only improve your skating experience, but it will also extend the life of your bearings and help save you money in the long run.

To clean your skateboard bearings at home, you'll need a few tools and materials. Here's what you'll need:

Skate Tools <br>You will need a skate tool or wrench to remove the wheels from your skateboard, which is essential for accessing the bearings.

Trays <br>It is convenient to store small metal fittings such as nuts and washers in trays or containers while working to avoid losing them.

Razor Blade <br>You will need a razor blade or safety pin to remove the bearing shields. These shields protect the bearings from dirt and debris, but can also trap dirt inside. Removing the shields allows you to clean the inside of the bearing.

Toothbrush <br>To clean the bearings, you will need a rag or toothbrush. Use these to wipe away any dirt or grease that has built up on the bearings.

solvent
You'll need a solvent to dissolve any dirt or debris that may have built up inside the bearings. Common solvents are isopropyl alcohol or acetone, but you can also purchase specialized bearing cleaners.

container or bowl
You will need a container or bowl to soak the bearings in the solvent. It is important to use a glass or plastic container to avoid damage from the solvent.

Bearing lubricant
Bearing lubricant is required to re-oil the bearings after cleaning, this will keep them turning smoothly and reduce the risk of rust.

Skateboard trucks are the longest-lasting part of a skateboard and can last for several years, depending on how often you grind and the amount of impact they receive. Many skaters prefer to keep the same trucks for as long as possible, as it can take time to get used to new trucks, which can change the ride of the board and the feel of certain tricks. In most cases, you can keep the same set of trucks for a long time by replacing only the parts you need, or you can renew your trucks with a full truck rebuild kit.

We'll cover: How to replace bushings, How to replace kingpins, How to rethread axles, How to replace pivot cups

It's common for bushings to wear down over time, causing the trucks to become unstable and floppy, which can lead to frequent wheel bite.

If one or both bushings are cracked or crushed, replacing them will result in more responsive turns and less floppiness.

It's best to choose replacement bushings from the same brand as your truck, as they are specifically designed for that truck's geometry. Brands like Bones and Shorty's make bushings that fit several different brands of trucks.

Kingpins are a vital part of skateboard trucks, acting as the big bolts that hold everything together. After enduring the rigors of skateboarding, kingpins can wear out or even break. If your kingpin breaks or the threads become excessively worn and no longer secure the kingpin nut, it's time for a replacement.

When replacing kingpins, we recommend choosing the same brand to ensure proper compatibility and fit. Additionally, it's important to choose the correct kingpin length. If you're using standard-height trucks, choose a standard kingpin that's long enough to completely clear the truck. Avoid using low kingpins on high trucks and standard kingpins on low trucks.

Knowing the condition of your kingpins and when they need replacing will help maintain the full performance of your skateboard trucks. Choosing the right brand and length of kingpins will further enhance your ride and prevent interference and issues while skateboarding.

Knowing when to rethread your axel can help you avoid the frustration of dealing with damaged threads. Skateboarding takes a lot of stress, especially when landing flip tricks, primo landings (landing on the edge of the board), and going over gaps. Over time, the edge of the axel can become crushed or mushroom, damaging the threads and making the axel nut difficult to remove or reinstall.

Follow these steps to rethread your axle and restore smooth functionality.

Preparing for rethreading <br>First, remove the axel nut and wheel from the affected axel .

Apply die tool
Place the die tool on the end of the axel . Ensure the die is flat and positioned perpendicular to the axel before beginning the rethreading process.

Rethreading the axle
As you twist the die, keep the new thread perfectly flat so it doesn't slip off the original thread. Grip firmly and slowly turn the die clockwise. You will feel resistance as the die cuts through the thread, cutting through the metal shavings. The resistance will decrease as the die reaches the original thread. At this point, stop turning the die.

Check your work <br>Remove the die tool and inspect the axel threads. They should look cleaner and more functional. Check to see if the axel nut threads easily.

Final Step : If the nut goes on easily, reinstall the wheel. Your newly rethreaded Axel is now ready to hit the skatepark or out on the town.

By following these steps, you can effectively rethread your axel threads and eliminate the hassle of dealing with damaged threads. Removing and installing your axel nuts will be a breeze, allowing you to enjoy uninterrupted skating.

Knowing when to replace your pivot cups is important to maintaining optimal performance of your skateboard trucks. Over time, pivot cups can wear down and cause issues like popped pivots or a loose, rattling feel. When these issues occur, it's a sign that the truck is getting loose and the pivot cups are breaking down, requiring replacement.

To replace the pivot cup, follow these easy steps:

Determine if replacement is necessary <br>If the pivot pops out or the track is excessively loose and wobbly, it's time to replace the pivot cup.

Gather the necessary tools <br>You will need a screwdriver to pry out the old pivot cup and a new pivot cup to replace it.

Remove the old pivot cup. Use a screwdriver to carefully pry the old pivot cup from the truck base plate. Be sure to apply even pressure around the perimeter of the cup to avoid damaging the base plate.

Insert the new pivot cup
Take the new pivot cup and align it with the hole in the base plate, making sure it fits snugly and securely.

Following these steps will help you properly replace your skateboard pivot cups and maintain the performance of your trucks.