Cleaning your Bearings

Cleaning skate bearings is essential to maintain their performance and extend their lifespan. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to clean Racera Tiger, Panther, Jaguar and Bobcat skate bearings:

Materials Needed:

  • Skate tool or wrench
  • Container for cleaning solution
  • Bearing cleaning solution (isopropyl alcohol is commonly used)
  • Clean towels or paper towels
  • Lubricant (skate-specific bearing oil)

Steps:

  1. Prepare Your Workspace: Set up a clean and well-lit area where you can work comfortably. Make sure you have all the necessary materials ready.
  2. Remove the Wheels: Use a skate tool or wrench to remove the wheels from your skates. This will give you access to the bearings.
  3. Remove Bearings from Wheels: Gently pry the bearings out of the wheels using a bearing puller tool. Be careful not to damage the bearings or the wheel.
  4. Remove Shields or Seals (if rubber only – do not remove Bobcat shields): Most of our bearings have removable shields or seals that can be popped off using a small flat tool, such as a paperclip or a bearing tool. This will allow you to access the inner components for cleaning. Do not clean your bearings with the rubber shields in place as the cleaning solution can damage the graphics and rubber.
  5. Soak Bearings in Cleaning Solution: Place the bearings in a container filled with your chosen cleaning solution (such as isopropyl alcohol). Let the bearings soak for about 5-10 minutes to dissolve dirt, dust, and old lubricant.
  6. Swirl and Agitate: Swirl the container gently to agitate the solution and help dislodge any stubborn dirt or debris from the bearings. You can also use a bearing cleaning kit that includes a cleaning bottle with a built-in bearing holder for more effective cleaning.
  7. Dry the Bearings: Remove the bearings from the cleaning solution and place them on a clean towel or paper towel. Spin the bearings gently to remove excess cleaning solution. Allow the bearings to air dry completely.
  8. Lubricate the Bearings: Once the bearings are dry, apply a small amount of skate-specific bearing lubricant. Place a drop of lubricant onto one of the bearing balls and allow it to spread throughout the bearing. Avoid over-lubricating, as excess lubricant can attract dirt. NOTE: Do not add any lubricants to Snow Leopards or Cheetah Full Ceramic bearings as these are designed to run dry without lubrication.
  9. Reassemble Bearings: If your bearings have removable shields or seals, reattach them. Place the cleaned and lubricated bearings back into the wheels, making sure they are properly seated.
  10. Reattach Wheels: Slide the wheels back onto the axles of your skates and secure them using your skate tool or wrench.
  11. Test the Bearings: Give your wheels a spin to make sure the bearings rotate smoothly and freely. If they feel sluggish or uneven, you may need to repeat the cleaning process or check for any issues.

Regularly cleaning and maintaining your skate bearings can significantly improve their performance and prolong their lifespan. Aim to clean your bearings every few months or as needed, depending on your skating frequency and conditions.