Having a decent pair of bearings is crucial to getting the best ride from your longboard. All too often they’re overlooked, and people settle for the most basic pieces in order to save a few bucks. However, if you’re serious about making your longboard the best it can be, you definitely shouldn’t underestimate the importance of these little rings.
So, what are the best bearings for longboards? Well, of course that depends in part on what you’re looking for. Obviously if speed is important for you, you’ll need the fastest bearings for longboards, or alternatively maybe you’re just after the best bearings for cruising. Either way, there’s plenty of options out there – so which ones are worth splashing out on?
Let’s cut through all the noise and get to the point – what are the best bearings for a longboard, and what else do you need to know to get the most out of them? Read on for reviews, rankings and a guide to everything longboarding bearings.
What are the Best Longboard Bearings?
If you’ve been searching for the best bearings for longboard riders, there’s a good chance you’re feeling even more confused than when you started.
Of course there are several different factors to take into consideration; you need to find the size of the bearings that suits your needs best, as well as deciding which are the best longboard bearings within your budget.
While it’s important to do your research in order to find the right long board bearings for you, all that info can get a bit overwhelming. With this in mind, we’ve put together this buying guide. From the smoothest bearings to those that offer the most speed, here’s our pick of the top longboard bearings out there right now.
| Product | Bones Reds | Bones Big Balls | Wellgo 608-2RS | Bones Super Reds | Bones Super Swiss |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pros | Cheap and good quality, bestselling bearings | Designed for speed | Cheapest option | Better speed than basic Reds | Quiet and super fast |
| Cons | Not designed specifically for speed or smoothness | Require more maintenance | Due to the cheap price, don’t offer the best speed | May be too fast for new riders | More expensive than the basic Reds |
| Verdict | Best value for price | Best for speed | Best cheap bearings | Best for experienced riders | Best Premium Bearings |
| Check Reviews | Click here | Click here | Click here | Click here | Click here |
Bones Bearings Reds Bearings
Often hailed as one of the best – if not the best – skate brands in the US, Bones is something of an institution for those in the know. These Bones Reds longboard bearings are fast, smooth, and offer solid quality for this price range.
They do need a bit of TLC every now and again in the form of proper cleaning and maintenance – but take care of your red bone bearings and they’ll definitely take care of you. Basically, there’s no denying that these are for sure one of the top choices for the best cheap longboard bearings on the market.
| Pros |
|---|
| – Bestselling longboard bearings |
| – Best value for money |
| – Inexpensive |
| Cons |
|---|
| – Not specifically designed for speed or smoothness |
Neal Precision Bearings
Another worthy contender for the title of best longboard bearings, this offering from NEAL is smooth as hell. These bearings are impressively sturdy, being made from quality titanium, and come in a set complete with eight precision bearings and four spacers.
These bearings are good to go straight out of the box – ideal for those new to longboarding, or those of us who are too lazy to fiddle about to get the smoothest ride. Silent and speedy, these bearings are long-lasting, whether you’re into racing or cruising. Happy gliding.
| Pros |
|---|
| – Titanium material |
| – Come with spacers |
| – Quiet and speedy |
| Cons |
|---|
| – A bit expensive |
Bones Big Balls Reds Longboard Bearings
Another offering from the much-respected Bones brand, these longboarding bearings have been designed for those looking to pick up more speed. These are another top choice for riders looking for something ready to go straight out of the box; these red Bone bearings come pre-lubed and don’t require a lot of maintenance.
Offering a smooth ride on pretty much any terrain, these are some hard-wearing beasts that keep their speed for a long time.
| Pros |
|---|
| – Designed for speed |
| – Come pre-lubed |
| – Smooth and quiet |
| Cons |
|---|
| – May be too fast for beginners |
Wellgo Skateboard Bearings
If your main concern is price point, these are an option to consider. Coming in a pack of ten, they’re one of the most affordable sets available. However – it’s a classic case of ‘you get what you pay for’ here.
You definitely won’t be getting the smoothest ride, or the fastest, and they can’t offer too much in the way of durability. But, if you’re just looking for a fix right now to keep riding, they could be worth giving a go.
| Pros |
|---|
| – Cheapest option |
| – Good value for price |
| – Comes with 2 extra bearings (10 pcs) |
| Cons |
|---|
| – Not ideal for speed and smoothness |
Bones Super Reds Bearings
Another option from Bones, this set of eight comes at a higher price point than those mentioned earlier. Why? Better precision and higher quality. The result is improved acceleration, a super smooth ride and great wearability. They can need a bit of breaking in, and may even be a little too quick for novice riders, but for those looking to up their game, these are for sure one of the best longboarding bearings money can buy.
| Pros |
|---|
| – Better precision and quality than regular Reds |
| – Not very expensive |
| – Come pre-lubed |
| Cons |
|---|
| – Require more maintenance i.e. cleaning |
Oldboy Premium Ceramic Bearings
There’s no shying away from the fact that these are one of the most expensive options available, but if quality is what you’re after then you’re unlikely to be disappointed with this set of eight from Oldboy.
These bearings need less time to break in, and being ceramic they won’t get hot as hell or rust. They come pre-lubricated, and will need to be lubed more than steels – something to bear in mind if you’re a little on the lazy side when it comes to maintenance. If you’re looking for great quality and have money to burn, these are some seriously good longboard bearings.
| Pros |
|---|
| – 5 sets of x8 bearings, making it a total of 40 bearings |
| – Premium quality |
| – Made out of ceramic, making them less likely to rust |
| Cons |
|---|
| – Expensive |
| – Cannot buy just one set |
Bones Ceramic Super Reds Bearings
If it’s expensive you want, this set from Bones must be on the list of possibles. Another ceramic offering, these bearings are light, waterproof, and can be broken in after one ride. You want fast longboard bearings?
These are one of the speediest you can buy. Keep them lubricated and they’ll be with you for ages. The only con we can think of is the white design gets dirty easily. Quite simply one of the best bearing for longboard riders.
| Pros |
|---|
| – Made out of ceramic |
| – Designed for extra speed |
| – Pre-lubricated |
| Cons |
|---|
| – A bit more expensive than other options |
Bones Super Swiss Bearings
Another pricer option, but worth it if you’re looking for faster acceleration and durability. The Super Swiss offer a smoother ride than their cheaper counterparts, and they’re also super quiet.
They’re high end features and quality construction makes them one of the quickest and steadiest bearings out there. However, if you’re searching for the best longboard bearings for cruising, they might not be worth the extra dollars – other, cheaper, options on the list will work just as well for that purpose.
| Pros |
|---|
| – Quite and smooth |
| – One of the quickest bearings |
| – Lifetime warranty |
| Cons |
|---|
| – Pricey |
Rollerbones Bearings
Another set of bearings belonging to the Bones family, these sit in the mid-tier range – in both price and quality. Smooth and fairly quick, they’re easy to install and glide nicely fresh out of the box.
These longboard bearings aren’t the most durable out there, and they do have a tendency to pick up dirt rather easily, but they’re a good option for those who aren’t riding every day. For the price you’re unlikely to be unhappy with this set.
| Pros |
|---|
| – Comes in a pack of 16pcs |
| – Smooth and fairly fast |
| – Pre-lubed |
| Cons |
|---|
| – Pick up dirt faster than other bearings |
Bronson Speed Co Next Generation Skateboard Bearings
If you’re looking for something quick without splashing out on the upper price tags, these are a solid choice. Not the quietest (if that matters to you), but with good quality and high spin, these are some fast bearings.
They do require their fair share of maintenance – water and dirt are their sworn enemies. Because of this they can seize up rather quickly – keep them clean and dry to get the most out of them. On the plus side, they don’t have side shields so are easier to clean.
| Pros |
|---|
| – Good quality for an average price |
| – Designed for speed |
| Cons |
|---|
| – Susceptible to dirt and water |
Bronson Speed Co G2 Bearings
If you need something at a lower price point without compromising on quality too much, these longboard bearings are probably your safest bet, alongside the Bones Reds. This set comes with spacers and have shields on both sides whereas the Reds are only shielded on one side.
You won’t pick up much speed on these, but they offer a surprisingly smooth and quiet ride considering their price tag, making them one of the best cheap bearings available.
| Pros |
|---|
| – Cheaper option |
| – Come with spacers |
| – Cheaper option |
| Cons |
|---|
| – Not designed for speed |
FREEDARE Longboard Wheels with ABEC-7 Bearings and Spacers(Set of 4)
If you need new wheels as well as bearings, this set is a great choice. These wheels come with the bearings already installed, and offer a good ride for not too much cash. They’re not too quick – what do you expect at this price point? – but offer a pretty smooth ride.
Particularly good for those new to longboarding who are looking to get set up with adequate gear minus the hefty price tag.
| Pros |
|---|
| – A set of bearings + wheels |
| – Perfect for beginners |
| – Cheap price |
| Cons |
|---|
| – Not the best speed and smoothness due to the low price |
Bones Swiss Ceramic Bearings
Priced around the $150 mark, these probably aren’t one for the beginners. However, when it comes to the question what are the best bearings for longboards? You’ll often find these ones from Bones as the reply. They’re lightweight, super quick and give you a smooth, quiet ride.
As you’d expect from a price tag this high, you’ll feel the difference immediately. Built to last and with a lifetime warranty thrown in, these are the ultimate investment if you’re serious about longboarding.
| Pros |
|---|
| – Super quick and smooth |
| – Quiet |
| – Good investments for experienced riders |
| Cons |
|---|
| – Expensive |
Yellow Jacket Premium Bearings
Another cheap yet decent option on the market. These longboard bearings offer excellent precision given their low price tag. Their seal is easily removed, making them quick to clean and premium quality balls give you a nice smooth glide.
They’re not super quick, but they keep you going without too much effort and hold up pretty well even on rougher terrain. Maybe not as prominent as a brand like Bones, but these longboard ball bearings shouldn’t be overlooked.
| Pros |
|---|
| – Good value for price |
| – Easy to clean |
| – Smooth and not noisy |
| Cons |
|---|
| – Not designed for speed |
RADECKAL Black Mamba Bearings
These long board bearings are another low cost option that still provide decent ride quality – especially for downhill riders. They give a surprisingly smooth glide considering the price point, and fit nice and tight.
Don’t expect too much by way of wearability, but as long as you take good care of the maintenance side of things you can get a decent amount of use out of them.
| Pros |
|---|
| – Cheaper option |
| – Smooth |
| – Good value for money |
| Cons |
|---|
| – Require frequent maintenance |
Redsia Skateboard Bearings
You probably wouldn’t expect to get too much out of these considering the price, but you’d be surprised! While they’re not going to win any awards for the best bearings in existence, they do offer a smooth ride. Not only that, but they’re speedy little things!
One thing to note is that they don’t come with any grease, so keep an eye on that and make sure to lubricate when needed.
| Pros |
|---|
| – Cheaper option |
| – Good value for price |
| – Relatively good for speed |
| Cons |
|---|
| – Don’t come pre-lubricated |
Sector 9 Skateboards Cosmic Bearings
Riders on a budget might like to consider these. Definitely won’t give you the smoothest ride possible, but they’re a good cheap option if you’re generally just cruising around.
If you’re planning on using them for quite a long time then you’ll have to be pretty strict about cleaning and maintenance – they collect dirt fairly easily which can make them slow down and get clogged. Other than that, not a bad bearing for the money. The design adds a nice little spicy kick to your board too, if that’s your thing.
| Pros |
|---|
| – Cheaper option |
| – Great for cruising |
| Cons |
|---|
| – Require constant maintenance due to the low price |
KVENI Ceramic Skateboard Bearings
You might not have heard of this brand, but these longboard bearings are worthy of a place in the list. They’re easy to install and come with spacers, making them a good buy if you’re not willing to spend too much.
Not the smoothest ride and don’t spin as well as many others in this list, but at this price point they’re a good stop-gap or addition for a beginner.
| Pros |
|---|
| – Easy to install |
| – Come with spacers |
| Cons |
|---|
| – Not as smooth and fast as more expensive bearings |
Sackorange 608 ZZ Bearings
These are some pretty fast longboard bearings! Made from steel with a ceramic ball inside, they’re speedy and offer a nice smooth ride. They come pre-lubricated and are easy to clean thanks to the removable rubber shield.
Not as durable as others in the rankings, but with good maintenance and not thrashing too hard on them you can get a good amount of use out of them. One more thing to note: they can be quite noisy.
| Pros |
|---|
| – Come pre-lubricated |
| – On the cheaper side |
| – Good value for price |
| Cons |
|---|
| – Not as durable |
Top Fastest Longboard Bearings
So, what are your options if you’re just looking for the best longboard bearings for speed? Obviously it depends on what kind of budget you have to work with, but if it’s speed you’re after, here are three of the long board bearings you should consider:
Bones Swiss Ceramic Skateboard Bearings
Not surprising given their price tag, these bearings give you an impressive amount of speed. Great acceleration, a frictionless shield and silicon nitride ceramic balls make these one of the fastest longboard bearings you can buy.
| Pros |
|---|
| – Perfect for speed |
| – Smooth and quiet |
| – Ideal for experienced longboarders |
| Cons |
|---|
| – A pricier option |
Oldboy Premium Ceramic Skateboard Bearings
These ceramic longboard bearings are high quality and pack a mean punch when it comes to acceleration and high spin. While they’re still pricey compared to many others on the market, they’re a much cheaper alternative to Bones Swiss Ceramic bearings.
| Pros |
|---|
| – Ceramic bearings |
| – Good for speed |
| – Premium bearings |
| Cons |
|---|
| – Expensive option |
Bronson Speed Co Next Generation Skateboard Bearings
If you’re searching for speed on a budget, these are our top recommendation. Great quality, frictionless technology and designed to get you going as quick as possible. Keep them clean and lubricated and you’ll be impressed at how fast they can go.
One important thing to add when it comes to chasing speed is that wheel choice will also be essential. Even if you pick the fastest longboard bearings out there, if your wheels are low quality and not designed for speed then you’re going to be sorely disappointed.
| Pros |
|---|
| – Cheaper option |
| – Good for speed |
| Cons |
|---|
| – Require maintenance and cleaning often |
Best Longboard Bearings for Cruising
Generally, the best cruiser bearings are the ones that are solid and durable – you want to be able to get a lot of use out of them before they start to get worn out.
This is particularly the case if you use your board daily, for example to commute to school or work. With this in mind, here’s our choices for the best longboard bearings for cruising:
Bones Reds Bearings
There’s a reason that the Bones Reds longboard bearings are one of the most popular sets for skateboarders and longboarders alike; great performance and wearability. Take good care of them and you’ll be cruising happily for a long time.
| Pros |
|---|
| – Bestselling longboard bearings |
| – Best value for price |
| – Ideal for beginners and experienced riders |
| Cons |
|---|
| – Not specifically designed for speed |
Bones Super Reds Bearings
Another offering from this much-loved brand, these red bone bearings are one step up from standard Bones reds. As a result, you get higher quality materials, making them even more durable.
| Pros |
|---|
| – Faster and smoother than the basic Reds |
| – One of the bestselling bearings |
| Cons |
|---|
| – May be too fast for beginners |
Best Ceramic Longboard Bearings
There’s a lot of hype around longboard ceramic bearings, so what’s all the fuss about? Well, they’re studier than steel and won’t suffer from rust.
They also won’t expand in the heat, meaning less friction and therefore higher speeds. Your next question is probably “what bearings should i get?” well, when it comes to ceramics here are our top picks:
Bones Ceramic Super Reds Skateboard Bearings
When it comes to ceramic bearings, longboard are pretty unanimous that these from Bones are top notch. Not only are they quick, they’re also super smooth and frictionless – making them one of the best longboard bearings for cruising.
| Pros |
|---|
| – Quick, smooth and frictionless |
| – Bestselling ceramic bearings |
| Cons |
|---|
| – Pricey |
Neal Precision Skate Bearings
These bearings promise a smoother and longer roll, and you’re unlikely to be disappointed. Strong but light, these offer an excellent riding experience at a very fair price point – perfect if you’re switching to ceramics for the first time.
| Pros |
|---|
| – Smooth and fast |
| – Cheaper option |
| Cons |
|---|
| – Not specifically designed for speed |
How to Choose the Best Longboard Bearings – the Ultimate Guide
You’ve seen our pick of the best options, but what are the best bearings for you?
There are several factors that come into play when choosing your set up, and ultimately the type of longboard wheels and bearings you need will depend on what specific things you want from your longboard.
You could pick any of our top-rated bearings listed above and you’re good to go, but if you’re looking at getting into longboarding more seriously then you need to know the specifics behind what makes bearings different.
Sounds complex, right? No worries – we’ll break it down for you and get you clued up like a pro in no time.
An intro to Longboard Bearings
Ok, so if you’re totally new to longboarding or skating you probably have a million questions…
What are longboard bearings? What do bearings do on a longboard? Are all bearings the same size? We get you – it’s a lot to take in, right? Well, let’s start with the basics – what exactly is a longboard bearing?
Whether you’re skateboarding, rollerblading or longboarding, all bearings are the same. A bearing is a (usually metal) ring that goes inside a wheel in order to secure the wheel to the axle. They’re made up of five separate parts:
- Balls – these are made from either steel, ceramic or titanium. There will be six or seven of them for each bearing
- Shields (also known as closures) – Fits onto the side of the bearing and stops dirt getting to the balls
- Outer ring – this is the larger ring (usually made from steel) that all of the other pieces go inside
- Inner ring – Goes inside the outer ring and is what the axles go through on your board
- Ball retainer (also known as ball cage) – this holds each of the little balls in place
Longboard bearings come in packs of eight. Each longboard wheel needs two bearings to make it spin.
ABEC rating
First things first. If you’ve been searching for answers to the question what are the best bearings for longboarding, it’s likely you’ve come across the ABEC rating system at some point. So what exactly is it, and what does it mean?
Believe it or not, there’s a whole group of engineers and experts dedicated to the technology around longboard bearings. It’s this group – The American Bearing Manufacturers Association (ABMA) – who set ABEC ratings. These ratings are based on how well the different parts of the bearing fit together. Running from ABEC-1 to ABEC-9, the higher the rating the better the precision.
However, there are a few things to note when using this system to buy bearings for longboard. Firstly, they won’t give you an idea of how fast bearings are, or how smooth the ride will be. It also doesn’t let you know what materials have been used, which can be a really important factor in overall quality.
So, can you use ABEC scores to tell you what are the best bearings for longboards? In part, sure. They’re helpful for telling you how well a bearing has been put together, and bearings with a higher ABEC usually use better lubes. Still, it definitely shouldn’t be the only thing you consider when choosing your long board bearings.
Skate-Rated Bearings
Another rating system you might have run into is the skate-rated one. There are a few brands that don’t use the ABEC rating system, and one of these is Bones. Instead, they created their own ranking system, known as Skate Rated.
This is mainly because the ABEC system is used to rate bearings for all purposes, e.g. machinery. Bones’ Skate Rated system is designed only for skate bearings. This means it looks at factors that are most important to skaters and longboarders when making a judgement on overall quality.
Material
No longboard bearing guide would be complete without mentioning materials. You have three options: steel, titanium or ceramic. Let’s take a look at the differences between them:
Steel
The majority of bearings on the market are made using steel. They often offer great value, and are good at maintaining their shape. The downside with steels is that they’re prone to rust – you have to keep up a solid maintenance routine and make sure to dry them properly whenever they get wet.
However, if you’re looking for bang for your buck and aren’t looking for pro-level gear, they’re a safe bet – some of the best cheap bearings are made from steel.
Titanium
Bearings for longboards that are made from titanium are generally similar to steel when it comes to performance. This metal has the benefit of being pretty light, and it’s also better at avoiding rust. However, like steel they’ll need proper maintenance, and you’ll also need to make sure you’re lubricating them regularly to reduce friction.
Ceramic
If you want fast longboard bearings, you’ll probably want to go for ceramics. They’re stronger, more durable and cause less friction meaning you can reach higher speeds. If you’re a downhill longboarder, you’ll probably want ceramics.
They’re also easier to keep clean and won’t rust, so tend to last longer. However, ceramic longboarding bearings are more expensive, so if you’re happy with the standard features, they might not be worth the investment.
Longboard bearing size
Another useful factor when choosing your gear is size. So, are all longboard bearings the same size? Well, no. There are different sizes out there, however you’ll find that the vast majority are the same.
The standard longboard bearing size is a core measuring 8mm, outer diameter of 22mm and width of 7mm. This size is called the “608”, and is universal across the skate industry – nearly all wheels will be designed to fit these bearings.
Other longboard bearing sizes do exist, but they’ll usually need a bit of work to make them fit properly, e.g. for smaller bearings you would probably need to put a sleeve around it.
Lube
A good bearing upkeep involves regular lubrication. Provided you take good care of your bearings and keep them lubed up, even a cheap set will last a long time. Without lube, your longboard bearings will see a lot of friction, and ultimately won’t perform very well.
While a lot of bearings come pre-lubricated, it’s still important to learn how to do it yourself so you can keep your bearings running smoothly in the long-term. It might take a little time to find the right amount of liquid to get the perfect glide from your bearings, but keep at it – practice makes perfect, right?
When it comes to options for longboard lubricants, you have two choices; thick grease and thin grease. So which one works better?
- Thin grease is usually the choice for most longboarders. It will keep your bearings slick and is often easier to work with. An example of a thin grease is the popular Bones Speed Cream. One thing to note with thin grease is that you’ll need to keep cleaning and lubricating more often – a thicker alternative might be better if you’re on the lazy side and can’t be bothered to clean your bearings regularly. You could use a really thin oil, such as a multi-purpose lubricant like 3-In-One if you’re a speed freak, but you’ll need to be really on your game when it comes to maintenance.
- Thick grease (e.g. engine grease) is sticky stuff that won’t run out super easily, and also helps to protect the bearing from nasties like water, dirt and dust quite nicely. It’s therefore good if you’re riding somewhere with a lot of rainfall as it can help to prevent rusting (but still, keep up the proper drying and maintenance routine!). Because of how protective it can be, your bearings can last longer with this type of lube, however due to the thickness it can also slow you down.
Spacers
Next up on our longboard bearings guide are spacers. A spacer is the little round cylinder that goes between the two bearings in each wheel. They’re job is to reduce the pressure put on each bearing, which can mean better performance and a smoother overall ride.
However, it’s worth pointing out that spacers are optional. They’re good if you’re putting a lot of pressure and weight on your board, but for longboarders this isn’t usually the case, even for the best cheap longboard bearings Spacers are usually more geared towards skateboarding, and those doing loads of tricks, thrashing hard on a regular basis.
They are pretty cheap though, and sometimes come free with a set of bearings, so if you want to give them a go and see if you feel the difference you won’t have to part with too much cash.
Spacers are made from metal, usually steel or aluminium. They come in different sizes, and to make things a bit tougher there isn’t a standard size like there is with bearings. Generally though, the most common size spacer for longboard bearings is 10mm.
Speed washers
Another possible addition to your longboard wheel bearings is speed washers. Also known as speed rings, they are thin metal rings that go between the nut and bearing. They’re an optional bit of gear – whether you use them or not depends on the type of rider you are. But ultimately, if you’re looking to ride a lot and at speed, they’re probably a good idea.
So what are they for? Well, they have a couple of purposes. Firstly, they protect the face of the longboard bearing from getting damaged. Secondly, they help to prevent friction and therefore keep your wheels turning smoother and faster. If you’re new to longboarding and don’t want to spend time picking out speed washers yourself, you can always opt for a set of built-in bearings…
Built-in Bearings
If you’ve been on a quest to find the answer to the question ‘what are the best bearings?, perhaps you’ve come across these. As the name suggests, built-in bearings come with all the components already built in.
Having both the spacers and speed washers fixed to the bearing comes with its advantages; for one thing they’re quicker and easier to clean – you won’t have to worry about taking things apart and losing stuff. Built-ins are also handy if you like to change your wheels every now and again, e.g. for different terrain, for riding downhill etc.
The only real disadvantage to using built-ins is that if you end up damaging or losing one bearing, you’ll probably have to buy a complete set again in order to replace it, instead of just replacing a single spacer or washer like you would with traditional bearings.
How to change longboard bearings?
Time needed: 30 minutes.
Ready to try out your sweet new bearings? Well, of course you’ll first need to learn how to put bearings on a longboard if you haven’t done it before. Firstly, remove the nut on the wheel by turning it counterclockwise.
- 1. Remove the nut on the wheel
Turn the nut counterclockwise to remove it
- 2. Take off the speed washer
- 3. Remove the wheel
- 4. Take off the old bearings
Push them from one side – you might have to use a bit of pressure to get them out
- 5. Put the board onto its side
The axle should be poking upwards. Slide one of the bearings onto the axle.
- 6. Add a spacer
Once the bearings is in place, add a spacer if you’re using them.
- 7. Slide the wheel back on
- 8. Push the bearing into the wheel’s socket
Put some pressure onto the bearing to push it into the wheel socket. It should then just click into place.
Now you know how to put bearings in longboard wheels – just three left to do!
Cleaning longboard bearings
In order to keep your new longboard wheel bearings performing at the very best level, you need to look after them properly. Dry them when they get wet, and if they start to get too dirty or noisy you’ll need to give them a clean. This can take a bit of time, but it’s really important so you don’t end up replacing your bearings every few months.
How to clean longboard bearings:
- After you’ve removed your wheels from the longboard, you need to remove the shields from the bearings. To do this, take a small knife and use it to carefully pry the shield upwards. Make sure not to bend the shield while removing it.
- Clean the shields by wiping them with a warm soapy cloth – don’t use solvent as it can damage them. Dry them thoroughly after.
- If you want to be totally thorough, you can then clean the cages and balls. HOWEVER, be aware that this is fiddly and a slip up can damage the retainer quite easily. If you want to go ahead, use something thin to carefully remove the balls, making sure not to let any run away from you in the process.
- Next, add the ball retainers and the bearings to the cleaning solution you’ve chosen, wearing safety gear such as rubber gloves where needed. Give it a shake, and then leave everything to soak; anything from a few minutes to overnight is ok.
- Use your cloth to give everything a decent wipe over, then dry it all thoroughly.
- If you removed the balls from the retainers, put them back inside.
- Lubricate!
- Put the shields back on – again, be very careful not to bend them.
- Hopefully, by now you know how to install longboard bearings, so put them back on your wheels and off you go!
FAQ
It depends on the surface you’re riding on most often and the weather. At a minimum, once every 2 months.
While it depends how much you’re using them (and how hard), you should generally change them every one or two years.
It will depend on the quality and also the type of lubricant that the bearing came with (if any). But usually a couple of runs will do the trick.
If they’re making a lot of noise, or they’ve stopped spinning so fast it’s time to get a new set.
Rust is a big one – make sure they’re kept dry as much as possible. Bearings also hate dust and sand.
It’s really not a good idea. They can suddenly seize up and then an accident can easily occur.
In conclusion…
So that brings us to the end of our longboard bearings guide. Hopefully you have a deeper knowledge about these important little pieces of gear now, and we helped to answer your question ‘what are the best longboard bearings?’. When it comes to choosing the right bearings, longboard users should take all of the above information into account – it can be a little overwhelming but it’s best to swat up as much as possible so you can build the ultimate longboard to suit you.
