Do I need new bearings for my roller skates?
Emily Sparks
Published Jan 17, 2026
Most of the new skates use 8mm axles so the standard 8mm bearings would be needed. The older models, and high end skates use 7mm axles so they would need the 7mm bearings.
How often should you replace roller skate bearings?
When should I replace my bearings? If you have left them to rust, replace them. If they are making all kinds of bad noises and you have cleaned them and they still don't roll well, replace them. If you do replace them, make sure you put them in the recycle bin if you have one so that they don't go into landfill.
Do skates need new bearings?
Skateboard bearings should be replaced if they start making squeaking sounds or if one (or more) of your wheels are no longer spinning well. Bearings can get broken and worn out from things like rust or dirt getting into the bearing.
Do you need new bearings with new roller skate wheels?
You will also need bearings in your wheels - check the size of your axel to ensure correct fit. There are lots of reasons you might want to change your wheels, you may want a different hardness of wheel for skating in different locations or you might just want a change of style.
How long do bearings last skates?
The average lifespan of skateboard bearings is 1 to 2 years if given proper care and maintenance. Bearings get tired too, and remember that too much of anything isn't good at all. Too much wetness, sliding, and fast jumping will cause your skateboard bearings to wear out faster.
41 related questions foundWhen should you replace bearings?
Top Warning Signs Your Wheel Bearings Need Replacement
- Humming Noise. The most easily identifiable and common symptom of bad wheel bearings is audible. ...
- Squealing, Growling. ...
- Clicking Sound. ...
- Wheel Wobble. ...
- ABS Failure. ...
- Uneven Tire Wear. ...
- Vehicle Pulls to One Side. ...
- Steering Wheel Vibration.
How often should you clean skate bearings?
Remember, bearings only need to be cleaned about once every two to three months depending on the environment you are skating in. If you primarily skate inside several times a month but the surface is not cleaned often, you might have to shine up your bearings once a month.
When should you replace roller skate wheels?
You will need to check your wheels from time to time to make sure they are spinning properly and have not become excessively worn. If the wheels are not spinning freely you should check for damage, or buildup from dirt or other debris. If the roller skate wheels are damaged they should be replaced.
Does it matter what bearings you get?
You can't go wrong. Nearly all skateboard bearings have been standardized so that all wheel and bearing brands are compatible. The standard skateboard bearing size is an 8mm inner race diameter.
Are ABEC 11 bearings real?
ABEC from a precision standpoint refers to the Annular Bearing Engineering Committee (ABEC) of the American Bearing Manufacturers Association (ABMA). ABEC precision levels do indeed stop at level 9 (there is no ABEC 11 precision level).
Do you need spacers for roller skates?
Spacers are used in skates, scooters, waveboards and pretty much anything that rolls with bearings. You should always use the right kind of spacers with your wheels. If you don't use spacers, the bearings can be excessively stressed, roll badly and end up breaking in a short time.
Do pros use bearing spacers?
Bearing spacers are totally optional; longboarders and casual skaters likely won't put enough pressure on their boards to ever need them, though they are definitely a good investment if you want to slide, do a lot of tricks, and generally skate hard.
How do you clean roller skate bearings?
Give your wheels a good scrub with warm water, mild dish soap or wheel cleaner, and a soft rag. Get in all the nooks and crannies to make sure there’s no dirt left behind to gunk up the works.
How often should you roller skate?
If you're looking to make roller skating part of your regular workout routine, Strang also recommends doing a basic strength regime 2–3 times per week on top of 2–4 skating sessions per week.
How many bearings do I need for roller skates?
Roller skate wheel bearings sit inside the wheel hub and are what allows the wheels to roll. Each wheel has two bearings in it; so for a pair of quad skates you need 16 bearings total.
Do bearings fit all wheels?
Almost every skateboard bearing is the same size and will fit on any skateboard wheel and truck. When choosing your bearings, it is important to think about your experience level and riding style. Bearings with higher-quality parts will be faster and more durable.
Are skate bearings sealed?
Most skateboard bearings have covers on at least one side. If the covers are metal and firmly attached to the bearing, they are “shielded”. If they are rubber or plastic and easy to remove and put back, they are considered “sealed”.
How do I choose a bearing?
How to choose the right bearing for your application:
- Find the Bearing Load & Load Capacity. First, know the type and amount of bearing load that your application will place on the bearing. ...
- Know the Rotational Speed of Your Application. ...
- Factor in Bearing Runout & Rigidity. ...
- Find the Right Lubrication for Your Bearings Needs.
Do roller skates need washers?
Washers are needed in roller skates because they prevent bearings from rubbing up against the hanger and axle nut. Washers help provide the rider with a smooth ride while using a roller skate.
Can you put indoor wheels on outdoor skates?
If you skate frequently, you may eventually want a dedicated pair for each type of skating just for convenience, but in the meantime, you can convert indoor skates to outdoor skates. The process is actually wheely easy… That's right, you just need to change your skate wheels!
Can you take bearings out of wheels?
If you are going to clean the bearings and put them back in, be gentle when you are prying them out of the wheels. If you are using a bearing puller, insert the tip into the bearing so it hooks the bearing's edge and simply pull the bearing out of the wheel.
Do I need to lube my bearings?
The super quick and dirty way to make your bearings run faster is to just chuck some Bearing Lube in there. This might do quite a good job of pushing any moisture out and preventing any rust - but it will not remove any dirt from your bearings, which is what causes them to wear and run slowly.
Can you use vinegar to clean bearings?
Make sure you use WHITE vinegar, not cider or balsamic. (3) Now place bearing into the vinegar. You will begin to see hydrogen bubbles forming on the bearing (5th pic is bearings in vinegar). Remove the bearing every hour and give it a scrub with the toothbrush or cloth to remove loosened rust.
How loose should my roller skate wheels be?
Start by loosening it about a quarter of a turn.
However, if it's too loose, you'll feel wobbly while you're rolling. By loosening the nut a little at a time, you'll be able to really control that action—or movement—in the wheel. Make small adjustments each time you check the wheel until it spins freely.
Is it worth it to replace wheel bearings?
As we mentioned, in many cars wheel bearings can last the lifetime of a vehicle. In our experience, a vehicle might need one wheel bearing replaced within 150,000 miles. To make the wheel bearings last longer, watch out for potholes and drive slower over speed bumps.