How to clean your bearings

The way I do it (when I get time) is to remove 1 shield from each bearing race, and soak them in degreaser. If you want to get them really clean, use a solvent based citrus-cleaner, like Boss', and soak them in that overnight, otherwise, simply use a water based cleaner which is usually cheaper.

The best way to remove the bearings from the wheels is by using a proper bearing tool, like the Sonic one. Alternatively, just use an allen key. There should be a bearing spacer through which the axle goes. Try finding an allen key which is wider than the axle, but narrow enough to fit through the centre of the bearings, and push the bearing spacer out. Once one side is out, use you imagination on the other side as this should be easier.

To remove the bearing shield, there are 2 methods. The first is for bearings that are 'servicable'. You'll know if you have these because there will be a C-ring around the outside of the shield. This will have one small gap in the ring. You can use a pin to prise one end of this C-ring towards the centre, and out, relesing the shield.

If you don't have servicable bearings, you can still remove the shields, but you won't be able to replace them after. To do this, use a good quality electronics screwdriver to prise the shield away fron the bearing from the centre. Once you have created a gap, you can use a larger screwdriver to twist and break the shield off. If you do this, be careful that you don't damage tha ball bearings inside.

I use a small jam-jar, so you can put the lid on and give them a good shake around... The only problem I have with this is that if a lot of dirt comes out of the bearings, they end up sitting in a layer of sludge at the bottom. Another idea would be to try something like the "Turbo Wash" system from Sonic Inc.

It was suggested to me that you could simply place the bearings in an old pair of stockings/nylons and then suspend them above the bottom of the jar as you're soaking them, to prevent them sitting in sludge. I had considered this, but you'd need fish-net or similar, as the sludge would just sit in normal stockings which have very small holes. They would be good for straining the sludge out after though so you can re-use the cleaner. A better solution wound be orange bags, or the bags included with washing powder tablets.

When you've soaked them, you can use an old toothbrush or similar to scrub off the remaining grease and dirt, them rinse with loads of water. Yes, I did say water! When you've removed all traces of cleaner, dry them as quickly as possible. I stick them on a baking tray, and put them under the grill. Sounds stupid, but it works.

Once they are completely dry, apply your choice of lubricant. I use oil, again by Boss, because I clean them regularly (at least once every 2 weeks or so). If you don't want to clean your bearings quite so often, use grease, and replace the shields. When using oil, I leave the shields off, and put the open sides pointing into the wheel to keep most of the dirt out. This saves time when cleaning next time.

I did try some stuff called Ultralon, from Paragon Racing. It's one of those PTFE (teflon) formulae which dries to leave a slidy surface on your bearings, but no liquid. I now wish I hadn't. The stuff makes your bearings spin nice and fast, but they get wrecked very quickly. Only really advised for speed skaters.

Whatever you use, your skates should feel a hell of a lot smoother after you've given the bearings a clean. Now go out there an use them!

If you have any tips or skating secrets you'd like to share, please mail me and I'll add them here.