Learn how to properly remove and reinstall the wheels on any pair of roller skates in just a few easy steps. This tutorial assumes that you will be transferring bearings between wheels, as well, but those steps may not be necessary if you have extra bearings or if you are just rotating your wheels. Before you start, here are the tools you'll need for the task:
We highly recommend changing wheels over an old towel or shop rag. Your wheels and bearings will be dirty and many of the small components we'll be working with have a nasty habit of getting lost.
1. Remove the axle nuts using your 1/2" wrench or skate tool. Remember: "Lefty loosey, righty tighty." If you can spin the axle nuts by hand, it's time to replace them.
Step #1 - Remove axle nuts
2. Remove the wheels and any axle washers (if necessary). Some skates use axle washers to give the wheel additional clearance from the truck. Not all skates will have them but they are easy to miss if present.
Step #2 - Remove wheels
Easy-to-miss axle washers
If you need to remove the bearings in those wheels, either to clean them or to transfer them to another set of wheels, then proceed with Step #3 and the helpful links they provide. If you are ready to put wheels back on your skates, you can skip to Step #5.
3. Remove the bearings using a bearing tool. Every wheel will have two bearings installed in its core and some may also have bearing spacers floating between the bearings. Now is a great time to give those filthy bearings a bath.
Step #3 - Remove bearings
Some wheels may have bearing spacers
4. Install the bearings using a bearing tool. Make sure the bearing is pushed completely into the recession that holds it. You can apply a lot of force using a bearing tool, as they won't damage the bearing when used correctly.
Step #4 - Install bearings
5. Place one wheel on each axle. Wheels should be placed with graphics facing outward. Don't forget to put any axle washers back on first, if you have them.
Step #5 - Place a wheel on each axle
6. Secure one axle nut on each axle. The goal is to have the wheel spin properly but not rattle back and forth on the axle. We recommend tightening the nut slowly until it effects the wheel's spin, then loosen in very small increments until the wheel spins freely.
Step #6 - Secure axle nuts
If any of your bearings aren't seated completely flush, you may hear them 'click' further into place as you tighten the axle nut. That's okay! Tighten very slowly until that clicking stops and then loosen it until the wheel spins freely.
And that's all there is to it! With some practice, repetition, and an extra set of bearings, you can easily knock out a wheel swap in just a few quick minutes. Be sure to check out the rest of our Learning Center for more helpful articles, how-to guides, and in-depth videos.
Why would I need to change my wheels?
Even if you only have one set of wheels, you should rotate those wheels every 10-15 hours of skating time to make sure they wear evenly. As your wheel collection grows, you will also want to change your wheels to best match the type of skating you want to do and the surface you'll be skating on.
How do I clean my wheels?
Use a dry rag to wipe the wheel free of dirt, debris, and build-up. If you do get something yucky on the running surface of your wheel, try a damp rag and a spot of dish soap. Don't over do it with household cleaners or chemicals.
How do I know when it's time to replace/retire my wheels?
Wheels wear at different rates, but as long as it feels good to skate on, it's good to skate on. A bad wheel is one that has lost its round shape due to a flat spot or uneven wear, and you will definitely notice these issues when skating (like a flat tire). And do not worry about the 'tread' on new wheels; it's not there for grip. Your wheels are actually more responsive when those grooves are gone.
How do I know when a bearing has gone bad?
Dirty bearings often have the same traits as a broken one, so always give them a thorough cleaning and lubrication before diagnosing. A 'good' bearing, held by its center races where the axle goes through, should roll up and down your palm without offering resistance or seizing up. You can visually inspect for signs of rust, the most common destroyer of bearings.