Taking care of longboard wheels is important to ensure that your board performs optimally and your riding experience is comfortable. The most important part of taking care of wheels is keeping them clean.
Regularly wiping off dirt and grime, as well as debris from the surface of the wheel will help decrease surface friction and overall maintenance. Additionally, inspecting and cleaning out the bearings in the wheels can help with optimal performance.
You should remove your bearings periodically and add a couple of drops of light oil or bearing lube after cleaning them out. This will help the bearings to spin smoothly and for longer. When riding, be sure that your wheels are the correctly inflated in order to prevent any overly worn out spots and to increase the board’s performance.
You should also check the contact patch of your wheel and look for any wear and tear after each ride. If it’s worn down, or urethane starts to flake off, be sure to replace the wheel or contact patch.
Lastly, if you feel your wheels aren’t performing as they should, you can put them in the fridge to cool them down, helping to increase their performance.
How do you clean dirty skateboard wheels?
When it comes to cleaning dirty skateboard wheels, the best approach is to use warm water and mild detergent to break down dirt and residue. Start by wiping down the wheels with a clean cloth and some warm water, then use a brush to gently scrub away any leftover dirt.
Once all the dirt is gone, rinse the wheels off with clean water to make sure you’ve removed any leftover detergent. If the wheels are still dirty, try using a tire cleaner to break down the dirt and create a nice, even shine.
When the wheels are clean, dry them with a microfiber cloth and store in a safe place to keep them from getting dirty again.
Can you use WD40 on longboard wheels?
In general, it is not recommended to use WD40 on longboard wheels. While WD40 is a powerful lubricant and solvent and a staple of many households, it is not designed for skateboard wheels and could damage them.
WD40 can loosen the grip of the wheels on the ramp, deck, or truck due to its lubricant qualities. It is best to use lubricants that are specifically designed for skateboard wheels and bearings. These usually come in spray forms that can easily be applied to moving parts.
They also help to reduce friction, eliminate dust, and keep the wheels operating smoothly. Additionally, it is important to use a lubricant that is long-lasting, so you don’t have to constantly reapply it.
Regular maintenance and lubrication of your longboard wheels will help them to last longer. If you need further advice on which lubricant to use, contact the manufacturer of your longboard setup.
Does water ruin skateboard wheels?
Ultimately, the answer is no, water itself does not ruin skateboard wheels. The primary elements that can cause wheel damage are riding terrain, abuse and temperature. Generally, skateboard wheels last anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on how and how often they are used.
That being said, some riders may find that their wheels become worn more quickly if they are riding in wet conditions, such as on tracks or streets that are covered in rain water or puddles. The moisture can cause the surfaces to become slippery, meaning the wheels may struggle to grip, resulting in excessive wear and tear.
If you ride in wet conditions, it is recommended to purchase wheels that are made from harder, more durable materials – such as urethane – so that your wheels last for as long as possible.
How do I make my skate wheels white again?
Getting your skate wheels white again is pretty straightforward. You will need a few materials to get started.
First, gather up some supplies. You will need a wire brush, white shoe polish, a bowl of warm water, a cloth rag and an old toothbrush.
Before you begin, make sure the wheels are completely clean and free of any dirt or debris. You can use the wire brush to do a deep clean.
Once the wheels are clean, soak a rag in the bowl of warm water and wring out the excess moisture. Use the wet rag to apply a generous amount of shoe polish onto the wheels. Make sure to cover the entire surface for an even white finish.
Once the wheels are evenly coated, use the old toothbrush to work the shoe polish into the grooves and cracks of the wheels.
When you’re finished, let the wheels dry for 30 minutes and then wipe them clean with a soft cloth to remove any excess shoe polish.
Now your skate wheels should be nice and white again!
Can you clean skateboard wheels with rubbing alcohol?
Yes, you can clean skateboard wheels with rubbing alcohol, though it is actually more effective to soak the wheels in a bucket with a solution of rubbing alcohol, hot water, and dish soap. The rubbing alcohol will help to dissolve any sticky residue that may be stuck to the wheels, and the dish soap will help to break down any grease or oil.
Leave the wheels to soak for about 30 minutes, and then rinse them off with warm water. Make sure to dry them off with a soft towel or cloth, and they will be ready to use.
Can I clean longboard with water?
Yes, you can clean your longboard with water. However, if your longboard is not waterproof, you should be careful when using water and avoid getting the deck wet. To clean it, start by giving it a good visual inspection and brushing off any dirt, mud, or dust that may have accumulated on it.
Then, use a slightly dampened cloth with mild detergent to wipe the deck and any residue away. If there are any stubborn stains, you can try scrubbing them off with a soft-bristled brush and a mild cleaner.
Finally, rinse off the board with clean water and let it air dry before riding.
What household items can I use to clean skateboard bearings?
Cleaning skateboard bearings is an important aspect of maintaining your board and keeping it in tip-top condition. Some of the most commonly used household items for cleaning skateboard bearings include rubbing alcohol, white vinegar, WD-40, a brush, a toothpick, and paper towels.
Rubbing alcohol is a versatile cleaning solution and can be used to loosen and clean dirt and grime from the bearings. To use, simply dab a cotton swab or paper towel in the alcohol and then rub the bearings to clean them.
White vinegar is another handy household product for cleaning skateboard bearings. You can either use a small paintbrush or a soft cloth to rub the bearings in vinegar.
WD-40 can also be used as a lubricating and cleaning material for your bearings. Put some WD-40 on a paper towel or cloth and rub the bearings for a quick clean. Make sure to use a light amount of WD-40 as too much may damage the bearings.
For dirt that is harder to reach, you can use a toothpick to gently clean the debris. A brush can also be used to help brush away any dirt or grime.
Finally, use a paper towel to wipe off the bearings and any remaining dirt. This will help ensure that the bearings are completely clean.
With these cleaning supplies, you can make sure that your board is running smoothly and that your bearings stay in great condition.
Can you use dish soap to clean bearings?
Dish soap isn’t the best option for cleaning bearings, but it can be done if necessary. To properly clean your bearings using dish soap, first remove them from the skateboard, and submerge them in a bowl of warm water.
Add a few drops of dish soap and swirl the bowl around to mix it in with the water. Allow the bearings to soak for at least 10 minutes. Once done, use a soft bristle brush or a toothbrush to scrub away any remaining dirt or grime.
Rinse each bearing in fresh water, taking care to remove any soap residue. To ensure complete cleanliness, a bearing cleaner kit is an excellent item to have on hand. Once the bearings are completely dry, they can then be re-oiled with bearing lube or lubricant.
What should you not use WD-40 on?
WD-40 should not be used on locks, bicycles, weapons, automobile engines, and other precision machinery as it can damage the mechanics of the product. WD-40 can also damage some paints and painted surfaces, so it is best to avoid using it on any kind of painted surface.
Additionally, WD-40 should not be used to lubricate or prevent rust on items that are exposed to extreme temperatures and/or wet environments, as the lubricant may evaporate or even ignite under these circumstances.
It should not be used on rubber, plastics, fabrics, leathers, or any other surfaces that are sensitive to petroleum-based products.
How often should I lube my skateboard bearings?
It is important to lubricate skateboard bearings regularly to protect them from oxidation and to ensure their longevity. How often you should lubricate your skateboard bearings depends on how often you use them.
If you skate daily, you should ideally lubricate the bearings every two weeks. However, if you are only an occasional skater, lubricating them once a month should be sufficient. It is also important to clean the bearings in-between lubrications.
Use a brush and/or Q-tips and degreaser to clean debris, grease, grime and dirt that have built up on the bearings. Follow up each cleaning with a light lubrication. It is also important to keep in mind that the more you ride and the harsher environments you skate in, the more regular you should lubricate your bearings.
Can I use WD40 on skateboard bearings?
No, you should not use WD40 on skateboard bearings. WD40 is a lubricant and a corrosion inhibitor, but it is not meant to be used in skateboard bearings. WD40 contains petroleum-based chemicals that can actually damage the seals and balls in the bearing, and eventually cause damage to the bearing itself.
Also, WD40 will attract dirt and grime, leading to a build-up that can cause premature wear on the bearing and other parts of the skateboard. Instead of using WD40, use a skate bearing lubricant specifically designed for skateboard bearings.
This will ensure that your bearings are properly lubricated and protected without any damage.