BONES BEARINGS - How To Clean Your Bearings

Wheels rolling slow? Bearings feeling crusty? Now is a good time to clean your bearings.
Here is a short video that shows you how to clean skateboard bearings. The video covers removing bearings from the wheels and removing the removable shields. It will also show you how to clean and re-lubricate your bearings and how to put them back into your wheels.
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[@cjjones3703]

Small note, let the bearings dry out before you apply the speed cream.

[@ProjUltraZ]

yes, im patient, the sun is also a great dryer for just a few min, then let cool. ive also experimented with Rock n Roll Gold bike chain lube. couple drops before and after speed cream. the rocknroll dries quickly and leave anti-friction compounds dry, but these will be suspended in the speed cream and continue to work

[@lockheedmarlonr-m4568]

Aye sir!

[@HeadNtheClouds]

Blow your nail your so dizzy you’re gonna pass out. I also bang them flat on an absorbent clean towel 😀🤗🎅

[@mailnoslihp95]

Compressed air works good if your in a rush to get back to skating

[@Elkins24]

I use a hair dryer, does them quickly then turn the heat off and use it to cool down the bearings.

[@playab0yyy]

Note: There’s one mistake in this video. The open/exposed side of the bearings (after the shield has been removed) should be facing down/away from the cap. This is what Bones Swiss advises (and makes most sense).

[@B_Chanslor]

Cans of compressed air (the kind often used for cleaning your computer keyboard) work for drying the acetone from the bearing. Bones Bearings are the best, ever. Your favorite skater rides them, even though he's in ads for another bearing company. Believe that.

[@corbinrodgers3325]

Super reds are better than reds though

[@studsonh]

Corbin Rodgers notice how he said Bones bearings and didn’t specify which one. He just saying they a good company. The ceramic bearings are the best

[@velhinho_91]

@@studsonh also prettu expensive, i ride super reds since ever and im really happy with them. Ceramic cost 100€ more, wich is to much for me. if you can afford it, yea go for it! i would if i could!

[@hemidart7]

Break cleaner..... its in a spray can and drys instantly, don't need compressed air, plus acetone can burn your skin or your eyes. Why bother with all that crap just pray it with break cleaner done!

[@droggy2069]

Brake cleaner is usually chlorinated solvent, and is probably less safe than acetone. The cans of compressed air are not actually Air. basically a refrigerant, but not an acute toxicity hazard.

[@Danny.Perez3204]

I'm from Oklahoma and I skate Bones Swiss and have the cleaning kit too. I try to clean them almost once a month and they've been lasting a long time! Might stop by the factory shop when I'm in town next week! Needing some wheels and bushings.

[@BonesBearings]

Right on Danny!! Thanks for the support, friend. See you sometime this week ;)

[@AnklepantsSkateZine]

I've been riding the same set of Bones Super Reds since mid 2019. I haven't cleaned them once. My favorite things to skate are big drops, anything I can air out of, and curbs that I'm constantly bashing into/onto, so my board takes a lot of impact. Before getting the Super Reds I had a new set of another top brand's bearings which only lasted about two months before feeling incredibly slow. An employee at the local skate shop had the same problem with those bearings and was also switching back to Bones. I will *never* ride any other type of bearing as long as Super Reds exist. Please don't degrade the quality of them because of this. 23 years of skateboarding and I've never had a bearing as perfect as those.

[@Linuxhax]

2003 for me

[@joeschmoe5009]

Bones video, using the truck to remove the bearing, even though they sell a bearing removal tool. Nice!

[@drmmr561]

Thanks for the vid! Was so lost on how to clean these...

[@irmasil3]

I want ALL the decks on the background...

[@yitzyaknin8591]

Same I need thos

[@smashyrashy]

In the background*

[@locoboto6183]

We all do

[@jerrell_ezekiel7821]

*at

[@thefishisraw117]

@@smashyrashy ah yes, decks concreted into the wall, perfect

[@InfieldIke]

Hey man awesome video! Ive always gotten a new set of Reds instead of trying to clean my bearings, but after this video I might have to give this a shot. Im legally blind and cant drive so Im always skating through the streets in the Florida elements which destroys bearings. lol Jamie E

[@BonesBearings]

Yea give it a shot! Feel free to send any questions our way

[@TheMuddatrucker]

Legally blind but still skating the streets............... 👍🏻mint!

[@Mark-jw2vz]

facts lmao i just started skating im 16 but he prob way better then me and im not blind

[@Capitan_Chaos]

Thanks for this video. My skate shop is on your dealer site. Will definitely buy from them.

[@guapodallas]

Well done nice and clear.

[@richsombie]

0:13 looks like some GTA cutscene

[@adityadharni5027]

richsombie fr

[@experanted]

Id like your comment but, 69 likes.

[@johnviera3884]

I use to use Bones Swiss in the 90s and they were completely factory sealed. I’ve never seen a removable shield.

[@DaniDune]

Yeah, useful video 🙌🏻 Should I clean the shields? Btw they were removed,maybe clean with a wet rag is good

[@corbinrodgers3325]

Bones bearing lubricat works great btw. I need to clean mine here in a few days!! Thanks for the vid. FYI do NOT over apply lubricant!!!

[@titus]

🔥🔥🔥 teach 'em! 👍🏼 good job.

[@BonesBearings]

;)

[@deadfire7088]

My top 2 favorite skateboard brands in one place!

[@towdjumper5]

Great stuff thx.

[@euphoricvigil4595]

Top 5 wash for the bearings. I have the oil/lubricant

[@jeremybower6370]

Bones for life 🤙

[@k-lone]

so i completely f'd this up and removed the CAGES, not the shields. thankfully i rode them today and they were awesome just like new. make sure you are removing the FLAT shields, not the cages which have little holders for the inidivdual bearings. if you remove the wrong side it will remove the cage and not the shield. i thought it was the right side cause the shields actually look metal and not rubber but the cages look and feel more like actual rubber. the shields blistered a little from the acetone but they seemed back to normal this morning and rode fine. 6 ball swiss

[@mattfischer3853]

Can also use 91% plus isopropyl alcohol. Then you can throw the shields in as well. Cleans up everything. It dries a little slower, but works well and can go down the drain without issue. Just let em dry a little longer, speed cream and you’re off.

[@Josh-lv6vn]

Will that devolve and types of plastics, I have reds bearings but there slight lift different to his

[@hemidart7]

Break cleaner in a spray can

[@farislazee2832]

how long would the speed cream last? Maybe clean & lubricate once every one and a half or two months

[@ahhh4117]

can i use a small rubber mallet to pound my bearings in? I have awful grip strength and I always end up hurting myself otherwise

[@MoDuncanjr]

Miciah is the homie!!!! Word he knows his shizzznit!!

[@lukeboehnlein5794]

So does this count for the ceramic bearings too

[@phackqu]

Just got a set of super swiss 6 and was wondering if they came already lubricated?¿

[@michaelllarena5085]

Other videos I have seen dont use the all the extra equipment like the decreased bottle and wand thing they just spray it and wipe is it really necessary?

[@eze8024]

Is the cleaning kit compatible with Bones RACE Reds with extended races?

[@angelkalathas]

I didn't have a cleaning kit so I bought new bones reds bearings. Apparently, I destroyed the shields because I used the skate tool wrongly and now my new bearings are worse than my old ones.

[@TechT1999]

Great video.....I noticed you guys had a Steve Caballero Dragon deck on the wall? I have the lime green version of that deck still today...8)

[@friedtamago4012]

OOF Bones bearings!!! I was a kid when i got my first set of reds, and that was 15 years ago. Even industrial bearings don't come close to how tough bones bearings are, and I've worked with a lot of bearings.

[@Robebabu]

What is the shelf life of Speed Cream? I have a bottle that is easily ten years or more old.

[@idaridaridaridari]

but what luquid do i use and where do i get it?

[@TRIKushbeachside]

Use the same solvents and oil for ceramics?

[@bricago2302]

If these bearings only have one rubber shield, does it matter which direction the open side faces when you install them?

[@BlenderRender1]

This way of cleaning the bearing is a lot better than just pouring cleaner on the bearings and spinning the bearing

[@Elkins24]

Will this work for rolleblade inline skate bearings???

[@ionlybluffAA]

I use them for my hockey skates and they work amazing lol.

[@mikegadoua9589]

i would forgo the acetone very volatile product , use something more green like citrus cleaner , great video

[@judas5305]

Its not volatile unless you boil it or add flame. Dont smoke while you use it and dont huff the fumes and youll be fine. Poeple have been using it as a solvent forever. Just use common sense.

[@benharrison4248]

Can you use just use any acetone

[@thomasbrooklyn1820]

Should the bearings be replaced into the same wheel and position that it came out of, because it has been broken in specifically to the forces incurred on that position? Yeah ultra precision!

[@Kiannka]

No. There's no difference

[@majorhurricane3712]

How do you clean the shields

[@llrated1238]

How do we clean the shield?

[@STEEL4122]

I hate taking my bearings out the wheels with the truck, I’ll never forget when I did that & then the bearing just pretty much exploded & the steel balls just went flying everywhere, I was like 16 & it was my only set ATM, I couldn’t skate for a few days & was so bummed 😂 bearing presses are the way to go

[@psimetric8887]

Gasoline , isopropyl alcohol, acetone, citric soap, etc, definitely what's the best and security option for clean and care the bearings?

[@robolinoschmidt8676]

Hey bones, I saw a full ceramic bearing (white coloured) and my question is if bones though about making a full ceramic bearing.. Bc they look very fast. And if not what would be the cons of offering a product like that... Best greetings from Germany..

[@HeadNtheClouds]

roboliño schmidt hey dude, ceramics are only for long boarding, not jumping because they break eventually. I like Bronson’s g3, had Reds, they all get ruined pretty quickly honestly. Deal with sand here at the beach & that gets in there so easy & scratches everything. Don’t get ceramics if you ride street!

[@vincenzollamas]

if you use a small towel or cloth, it makes prying the bearings out of the wheel using the truck axel, & putting them back in again, MUCH easier, & easier on your hands

[@AnklepantsSkateZine]

This is great advice!

[@vincenzollamas]

@@AnklepantsSkateZine ☺️

[@jerrell_ezekiel7821]

Can you lubricate your bearing using a hair clipper oil.

[@maxhumphreys2310]

You could also use citrus cleaner instead of acetone

[@dneck]

nah just rinse the citrus cleaner off with water then hair dryer. citrus cleaner is natural and gentle and can be dumped down the drain

[@fandango8584]

Should I take both sides of the shields off when the one side is metal?

[@unknownbostonian]

How do u know the dirt is all out of the nylon raceway in the sealed bearing?

[@byron9202]

Does it have to be reds to clean them with this speed cream or can it be any bearing brand and can this be used if I got water logged or is it just for them to go fast

[@mickb69]

You can clean any brand of bearings using these same methods and equipment... UNLESS, sometimes when you buy like, a cheap complete or cheap wheels you tend to get sealed, one-use only bearings that you can't take the shield/covers off and these can't be cleaned. But any you buy as a pack from a skate shop will have removable shields

[@jasperulzii-orshikh2775]

Is skating without shields ok?

[@stlawrence86]

nail polish remover is pretty much the same thing. I use that right or does it need to be specifically from the hardware store?

[@Kiannka]

Would take normal acetone. Nail polish remover isnt 100% acetone and has other stuff put into it

[@hayfrijolesenlacasa1031]

Is adding speed cream optional?

[@daniel_hawryschuk]

acetone? the stuff that de-solves plastic, like the plastic that spaces the balls in the bearing.

[@nitrodad5775]

So, I cleaned the bones bearings and when I put the dust shield back on none of the bearings spin freely any longer. They're inserted all the way on best I can tell but something is clearly wrong. What am I doing wrong?

[@ojd2824]

Special thanks

[@TangoOne]

If dirt is coming off on the paper towel shouldn't you do a repeat wash with clean acetone?

[@BonesBearings]

Yes you could. But the original wash does get the majority of dirt out of there

[@hesh4727]

if your shields are fucked up and bent you can roll your wheel over it like a rolling pin to flatten it back out. ive managed to keep a dead set of bones going doing that

[@mv2530]

How do you get rid of the qcetone

[@scottlandb6579]

Is speed cream just some 10w-30?

[@ashusingh507]

kleenswiss company ka bhi hai kya sir..

[@othernervous7146]

Do you have to use to speed cream in order to help your bearings or is it optinal

[@stinkycheese7383]

OTHER nervous714 if you don’t use speed cream (or any different safe lubricant) then you run the risk of damaging the bearings through times use. If they’re dried out, then you should hear a hissing or popping noise when you spin them, so yeah it’s better to lubricate them or else it could cause long term damage later

[@frankrotthier4392]

I am thinking of buying Bones Swiss. Will these last me a long time and will they keep going fast if I clean them let's say once a month?

[@Palach303]

yes

[@Luii2kk]

Can I use100% acetone

[@khonlylove6543]

My swiss bearing are from the original Bucky Lasek Powell team board that was just re released. They're old and rusty. I started cleaning them without this kit and took the ball spacer out of the one and it all fell apart. I can't get em back in, is there a way or should I just let this one go!?

[@Balt9mm]

It sounds like they’re done for bro

[@garydelarosa8619]

I may have fucked up my Bones Swiss :( I got the bearings in July of last year. I had it cleaned for the first time more or less 1 - 2 weeks after I got the bearings. I used Antiseize Bearing Cleaner by Sector 9. I used almost all of the cleaning material. The instruction weren't that easy to understand to be honest. Anyway, I called the Zumiez I got it from and they told me I should still be good, like nothing to worry about. They still spin. Some don't too much though, or at least one of them. I cleaned my bearings just once this year cuz I ran out of the bearing cleaner. Now I want to clean the bearings cuz I'm convinced they need cleaning. I've been filming a lot - follow cams and stuff - more the past quarter to a year. So my bearings ain't that dirty as opposed skaters who focus on doing tricks. Anyway, what do you guys think? Are my bearings still good? Is it fucked up? How do I know it's fucked up? Thanks! :D

[@cfogel3]

What are the highest speeds this lubricant can handle before spraying out of the wheel or burning up?

[@hemidart7]

Use synthetic motor oil

[@iamanignoramus]

Hey! I don’t know if you will read this but I really need help with my bearings. I recently just built a board and bought some bones redz bearings and when I was inserting the bearing into my wheels I pushed really hard into the bearing shield and now the board wont get the same speed as the type I see in videos. I tried flattening the shield so it would loose the drag and it helped but it still wasn’t great. Do you know any tricks or maybe a product of yours that would help?

[@Ricky-pc1dx]

I don't know if you still have this problem. But it sounds like you might just need to get new bearing shields. You could probably buy a replacement somewhere

[@goodshow4058]

thanks that was sweet

[@_lsd25opiatetype_3]

HOLA, FROM MEXICO I SKATE ON THE DIRT ROADS OVER HERE AND SMUGGLE BEARINGS FROM USA TO MT HOME TOWN NOW I AM THE FASTEST COMPADRE ON THE DIRT

[@_lsd25opiatetype_3]

⁷-¼⁹

[@definedsinner8669]

i just bought some bones ceramic super reds do i have to clean them every often?

[@BonesBearings]

Thanks! If they start feeling slower than usual, you should give them a nice clean. Thanks for asking

[@definedsinner8669]

Bones Bearings fosure thanks dude

[@jm361]

Never forget to let the "nut" do the work ;) 7:51

[@Jeremyramone]

Same process/solvent for ceramic bearing s?

[@bigshrimpdiddy1549]

Yes

[@sunsetskateshop6589]

after you cleaned the bearings, what product did you use? (some liquid like oil?), then you use the speed cream

[@Sinsanatis]

speed cream. thats literally it

[@AndrewJobes]

no you use acetone in the bottle to shake the bearings and then speed cream no weird oil

[@edifier40]

I do it differently. in fact I wet it with water, but then dry it with a hair dryer. once it is dry, I just put the lubricant on it.

[@organic_panic813]

Hi there. Since my eng is no so good , i want to ask again just to make sure. So u clean the bearings in the acetone right ¿ Just an ordinary acetone? 🥺Please answers asap !!!!ty

[@DerekFuller77]

You need to buy the bones acetone for cleaning, or use something else that works

[@michaelmichaelagnew8503]

Yes normal acetone works or nail polish remover which is acetone or use Isopropyl alcohol. Just stay away from any water base stuff.

[@sombatone]

Guys from 'Rat Vision' puted Acetone in the avoid list of cleaning product in their 2011 video. Guess it's good finally.

[@Sinsanatis]

id still stick with orange cleaner regardless. natural, non toxic? if not, then def not nearly as toxic, and smells nice.

[@eleezakaine3028]

What type or brand of acetone should I use?

[@BonesBearings]

Any brand will be fine.

[@hollow_w33n]

can isopropyl alcohol be used instead of acetone?

[@icantsee0]

Ye, but it needs to be 91% at least. And don't keep your bearings in for more than 25 mins

[@jessaie-detre-chretien]

Can I use acetone if my bearings have plastic / rubber / nylon cages ?

[@novaskateboards943]

Yes

[@huyked]

I highlighted your question and used a search engine, and got answered that way. But you have to be careful with acetone as it can melt certain things.

[@AndrewStewart]

Do you take out both sides of the bearings

[@thenotoriousninjaduck]

No I’ve tried taking the back off bearings before and the bearings kinda fall apart

[@angieabend1687]

Do Bones Super Swiss 6 bearings need speed washers?

[@supahfreaaakk]

You don't "need" them, but they do help, I never ran washers or spacers, and tried them on my 6swiss and there is a NOTICEABLE difference in performance and speed. Hope this helps!

[@mousediscord2803]

Do you need to put speed cream on or is that optional?

[@Ricky-pc1dx]

I followed the instructions for this video and after I cleaned the bearings and let them sit for a bit to dry, I applied the lubricant. But right now it feels like my bearings were faster before I clean them and everything. Did I do something wrong? Or is this normal for a bit until I break into them again or something.

[@negronmax8]

Are they better now or is it the same?

[@Ricky-pc1dx]

@@negronmax8 after a bit, they did a little better. I think I accidently put too much speed cream but while it spun out it stayed with the right amount. But there was still a bit of grime in them.

[@Palach303]

Thats normal, lubed bearings free spin much less than dry ones, once you step on the board it makes no difference. I cleaned and lubed all my bearings a few weeks ago and the board actually felt faster, even though the free spin time was way less. Btw one drop of speed cream is enough, I used to do two but as the wheels spin it starts coming out and attracts dirt.

[@phototristan]

Can so-called sealed bearings be cleaned this way too?

[@matador6650]

It technically can, but you can't put metal shield back, as you most likely will damage it will removing. So: a). you find a replacement shield, b). you run it without shields after that, placing both bearings bare side in, so it takes less dirt from the street.

[@tpaairman]

For removing the shields, instead of using a blade or something similar, I always using something like a small screwdriver or paper clip, slipped through the other side of the bearing, and gently push the shield out. Much lest risk of damage from cutting the rubber coating. Just be gentle enough not to bend the metal.

[@zeldaisazombie]

Depending on how dirty they are, can i use the same solution to clean more than one set? Or should i replace it for each set i clean?

[@edwar6706]

nope, i discourage you to do that. i personally clean 2 time with 2 solution so avoid small dirt. unless you find a really good filter to separate acetone or other cleaning solution. wich acetone btw will melt plastic so be carefull wich material are the roll cage...

[@cl8ff]

run it through a paper coffee filter if you want to reuse the acetone. some clean is better then no clean. there will always be a little dirt in the bearings, everyday wear and tear. aint gotta be perfect.

[@Sergio.8a]

I just got some brand new bearings and they’re a slow and one of them stops almost immediately. Will this help?

[@OGecalien]

If they’re brand new, no need to clean them. Just put two drops of speed cream inside the bearings, opposite ends and roll on.

[@OGecalien]

But if you try to add the cream without cleaning them it’ll just make them dirtier with all the build up already in them. It’s worth it to clean them, and apply the cream. But make sure after you clean they they’re dry. A blow dryer works good.

[@jonah5824]

You probably got your wheels on to tight

[@Runiiredd]

Does it have to be a specific acetone?

[@sb9232]

No but make sure its 100% acetone. You never want to use a solvent that has water in it.

[@komozus4537]

Hey, so i just put some speed cream on my bearings (BONES REDS) and before i did they were spinning for a pretty good amout of time but know they don't. Please HELP !!!

[@henkprojm]

You should just use 1 or 2 drops, more will slow them down

[@komozus4537]

thanks i'll try it out ^^

[@diaryofwalkingdeath]

Make sure you clean first if you don’t you’ll just move dirt around More and make the bearing worse overall

[@Sinsanatis]

if ur basing the speed off of simply spinning a dry bearing vs a lubed bearing just merely in ur hand then....well. dont. a dry bearing will obviously spin much faster and longer than a lubed one. the lubrication is to keep the bearings in good condition for longer. theres also a huge difference between checking the spin and riding. as long as they spin freely and slowly come to a stop then ur fine.

[@nicolasmoya9156]

How often should you clean and lubricate your bearings

[@BonesBearings]

Only when needed.

[@neppy6804]

How do we replace the acetone?

[@michaelmichaelagnew8503]

You can buy it at walmart if you have one near you. Or use nail polish remover that's 100% acetone.

[@ethancoulter2598]

Ok I actually have Different bearings than bones and I need to clean My bearings and Don’t have the money to buy Acetone what other replacement can i use?

[@BonesBearings]

Go to your local skate shop and ask them if they have a community speed cream bottle. If they do, just do one drop into each of your bearings. It'll be a nice temporary fix

[@Sinsanatis]

^ emphasis on "temporary" for any decent amount of time that would be worse since itll pull in more dirt and just push the dirt already inside around. a better alternative for acetone is to find an all purpose natural citrus cleaner that has orange oil/dlimonene. its natural, safer, and smells nice. only downside really is having to rinse off the cleaner. but thats easy with some hot water and quickly drying them off with compress air or a hair dryer.

[@mickb69]

You can use carburetter cleaner if you can't afford the whole special kit and the acetone, it won't be as good as soaking in acetone overall, but because it's sprayed out it will blast the shit out and it should work fine. You'll still need speed cream though, nothing else will do.

[@ryangrinsted9497]

If the shields are also metal can you leave them on? mine are refusing to come off

[@maecknyc]

only some bearings have pop off shields others are fix and you can damage them when trying to pop them off

[@howardroark3670]

Thank you for sharing that information.

[@henkprojm]

Can you clean your bearings with nailpolish remover, while it has aceton in it. Or isn't it pure enough?

[@TehRayZen]

Jim Maskell Did it work?

[@abenyu5070]

Does this stuff work for like Specter 8 longboards

[@BonesBearings]

It should work for any skateboard bearing

[@abenyu5070]

Bones Bearings ok thanks, and also I’m surprised on you actually responding considering this is almost a year old

[@raginteen]

6:12 he means 7 more times as in doing it to each bearing not 8 times per bearing right? because that seems a little crazy.

[@benharrison4248]

Yea

[@SosaInk]

Do you take both lids off?

[@renzflores9525]

There’s only one lid per bearing