Install and Remove Skateboard Bearings and Spacers with One Tool

With only ONE tool, Fireball shows you how to install and remove skateboard bearings and spacers. No press needed. Just use the axle from your skateboard truck.
Any questions? Contact us: stokedrideshop...
Fireball on Amazon:
amzn.to/3wy1sPv
Spacers & Speed Rings on Amazon:
amzn.to/39wM4Lk
Stoked Ride Shop:
stokedrideshop...
Read the full article on how to install spacers:
fireballsupply...

[@williammadray7818]

Believe it or not, bearings have changed immensely over even the past couple 2 or 3 years. Especially with the advent of built-in and high quality precision stainless steel and ceramic bearings. I know that I decided to purchase a custom longboard with deluxe ceramic bearings. I then purchased 90mm pavement gobblers and built-in 6-ball bearings to thrill an old man to his bones. Well not having RECENT experience with removing and installing the new modern high performance bearings. Not wanting to RUIN my $50 investment; I went to the local skate shop for advice and instruction on installation without ruin. Only to be laughed at by the graying 70 year old proprietor (?) due to my ignorance. It was totally uncalled for and forced me to reconsider and NOT purchase ANYTHING from the store. Particularly not the $100 Vans that I was interested in prior to the encounter. So this video is much appreciated.

[@StokedRideShop]

Glad to hear this video helped! Feel free to contact us anytime.

[@tobydude7462]

Best guide on youtube for installing bearings.

[@StokedRideShop]

Thanks Toby Dude! Definitely appreciate the positive feedback!

[@alcalu]

I concur with your finding, Toby.

[@negronmax8]

💯

[@djz2308]

Nice video thanks. Wasn't sure how to take the bearings out with a tool when spacers are in before watching this.

[@BEEBEE159]

Nice video. You did a great job. I am just getting back into skateboarding, as an adult (45 yrs. old); and I couldn't remember how the spacers went on.

[@StokedRideShop]

Hey thanks Jason! Definitely appreciate that comment.

[@nigeve01]

I'm 52 and just starting again. I found it helpful as well. Getting some Kryptonics for my longboard...

[@williammadray7818]

I'm 62 going on 23 and I too have recently reentered the skateboard market after purchasing a longboard. Consider BUILT-IN BEARINGS, they really take the guessing game out of the picture.

[@sako3xx]

just replaced my skateboard bearings at 2am. these reds are sick

[@ren-dt6rh]

this is the most precise video i've watched on how to install bearings. i just ordered new ones and it's my first time to install them since i got my skateboard already set up. so thank you for this video. 👍🏻

[@StokedRideShop]

Right on Ren! Thanks for the excellent feedback! Glad it helped 🤙

[@alcalu]

Nicely done - tricks of the trade revealed! I'm saving this one. Appreciate the turtorial, SRS.

[@jplast7761]

Excellent demonstration. Skating for 30 years now and I never replaced my own. Always enjoyed patronizing the local skate shops for new wheels and bearings. Sadly, with the businesses forcibly closed, I cannot do that right now. Thanks for showing me how to do my own! I will drop by my local guys when they reopen and give them a donation to get going again. Thanks for having this video!

[@StokedRideShop]

Right on! Thanks for you support.

[@nickamarit]

If you have spacers, always tighten down fully - no need to reverse the axle nut out even if the wheel does not spin freely with no load. This is because when there is load (when you stand on your board), the bearings will spin fine. Reversing the axle nut by even a little bit can cause it to loosen over time due to vibrations from riding. And eventually, it will become loose enough for the wheel to have free play and jiggle.

[@StokedRideShop]

Thanks for your comment Nick. You're right, it is not a good call to over loosen them. However, most spacers are incorrectly sized and a lot of riders do not use spacers. This means when the nut is tightened down fully, the inner race is pushed inward slightly relative to the outer race. This creates more friction on the balls. With nylon lock nuts on the axles, taking this slight tension off the inner bearing races allows the balls to roll freely in both the outer and inner race without having to worry about the nut falling off. This is not to be confused with allowing play along the axle. As you mentioned, there should NEVER be play. The nut should fully and snugly hold the wheel and bearings down. All this being said, always double check gear before riding to make sure everything is working properly. Thanks for checking out our video and shred safe out there man!

[@BossHossV8Cycles]

Nylock nuts are the most effective when you screw them the first time and become less effective the more you reuse them. Even if you untighten new nylock nut slightly it won't unscrew from the vibration. You should be replacing your nylock nuts occasionally anyway. You can get a 50-100 pack of thin profile 5/16-24 nylock nuts for cheap. (McMaster-Carr has a 100 pack for $4.50.) If you buy "skateboard nuts" they will be grossly and unnecessarily overpriced. Another option would be to buy a bottle of loctite and putting a tiny dab on the threads every time you reinstall your wheels.

[@PablitoGillespie]

Thanks man! Helped me put on my new ones and remove the old. Good video I'll know for life now.

[@StokedRideShop]

Right on! Glad we could help 👍

[@intotheunknown8774]

Awesome !!! Thank you guys, I only destroyed one pair of bearings !!

[@alal2192]

Thanks bro, very professional way to remove them

[@XSlayer-iv8zo]

Make a video on sector 9 butter ball wheels please

[@1MantisPhoenix]

Most people say wheel SHOULD be able to move just a little, so you know it's not overtightened

[@icantollie]

For shortboards, yes; but I think David comes more from a longboard/downhill/race background, where tolerances are tighter

[@1MantisPhoenix]

@@icantollie well I've been testing it on 40 and 42 inch boards and it's been brilliant since

[@Rjrolyn]

Nicely done sir

[@StokedRideShop]

Thank you good sir!

[@nicholasramos7343]

nice thanks man ill pick those up and if I have anymore questions you'll be the first person ill come to first thanks man 😀

[@StokedRideShop]

👍👍👍

[@cyb_structure]

Nice video David!

[@StokedRideShop]

Haha thanks Chris! Hope you learned something useful.

[@itsjustmelitzy467]

Bro this helped me out soooo much 👍

[@StokedRideShop]

Dude so glad to hear it! 😎

[@AdCab77]

Perfect video! Thanks 🙂

[@StokedRideShop]

You're welcome!

[@another9833]

Hi Sir, thanks for the helpful video. In another video, i heard that after tightening the nut, untighten about a quarter turn and make sure there is a tiny gap, so the wheel can jiggle about only slightly. Can you elaborate on this pl.? Regards.👍

[@StokedRideShop]

We actually do not recommend wheel jiggle. The bearings should be doing the spinning and when you have wheel movement, the bearing is rotating around the axle instead of performing as designed. You can also get weird board handling. If you use spacers, you can tighten down and back off about 1/8th or less of a turn. The wheel may not spin super freely, but allow a short break in period and you'll be good to go. Also note that hand spin does not equal speed. Read more about that here: fireballsupply.co/blogs/news/the-biggest-lie-in-skateboarding-why-hand-spin-bearing-speed

[@noodlepoodle3582]

Tried it with my roller skates and it was a bit hard but worked well. I just hope I didn’t damage the bearing.

[@StokedRideShop]

Glad it worked for you and hope they're rolling smooth! 😎

[@kaidakayama8179]

I have the same t tool only red

[@StokedRideShop]

Rad! Should work great for installing bearings!

[@dookieboy332]

on amazon the bearing that came with the spacers were cheaper than the ones without

[@StokedRideShop]

Sounds like a good deal to us! 😎

[@kaitlinhudson1435]

Where can I find skateboards mine is cracking

[@StokedRideShop]

We sell skateboards at stokedrideshop.com !

[@CL0UD143]

My bearings don’t come out that quick, I had to use all my strength to take it out 😪

[@StokedRideShop]

That can happen! If they're really hard to get out, you can try putting a little penetrating lubricant on the outside of the bearings to help slide them out of the wheel.

[@CL0UD143]

Stoked Ride Shop I see, thanks for the tip

[@StokedRideShop]

@@CL0UD143 You're welcome!

[@VelocityVibes439]

This might sound stupid but what does wheel should not have play along the axel mean??

[@StokedRideShop]

The axle nut should be tightened enough to where the wheel cannot slide on the axle. If there is play along the axle, the nut is not tight enough. Does this make sense?

[@yeahkevinn]

A lot of the spacers that I tried did not allow the wheel to spin freely when tightened down. Is this common and should I just keep buying more until they all fit?

[@StokedRideShop]

Yes this can happen. Just make sure the nut is snugged down and through the nylon thread lock portion and ride the board. It should settle in and spin freely after a few miles of riding.

[@fadelxss406]

My bearings take so much effort to put in the wheel and they are wobbly when they spin which i think is making my board turn by itself without me even on it plz help

[@Ragnar06]

Presumably this method works just as well for quad roller skate bearing removal/insertions?

[@StokedRideShop]

Dana thanks for your comment and apologies for missing a reply here. Yes, this should work for quads as well, but you might have different kinds of spacers and bearings. Many of the same principles should apply though. Comment again and let us know your experience!

[@osmosisjones1106]

Why'd you put 2 speed washers? Is it better? I only have one on each side. I see you have one on 1 side and 2 on the inner side towards the trucks

[@StokedRideShop]

You only need 1 per side. You can see at the 1:09 we take one of them off and leave one on.

[@delanorrosey4730]

Does 97mm wheels require different size spacers? Or is it one set of spacers are good for all size wheels? Thanks!

[@StokedRideShop]

97mm refers to just the diameter of the wheels, so they should take the same spacers as all other skateboard wheels. However, there might be some electric skateboard wheels that use non-standard bearings and thus non-standard cores that need different spacers.

[@funnyguy9873]

I think I forgot to put the speed rings Will it damage if o don’t putt them

[@StokedRideShop]

It might damage the bearings if they seals are rubbing on the truck. However, it usually does not cause an issue.

[@JavierFernandez01]

Good to know.

[@Geizhals.]

very handsome man thank you

[@richieguppy2982]

Amazing a new video!

[@StokedRideShop]

I know, right?! Any suggestions for future content?

[@richieguppy2982]

Stoked Skateboards I was actually wondering if you guys could do a review on the OJ 2 Team Riders

[@StokedRideShop]

This isn't a wheel we currently carry, but we can get them. We'll scope!

[@richieguppy2982]

+Stoked Skateboards sounds awesome! Also thanks for responding to comments!

[@StokedRideShop]

You bet! :D

[@evorider3689]

I realize that the axels are hardened steel (usually grade 8 i believe) but isn't it possible to damage the axel's threads by doing this?

[@StokedRideShop]

If you do it as described, it will not damage the axles. The force required to pull the bearings into the wheels is not nearly enough to cause the threads to strip. Also I have never damaged an axle by leveraging the bearing out of the wheel in the manner described. However, make sure the nut is properly threaded on the axle. I have damaged axles by not aligning the nut threads correctly. Also make sure the threads are free from any casting debris. It is pretty rare, but there can be cast material that got into the threads.

[@evorider3689]

@@StokedRideShop Good to know! Thanks for your response to my question! I appreciate it!

[@liamcopeland395]

Sick that you guys are uploading again I actually ordered a mystery box from you guys about 2 weeks back. It was awesome we actually made a unboxing video of it if you would like to check it out. KZbin @steezy sliders

[@MelvinJave]

I'm interested in these Fireball bearing-spacers. Does anyone knows if they'll work on a regular street skateboard??? Because I'm looking for spacers but I do not own a longboard.

[@StokedRideShop]

Yes, they should work fine on regular skateboards too

[@maxgoldmann5646]

I did clean my bearings but what do I do with the metal part they're going on do I whipe it and if so do I Greece it and with what ?

[@alcalu]

Hahaha - Greece. Good one, Max.

[@kaitlinhudson1435]

I'm trying to find where can I find skateboard shops close to Umbilo

[@StokedRideShop]

I'd recommend checking Google or ordering online.

[@thelakherman9525]

question is jaspo bearing and spinner bearing same how you think???

[@StokedRideShop]

It appears Jaspo Bearings are 608 sized bearings, which will work in 99.9% of skateboards. Spinner bearings come in many types, so they might be the same. It's too hard to say without having more info! Let us know and we can do our best to help!

[@owlz1657]

Hi. I just bought a skateboard, my skateboard (kinda) doesn’t want turn left or right, should I remove the “washers”?

[@StokedRideShop]

This sounds like a bushing problem. Bushings are the rubber grommets inside the trucks that allow trucks to have stability and rebound in a turn. You probably want to get a lower durometer bushing. Feel free to reach out to us at [e-mail] for more detailed help.

[@Ragnar06]

I didn't find any "speed rings" on any of the 8 wheels on my skates. I'm thinking I don't need them with Bones Swiss precision bearings...but I'm not the expert. Anyone care to (respectfully) weigh-in?

[@StokedRideShop]

Hey Dana, for skates/rollerblades/rollerskates, you may or may not have speed rings. You only need them to make sure the only thing touching is the inner race. If that is all that touches, you do not need speed rings. Let us know if you need any other help.

[@elholychristo889]

Zealous bearings come with built in speed rings and spacers. Downhill world champions like Patrick switzer use them.

[@darksphere9933]

So if my spacer shakes around on the inside of my wheel when the wheel is off the axle and both bearings are in are the spacers too small? I got some Bronson G3’s and the spacers that came with them don’t seem to fit my rictas

[@StokedRideShop]

The spacer moving inside of the wheel is totally normal. The important fit for the spacer in skateboard wheels is the axial width, or width between the two bearings. We recommend installing the bearings as shown in this video so that the spacer can't move around inside the wheel, making it harder to install on the truck. If you already have a wheel off and the spacer is moving around and getting in the way of putting the wheel on the axle, use a screwdriver or something thin to line up the spacer between the bearings so the wheel can slide on the truck axle. Does this make sense?

[@epr8974]

If you want to see how the spacers work install everything without the wheel. Until you tighten down the nut, everything can move along the axle. Once the nut is tightened down, it's all one unit, allowing only the outside ring of the bearing to spin freely, just as it's supposed to be.

[@sailic1067]

wow, you are back, any hardware reviews incomming?

[@StokedRideShop]

Working on new stuff! Any suggestions?

[@sailic1067]

maybe cloud ride ozones? or cult wheels centrifuge?

[@sailic1067]

also haven't seen anyone really intro orangatang wheels

[@patientestant]

Careful Fireballs have a sharp lip to them.

[@StokedRideShop]

Omnonomnom

[@brogle437]

Are speed rings necessary for high speed cruising?

[@StokedRideShop]

We would recommend speed rings and spacers for all kinds of skateboarding if the bearings or trucks do not have them "built in" already.

[@brogle437]

Stoked Ride Shop Alright. Thank you so much!

[@StokedRideShop]

@@brogle437 You bet!! We're here to help.

[@vylantv1783]

So because you put the spacers on the axle, it won't roll around between both bearings?

[@StokedRideShop]

If built and performing properly, the spacer and the inner race of the bearing should not rotate. Just the balls, outer race, and rest of the wheel will rotate.

[@vylantv1783]

@@StokedRideShop Ahh okay thanks! When I took the wheel off to see whether the spacer was in correctly, it started rolling around between the bearings. But when I kept it on the axle, I knew it couldn't move because it was on there. Just one more question. Because I've got the spacer on, there's less of the axle left. So when I tighten the nut, there's not really that much room left on the axle. I just don't want my wheel to suddenly fall off.

[@StokedRideShop]

@@vylantv1783 The spacer should not take up any additional space on the axle. I suspect that maybe the bearings are not seated all the way or the spacer is the wrong size for your wheel. If you are referring to the speed rings, those will take up some additional space, but not much. Might be easier to email us a photo - [e-mail]

[@trevorramasir1611]

Do you always need spacers, or just when the wheels are big?

[@StokedRideShop]

We recommend always using spacers 👍

[@StokedRideShop]

@@dystopia2386 We meant a lot of riders do not use any spacers at all. You do not have to use spacers for the skateboard to work, but it will extend the life of the bearings. If you are doing slides, etc with a lot of axial forces on the bearings, the benefits of spacers are greater.

[@jeremymoorer1611]

No speed ring between the inside bearing and the middle of the board?

[@icantollie]

There is; he left it in there

[@alexvice7893]

Is this the same for just a normal skateboard?😅

[@StokedRideShop]

Yes, same idea applies. It can be harder to remove the bearings from the wheels, but by using this technique, you should not damage the bearings.

[@FrankieV1]

Does it matter which way the washer/speed ring goes on?

[@StokedRideShop]

Short answer: It doesn't matter. Long answer: Speed rings are usually a stamped metal part, so one side will be more square and one side more rounded. When I am feeling particularly OCD, I put the round side towards the bearings to give that little extra clearance. But seriously, it doesn't make any difference except in my mind. Just make sure no part of the bearing other than the inner race is coming in contact with the speed ring.

[@jayytee8062]

"Speed rings" Aren't they just shim washers??

[@StokedRideShop]

Yes, they go by a few nicknames in skateboarding. Shim washers would be the most technically correct name, though in my 13+ years in the skate shop, I never heard anyone refer to them as such haha.

[@WhereIsRainbow]

I think you forget one ring.

[@StokedRideShop]

You can see at the 1:09 we take one off and leave one on. It's kinda hard to see that one speed ring that was left on, but it's there!

[@rehman1995]

Stoked Ride Shop hard to miss dont know what hes takin about

[@butteroverwatch]

My skateboard didnt come with spacers can i still do it?

[@StokedRideShop]

Yes, the process is still the same. However, be careful not to over-tighten your truck axle nuts. You want the bearings seated all the way in the wheel, but you do not want the bearings freezing up from the tension of an over tightened axle nut. If you're interested in purchasing some spacers, here is a link to the ones we designed: www.amazon.com/Fireball-Spacers-Washers-Skateboards-Longboards/dp/B01GIGU2SE/

[@johnathan7557]

Are spacers included when buying bearings?

[@StokedRideShop]

Sometimes they are, it depends on the bearings. You will have to check the specific product to determine if they are included or not.

[@johnathan7557]

@@StokedRideShop 👍🏾 thank you. I have had 2 completes in the past and I’m going to buy my first custom. So your tutorials really helped.

[@StokedRideShop]

@@johnathan7557 Right on!! That's what we like to hear 😎

[@christoandries7117]

Do you need speed rings

[@StokedRideShop]

If you want your board to perform the best it can, we recommend using speed rings and spacers on every wheel.

[@owenher8656]

What if you don’t got the tool thingy

[@stokedrideshop4561]

You will definitely need a tool to do this, but you don't have to have a skate tool. 1/2" socket is the size for skateboard axle nuts.

[@vikdedik1423]

Do u have to put the spacers ???

[@stokedrideshop4561]

You do not HAVE to put spacers, but we highly recommend it and do not ship any skateboard without them. Spacers will make the bearings last longer and roll better.

[@alyssaduguay6587]

Okay. i already know youre not gonn answer cuz im 4 yrs late. Anyways. My bearings still doesnt fit. I dont understand i did all it said in the video it just doesnt works im gonna give up i just bought my first skate and i cant even install my bearings. Im tired its 3 AM and im still trying. Please cmon someone helps me

[@StokedRideShop]

Hi Alyssa, depending on your wheels and bearings there is a chance they do not fit, but it is more likely that they are just hard to fit. Use the axle of the truck like we show in the video to be very careful not to damage the bearing seals. If you still cannot get it, I recommend taking it to a local skate shop to see what they say.

[@The.Black.Machine]

Rip to incendos

[@nicholasramos7343]

yeah I'm upset cause now I know with the spacers its better so maybe last month I bought a pack of bones swiss at Zumiez and I had them put them on well I didn't get my spacers because 90percent skaters they said don't use them now I wish I can start over they were like $50 something out the door well now I know to go with my gut feeling which I should of I just got back into skateboarding first time messing in the skate bowl so yeah relearning steps over again

[@StokedRideShop]

Thanks for your comment man. Just pick up a set of these: www.amazon.com/Fireball-Spacers-Washers-Skateboards-Longboards/dp/B01GIGU2SE/ and install them with your Bones Swiss. They'll spin for days

[@forwox]

90% don't use them - does not mean that they are right, many peeps are really dumb out there thinking they are pro. Worked 5 years at skate shop, have seen lots of broken bearings, cracked wheels and few damn painful injuries due to not using bearing spacers and failing them while skating. Especially if you are into hi speed cruising skating, then not using bearing spacers is like playing russian roulette while skating downhill.

[@eliran1508]

It's named axle washer not speed ring. thanks for the advice

[@nicholasramos7343]

I can tell a better much better speed with my spacers on its better plus I here with out your spacers in you can bend and mess up your trucks

[@StokedRideShop]

Right on man! That's how it should be!

[@kaitlinhudson1435]

I checked there but I'm 10 and my dad doesn't want to take me there

[@dumbannana]

Review errythang

[@angelhutch4659]

uh ok but i don’t have a spacer 😔

[@stokedrideshop4561]

You can pick some up here: www.amazon.com/Fireball-Spacers-Washers-Skateboards-Longboards/dp/B01GIGU2SE

[@jarehelt]

I don't understand how to pry it apart

[@dudestoked]

You have to wedge the truck axle on one bearing and pry it out. It can be difficult on hard durometer wheels.

[@Mrfurballs]

China bone reds ... bearings 👌🏼🛹

[@kaitlinhudson1435]

Also I'm a boy not a girl i never changed my account

[@icantollie]

Or get a bearing press lol

[@LHeth]

"just pry it back and forth like that and then the spacer will come out and then the bearing will come out" except it didn't 😭

[@StokedRideShop]

It can be pretty tough with hard small wheels! Just keep at it 💪

[@LHeth]

@@StokedRideShop thank you!! I ended up gettin it and the bowl ripping goes MUCH smoother now 👌

[@StokedRideShop]

@@LHeth Yeeeehaw! That's what we like to hear.

[@jonathontawpisin7]

That is NOT a skateboard lol goddamnit guys. It's a fucking longboard. Please, there is a difference. Smh..