This article tackles the often-overlooked, yet critical aspect of skateboarding: skate bearing lube. We’ll cut through the marketing hype and provide practical advice to keep your bearings rolling smoothly and extending their lifespan. You’ll learn which types of lubes are best for different skating styles, how to properly apply them, and common mistakes to avoid.
Skate bearings are precision components that allow your wheels to spin freely. However, they’re constantly exposed to dirt, grime, and friction, which can significantly reduce their performance and lifespan. Skate bearing lube acts as a barrier against these elements, reducing friction, dissipating heat, and preventing corrosion. Without proper lubrication, your bearings will become slow, noisy, and eventually seize up. Think of it like the oil in your car’s engine – essential for smooth operation and longevity.
Why Lube Choice Matters
Not all lubricants are created equal. Using the wrong type of lube can actually damage your bearings, attracting more dirt or failing to provide adequate lubrication. Choosing the right lube depends on your skating style, the environment you skate in, and your personal preferences. We’ll break down the different types of lube and their suitability for various situations.
Types of Skate Bearing Lube
There are two primary categories of skate bearing lube:
- Oil-based lubricants: These are generally thinner and offer lower friction, resulting in faster speeds. They’re ideal for skaters who prioritize speed and performance. However, they tend to attract dirt more easily and require more frequent application.
- Grease-based lubricants: These are thicker and provide more robust protection against dirt and moisture. They’re a better choice for skaters who skate in dirty or wet conditions, or who prefer a longer-lasting lubricant. Grease typically provides more cushion and a quieter ride than oil.
The “best” lube is subjective and depends on your individual needs and preferences. Here’s a breakdown of factors to consider:
Skating Style
- Street/Park: For street and park skating, where speed and responsiveness are crucial, a thin oil-based lubricant like Bones Speed Cream or similar is a good choice. These lubes minimize friction and allow for faster acceleration and smoother transitions.
- Cruising/Longboarding: For cruising and longboarding, where durability and longevity are more important, a thicker grease-based lubricant is often preferred. These lubes provide better protection against dirt and moisture, extending the lifespan of your bearings.
- Downhill: For downhill skating, where extreme speeds and prolonged runs are common, a high-quality oil or hybrid formula with excellent heat dissipation properties is essential. Look for lubes specifically designed for downhill use.
Environmental Conditions
- Dry and Dusty: In dry and dusty environments, a thicker grease-based lubricant will provide better protection against dirt and grime. Regularly cleaning your bearings is also essential in these conditions.
- Wet and Humid: In wet and humid environments, a waterproof grease-based lubricant is recommended to prevent corrosion and maintain performance.
- Temperature: Extreme temperatures can affect the viscosity of lubricants. Consider a lube specifically formulated for hot or cold conditions if you frequently skate in these environments.
Personal Preferences
Ultimately, the best way to find the right lube for you is to experiment with different types and brands. Pay attention to how your bearings feel and perform after applying the lube, and adjust your choice accordingly.
Applying lube correctly is just as important as choosing the right type. Here’s a step-by-step :
- Remove the bearings from your wheels: Use a bearing press or a skate tool to carefully remove the bearings from your wheels.
- Clean your bearings: This is crucial for optimal performance. Use a solvent-based cleaner specifically designed for skate bearings to remove dirt, grime, and old lubricant. Shake the bearings vigorously in the cleaner, then allow them to dry completely.
- Apply the lube: Apply a few drops of oil or a small amount of grease to each bearing. Rotate the bearing while applying the lube to ensure even distribution. Don’t over-lubricate, as this can attract more dirt. For oil-based lubes, 2-3 drops per bearing is usually sufficient. For grease-based lubes, a small dab that coats the balls and races is adequate.
- Reassemble the bearings: Carefully reassemble the bearings, ensuring that the shields are facing outwards.
- Reinstall the bearings into your wheels: Use a bearing press or a skate tool to carefully reinstall the bearings into your wheels.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using WD-40 or other household lubricants: These lubricants are not designed for skate bearings and can actually damage them. They often contain solvents that can dissolve the grease and cause corrosion.
- Over-lubricating: Too much lube can attract dirt and slow down your bearings.
- Not cleaning your bearings: Applying fresh lube to dirty bearings is like putting fresh oil in a dirty engine. It won’t solve the problem and may even make it worse.
- Ignoring the shields: Always reinstall the shields after lubricating your bearings to protect them from dirt and debris.
From my years of skating and countless hours spent maintaining my board, I’ve learned a few things about bearing lube that you won’t typically find in product descriptions or online “guides.”
The “Break-In” Period and Lube Consistency
New bearings, even after being lubed, often feel a bit stiff initially. This is normal. There’s a “break-in” period where the lube needs to distribute fully and the bearing components need to settle. Don’t expect maximum speed immediately. Ride them for a session or two, and you’ll notice a significant improvement.
My Take On Mixing Lube Types
While generally discouraged, I’ve found that in certain circumstances, a very small amount of light oil added to a greased bearing can yield a surprisingly effective result, especially in colder temperatures. The oil thins out the grease just enough to reduce initial drag without sacrificing the grease’s protective qualities. However, this is advanced experimentation and should only be attempted by those comfortable with disassembling and maintaining their bearings regularly. If you’re unsure, stick to using one type of lube.
Why the Sound of Your Bearings Matters
Pay attention to the sound your bearings make. A healthy bearing should have a smooth, almost silent whir. Grinding, clicking, or excessive noise is a sign of dirt, damage, or insufficient lubrication. Learn to recognize these sounds – they’re your bearings telling you they need attention. I often diagnose issues just by listening to my wheels spin.
Lube as a Preventative Measure, Not Just a Fix
Don’t wait until your bearings are slow and noisy to lube them. Regular lubrication is a preventative measure that extends their lifespan and maintains optimal performance. I relube my bearings every few weeks, even if they seem fine. It’s a small investment of time that pays off in the long run.
I’ve been skateboarding for over 20 years, and I’ve spent countless hours experimenting with different types of bearings and lubricants. I’ve also consulted with experienced skaters and skate shop owners to gather insights and best practices. My goal is to share this knowledge and help other skaters maintain their equipment and enjoy their sport.
Bearing Basics: According to Wikipedia, Ball bearings use smooth balls to reduce friction ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ball_bearing )
| Feature | Oil-Based Lube | Grease-Based Lube |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Higher | Lower |
| Durability | Lower | Higher |
| Dirt Protection | Lower | Higher |
| Water Resistance | Lower | Higher |
| Application Frequency | More Frequent | Less Frequent |
| Best For | Street, Park | Cruising, Longboarding |
| Noise | Louder | Quieter |
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