What Is the Best Lubricant for Skateboard Bearings? 2021

In over 8 years that I have been a pro skateboarder, I have been asked this question over 100 times. What is the best lubricant for skateboard bearings?

While I have given the appropriate answer to the people who have asked me this question, I have come to the realization that there are so many people who don’t actually know the best lubricant for the skateboard bearings.

That’s why I have finally prepared this post to provide any skateboarder out there with the right information when it comes to their skateboards and the lube. But first, let me show you what a skateboard bearing is.

What is a Skateboard Bearing?

A skate bearing is a rather small circular metallic device that enables your skateboard wheels to achieve a smooth roll. The bearings are vital since they are the main part of a skateboard that determines how fast and how smooth the skateboard rotation is.

A complete skate bearing will consist of these five major parts, namely:

• Shield
• inner race
• balls
• retainer
• outer race

However, you don’t have to struggle to know all these as they will sink in naturally. So how many bearings does a skateboard require in order to operate much more efficiently? The skateboard requires 8 bearings since you need 2 bearings on each wheel.

So what is the best lubricant for skateboard bearings?

Since the skateboard bearings roll to trigger the smooth turning, they need to be serviced regularly. The best way to do that and prevent any form of friction is to lubricate the bearings with the right lube.

Even so, most people don’t understand the right type of lubricant to use. In my experience, if you want a lubricant that works best for you, it is important to look for a lubricant that meets the following.

• The lubricant shouldn’t overheat
• It should prevent any form of drying
• It shouldn’t be washed out by water
• It must be heavier so as to maintain the smooth touch

NOTE: By heavier, I mean that the lubricant must be viscous. Viscosity describes how thick the lubricant is. It is often used when lubricating the skateboard bearings.

While skating, you will realize that there are many lubricants that people will try to convince to buy. That’s fine, but only purchase them if they meet these tips that I have given you.

This means that you must be very careful and avoid buying anything that comes your way. From my experience, the following lubricants will be awesome for almost any type of skateboard bearing.

Oil-based lubricants

Oil-based lubricants will properly grease every moving part that’s in your skateboard bearings. You can use any oil-based lubricant and still preserve your bearings to work best at any time. Even so, the one thing that you should know when it comes to bearings and oil-based lubricants is this.

Every skateboard bearing will perform best if you use an oil-based lubricant that is thin and lightweight in nature.

This means that they will have low viscosity. So why is low viscosity important? Low viscosity is good at withstanding the high temperatures that skateboards give out when at high speeds.

Recommended Bearings Cleaners

We have many cleaning solutions that you must be aware of. However, the cleaning solutions that are meant for use with the skateboard bearings must be an oil-based solvent.

This will prevent it from damaging the plastic parts that we find within the skateboard bearings. As such, a good skateboard cleaner will remove dust and grime. It will also repel water and, in turn, avoid any form of corrosion and rust.

Remember that because of the plastic components that you will find in the bearings, the oil-based solvent that you are using should not be very strong like the abrasive cleaners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Let me also give you some of the common questions that I have been asked before about the lubrication of bearings.

Why Do I Need to Lubricate My Bearings?

Another word that I can use to describe bearings lubrication is greasing. The reason for this is to make the bearings to work smoothly and provide you with a smooth roll.

How Do I Lubricate My Bearings?

Start by drying off your bearings using a hairdryer. Then find a small spray bottle that you will pour in your lubricant before you apply on the bearing. Don’t put so much lubricant, just enough to gain a smooth roll. Use lubricants that are meant for skateboards.

What Other Substances Can I Use to Lubricate My Bearings?

If you don’t have recommended skateboard lubricants, you can make use of small amounts of motor oil or cooking oil. However, don’t use the WD-40 that I have seen others use before.  The WD-40 is not a lubricant; it is a solvent and, as such, will wear out the plastic pieces within the bearings. This will hinder the best performances of your bearings.

How Often Should I Lubricate My Skateboard Bearings?

If you aren’t the frequent user, you can stick to once after every two to three months. However, if you are always on the road, you can give them a shine once a month.

Conclusion

So what is the best lubricant for skateboard bearings? I guess you already have the answer from this post. Now the next thing that you have to do is to learn the other care and maintenance tips for your skateboard bearings.

The most vital options that you can work with include cleaning your skateboard bearings regularly, using the bearings in line with the manufacturer’s manual, and working with a warranty is available.

If you stick to these care and maintenance tips, you will have an efficient bearing and a smooth roll on your skateboards. Remember a smooth roll also mean the best stunts and zero struggle too.