Changing the bearings on a pair of rollerblades

Why change roller bearings ?

Roller bearings have a considerable impact on your gliding performance and comfort.

A bearing in good condition reduces friction, enabling the wheels to turn freely, quickly and without noise or jolting.

Worn or damaged bearings, on the other hand, can make your moves not only uncomfortable but dangerous.
They can cause uneven resistance, sudden blockages or premature wheel wear.

So changing bearings regularly, or as soon as you notice signs of wear, is essential to ensure the safety and longevity of your rollerblades.

The different roller wheel bearings

A bearing consists of an inner ring, an outer ring, two flanges and a cage surrounding the bearings.

Below are two bearings, one without a flange (1) and one with a flange (2).

There are two bearings on each roller wheel.
These bearings are separated by a spacer, a cylindrical part that maintains a constant spacing between them, guaranteeing perfect alignment and providing greater resistance for the bearing.
The assembly is completed by speed washers placed on either side of the bearings, reducing friction at the edges and improving smoothness of rotation.

Mainly steel and ceramic bearings are used :

• Steel bearings

The most widely used bearings are steel, offering good performance at a reasonable cost, ideal for most skaters.
Steel offers durability and wear resistance, but can be prone to corrosion, so we advise you to opt for stainless steel bearings if you wish to expose your wheels to humidity.
Stainless steel reduces maintenance costs.

• Ceramic bearings

Ceramic balls are much harder than steel, offering exceptional resistance to wear and heat.
They also have a smoother surface, which reduces friction and enables bearings to turn faster and with less energy.
Ceramic bearings are recommended for advanced or professional skaters who are looking for the best possible performance and are prepared to invest more.

For even better quality, we recommend swiss bearings, which offer a combination of exceptional speed, durability and ease of maintenance.
They're ready for use right out of the box, and designed to withstand the most demanding conditions.

Find swiss bearings here.

Tools required

To successfully change your roller bearings, you'll need the following tools :

• A socket wrench or specific roller tool to remove the wheels from the deck
• A bearing extractor, also known as a "bobeto", to easily remove the bearings from the wheels
• New bearings
  
  

For your rollerblades, we recommend 608zz bearings, available here.

Focus on changing bearings

• Remove the wheels

Start by placing your rollerblades on a stable surface.
using your wrench, loosen and remove the nuts securing the wheels to the plate. Keep the nuts and speed washers in a safe place for reuse during reassembly.

• Remove wheel bearings

Once the wheels have been removed, place the bobeto on the wheel axle and apply pressure to push the bearing out.
Repeat the operation to remove the bearing from the other side.
If your wheels are fitted with spacers, be sure to remove them carefully and keep them for reassembly.

• Re-insert the bearings into the wheels

Take your new bearings and place them in the wheels, making sure they're aligned and pressed in evenly.
If your wheels use spacers, don't forget to reinsert them between the bearings.

• Refitting the wheels

Replace the wheels on your roller by first inserting the speed washers, then the bearings with spacers, and finally the speed washers on the other side. Put the wheels back on the plate and secure them with the nuts.
Tighten the nuts evenly, taking care not to overtighten so as to compress the bearings and hinder their free rotation.

Maintenance and advice

To keep your bearings in good condition and extend their life, we recommend regular cleaning and lubrication, especially after rides in damp or dusty conditions.
A check-up after ten or so outings is ideal. However, if you're a fan of intensive sessions or escapades on difficult terrain, your bearings will require more sustained attention.

For optimum maintenance, we recommend that you take a bearing cleaner and a container with you. Soak the bearings for an hour, then dry them and apply a suitable lubricant before reinstalling them.

If, despite maintenance, you notice signs of wear such as squeaking, reduced smoothness or difficulty turning, it's time to replace them. Follow the steps above to ensure that your bearings are always in optimum condition for your roller adventures.