Choosing the Right Bearing for a Skateboard

Skateboard bearings Dimensions The bearing on a skateboard is a round piece of metal that fits inside the wheel to attach it to the axle. Regardless of the size of the wheels, all skateboard bearings are the same size and fit all the skateboard wheels sold by Warehouse Skateboards. Bearings are 8 mm (core), 22mm (outer diameter), and 7 mm (width).

Warehouse skateboard bearings for skateboards

A set of eight bearings are available for sale on skateboards.

Size

Skateboard bearings Dimensions Fortunately, all skateboard bearings are the same width and diameter, so you don’t have to worry about size. For reference, the bearing for skateboards is a “608” bearing. 608 means dimensions, so the bearing with the designation 608 should fit the skateboard. In-line, roller skates, scooters, and power tools also commonly use 608 bearings. Click here

Shield vs Seal vs. Open

Most skateboard bearings have a cover on at least one side. If the cover is made of metal and is securely fixed on the bearing, it is “shielded.” If the cover is rubber or plastic and can be easily removed or removed, it is considered “sealed.” If the ball in the bearing is exposed, it is “open.” Any of the above can be used on skateboards without any problems, but the shield and sealed bearings will help prevent dirt, water, and other rubbish from entering. Shield bearings are also convenient for lubrication and cleaning, as they are easily accessible.

What is the ABEC standard?

Most bearings are measured by ABEC rating. Skateboard bearings Dimensions The higher the grade of ABEC, the higher the accuracy of the bearing. This assessment system includes grades 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9. The ABEC grade does not specify many important factors such as load capacity, ball accuracy, material, Rockwell hardness, ball and raceway surface polishing, noise, vibration, lubricant, etc. Due to these factors, bearings classified as ABEC 3 may perform better than bearings in ABEC 7.

ABEC 1 Skateboard bearings tend to be the cheapest, worst, and least accurate. The quality of steel is not very high.

ABEC 3 Skateboard bearings are inexpensive and do not roll smoothly or quickly.

ABEC 5 Skateboard bearings are standard for most types of skateboards. This rating gets a fast speed at an affordable cost.

The ABEC 7 skateboard bearing is very fast and smooth, and it costs slightly more.

ABEC 9+ Skateboard bearings are very fast! ABEC9+ bearings are very fast! They are perfect for skaters who want to skate downhill and move insanely faster.

ABEC 9+ bearings are ideal for downhill skates and speed-conscious skaters. Bones bearings use a unique evaluation system called skate rating. The company’s bearings do not comply with ABEC ratings. This is because ABEC’s rating ignores many quality elements Bones Bearings is proud of.

What makes up the bearing of a skateboard?

The bearing on the skateboard may be small but very complex. When you order a bearing for a skateboard for the first time, you will probably think of it as one part of a skateboard. Only when bearing maintenance is required will the bearing be checked. The bearing of a skateboard consists of seven small parts. Click here

Skateboard Bearing Parts

C-Ring: A thin ring that fits into a groove outside the bearing and secures the shield.

Bearing Shield: A medium-sized ring on the side of the bearing that prevents dirt from entering the ball bearing.

Outer Ring: A round metal outer ring that contains all other parts.

Inner ring: A small metal ring that fits inside the outer ring. When the bearing and wheel setup are slid to the axle, the axle is fitted to the inner ring.

Steel ball: A set of 6 or 7 steel or ceramic balls located in the ball retainer. The bearing casing is the most important part of the bearing so that it can rotate around the ball.

Rubber seals: A soft rubber ring on the outside of the bearing that protects the inside of the bearing from dirt and dust.

Skateboard bearings perform best when each part is working properly. If dirt accumulates, the bearing will stop and the wheel will not turn, so it is necessary to clean the bearing periodically. If you are sliding down the street, the bearing must be cleaned twice as often.

Ball retainer: Also known as dellin crown, the ball retainer holds individual ball bearings in place, allowing the casing to rotate around the ball retainer.

Skateboard bearing material

steel bearing

Most skateboard bearings are made of steel. For steel bearings, we know the quality of steel, sealing, and ball bearings varies from brand to brand. The rule of thumb is that expensive skateboard bearings tend to have higher quality. Inexpensive bearings tend to be made of inexpensive materials, and more expensive skateboard bearings include better sealing, more internal ball bearings, and high-quality metal. Cheap bearings are susceptible to rust and dirt, so the wheelchairs on the skateboard will be creaky and hard. Cheap bearings are susceptible to rust and dirt so skateboard wheels can be squeezed or hard.

What is the size of the bearing on the skateboard?

Skate bearings are 608 bearings.

608 Skate bearings have the following dimensions:

The inner diameter is 8mm, the outer diameter is 22mm, and the height is 7mm the skateboard bearing has seven steel balls, and the diameter of the steel ball is 3.969mm. Skate bearing deep groove bearing.

And the old model is represented by 80018. Standard 608 bearings are 8*22*7mm; MKL can create non-standard 608 bearings according to your requirements, such as creating a customized size or printing your company name.

608 Bearing Material:

The 608 bearing has a metal shield dust cover with the type code zz (608zz), and a rubber cover with the type code 2RS (608-2RS).

Carbon steel, bearing steel (GCr15), stainless steel, plastic, ceramic, etc.

Cages include nylon cages, iron cages, and copper cages.

608 Skateboard Bearing Applications:

Six hundred-eight bearings are commonly used in motors, electronic accessories, trolleys, roller skates, and other related fields.

Ceramic bearings

Ceramic bearings have the advantage of being very smooth, less frictional, and not expanding with heat. They also tend to be more expensive than ordinary steel bearings, ranging from $70 to $100, compared to ordinary steel bearings that can start at $15.

Many people discuss the issue, and some say, “You shouldn’t spend money.”

Ceramic balls are used for this bearing, and the number is more than the usual steel, but all other parts remain steel. However, steel and sealing are of much higher quality in ceramic bearings.

The reduction of friction and smooth ride that can be obtained with ceramic bearings is thanks to the internal ceramic ball and the external high-quality steel. Ceramic bearings tend to be expensive due to the combination of such materials.

However, technically, ceramic bearings provide smoother rolling, easier maintenance, and less replacement than steel bearings!

Ceramic bearings are easier to maintain than steel bearings and require less replacement!

Speed washer

The speed washer is a thin metal washer fitted on a nut and a bearing and on an axle between the hanger and the bearing. Its function is to reduce friction so that the wheel turns faster. It acts as a cushioning material between the nut and the bearing, quickly rotating the wheel and protecting the bearing from damage.

The speed washer can be added as an option, but if you plan to use skateboards at high speeds, it’s a good idea to add it. Like other parts of the board, it depends on its usage, but if rust is found on the metal part of the board, it is time to replace it!

Final Thoughts

When it comes to the bearing of a skateboard, you don’t have to worry about the dimensions or appearance. Just make sure you’re buying from a reputable brand. Don’t pay extra money just because it advertises “ABEC9” or “Switzerland”. With proper care, the bearing will be the longest-lasting part of the skateboard.

Note: Everskate was not rewarded or incentivized for any brand promotion, endorsement, or mention. This article is unbiased and written by skateboarders with decades of experience.

FAQ

What is the life of the bearing on the skateboard?

Skateboard bearings should be properly cleaned, oiled if necessary, and not overused. Keeping it clean and simple will make the bearing last longer.

How do I know the size of the main bearing I need?

To measure the clearance of the main bearing, a dial bore gage is used. Ensure that the gauge accuracy is within 0.0001 inches.

How do you decide the bearing size of the shaft?

As for the size of the bearing, there is no clear answer since the optimal choice depends on the type of machine used. The rigidity and strength of the shaft, the variation of the inner diameter, etc., should be considered.