Fast, quiet bearings make every push, carve, and roll-in feel noticeably better — and lubrication is the single biggest factor in how your bearings feel day to day. It’s a different job from cleaning: cleaning strips out old grime and lubricant, while lubricating replenishes what keeps the bearings spinning smoothly and protects them from rust and friction. This guide walks through when to lubricate, what to use, and exactly how to do it.
Lubricating vs. Cleaning: What’s the Difference?
These two jobs get confused a lot. Cleaning removes built-up dirt, old oil, and grime from inside the bearing using a solvent, and it’s something you typically do every few months or whenever your bearings pick up debris from wet or dirty ground. If you haven’t cleaned yours recently, our guide on how to clean skateboard bearings covers that process in detail.
Lubricating, on the other hand, is the step that comes after cleaning — or a quick maintenance task on its own. It adds a thin film of oil or lubricant back into the bearing so the balls and races move smoothly instead of grinding against bare metal. You can lubricate more often than you clean, and in fact you should.
How Often Should You Lubricate Skateboard Bearings?
As a general rule:
- Every 1–2 weeks for riders who skate frequently, especially outdoors.
- Immediately after any cleaning session, since cleaning strips out existing lubricant entirely.
- Anytime you hear a rough, gritty, or squeaky sound coming from your wheels while rolling.
- After riding in wet conditions, since water displaces lubricant and encourages rust.
What to Use to Lubricate Skateboard Bearings
Not all lubricants are created equal, and using the wrong one can actually slow your bearings down or attract more dirt.
- Skate-specific bearing lubricant is the best choice — it’s a thin, fast-drying formula designed specifically for skateboard speeds and conditions.
- Light machine oil (such as a small amount of sewing machine oil) works in a pinch and is a common budget alternative.
- Avoid thick oils, WD-40, and household lubricants as a long-term solution. WD-40 is a solvent more than a true lubricant, and thicker oils attract dust and dirt, which slows bearings down and creates more maintenance work.
How to Lubricate Skateboard Bearings: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Remove the Wheels and Bearings
Use a skate tool or wrench to remove the axle nuts, then pull the wheels off. Pop the bearings out of each wheel using the axle itself as a lever, or a bearing puller if you have one.
Step 2: Clean First if Needed
If your bearings are visibly dirty, gritty, or haven’t been serviced in a while, clean them before lubricating — adding fresh lubricant on top of grime just traps the dirt inside.
Step 3: Remove the Shields (If Applicable)
Many bearings have small removable shields or rubber seals on each side. Gently pop these off with a pin or small flathead tool so you can access the balls and races directly. Skip this step if your bearings have permanently sealed, non-removable shields.
Step 4: Apply Lubricant
Place the bearing on a flat surface and apply just one or two drops of lubricant directly into the exposed bearing. Less is more here — too much lubricant creates drag and attracts dust.
Step 5: Spin the Bearing
Spin the bearing by hand for several seconds to work the lubricant evenly around the balls and races. You should feel resistance drop noticeably as the oil distributes.
Step 6: Replace the Shields and Reassemble
Snap the shields back into place, then reinstall the bearings into the wheels and the wheels onto your trucks. Tighten the axle nuts so the wheel spins freely without side-to-side wobble — snug, not overtightened.
Signs Your Bearings Need Lubrication
- A grinding, gritty, or scratchy feeling when you spin the wheel by hand.
- A high-pitched squeal, especially noticeable at higher speeds.
- Noticeably slower roll-out distance compared to when the board was new.
- Visible rust or discoloration on the metal races when you inspect the bearing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Over-Lubricating
Too much oil doesn’t make bearings spin faster — it creates drag and attracts dirt, which defeats the purpose. Stick to one or two drops per bearing.
Using the Wrong Lubricant
Thick lubricants meant for bikes, cars, or door hinges are usually too viscous for the small, high-speed bearings on a skateboard, and they gum up quickly.
Skipping the Spin Step
If you don’t spin the bearing after applying lubricant, the oil sits in one spot instead of coating the balls and races evenly, and you won’t get the full benefit.
Forgetting to Reinstall Shields
Leaving the shields off exposes the inside of the bearing to dirt and moisture, which shortens its lifespan significantly. Always snap them back on before riding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use WD-40 on skateboard bearings?
WD-40 can be used in an emergency to displace water after a wet session, but it’s a poor long-term lubricant since it evaporates quickly and doesn’t leave much residual protection. A dedicated skate bearing lubricant will perform noticeably better.
How much lubricant should I use per bearing?
Just one or two small drops. Adding more doesn’t make bearings faster — it just creates drag and attracts dust and grime.
Do I need to remove the wheels to lubricate bearings?
Yes, in almost all cases. Lubricant needs to reach the inside of the bearing directly, which means removing the wheel and, ideally, popping the bearing shield to get proper coverage.
How long does bearing lubricant last?
It depends heavily on riding conditions. Riders who skate daily outdoors may need to re-lubricate every one to two weeks, while occasional riders in dry conditions can often go a month or more between applications.
Will lubricating my bearings make my skateboard faster?
It can noticeably reduce friction and rolling resistance, which translates to longer roll-outs and smoother pushes, especially if your bearings were dry or gritty beforehand. It won’t outperform simply having good bearings to begin with, but proper lubrication keeps whatever bearings you have performing at their best.
