Good quality bearings are essential for a good skateboard.
Like any contraption with wheels, skateboards have bearings too. Although considered a professional sport, manufacturing skateboards and their parts are still largely influenced by street culture. The bearings are the metal inside the wheels that bear all the weight of the person and the skateboard combined but also provide for maximum mobility. Good bearings are crucial for a good board as they help give you a smooth ride.
There are no particular standard rating guidelines for skateboard bearings. The most familiar types of bearings are wheel bearings. By distinct comparison, professional skateboarders estimate the precision of the bearings and know that the good ones fall under 3 or 5, using the ABEC system of rating bearings used in machines. These bearings can give you an even ride but at the same time, they are strong enough to bear the force when you jump on your board. But not all manufacturers consider the ABEC when producing skateboard bearings. You wouldnt really know their performance until you try them out yourself.
At the store, you may ask assistance in replacing the bearings on your skateboard. But the procedure is quite easy. There should be no problem if you do it yourself. You will need a skate key. If you dont have one, a screwdriver will be fine. Next, using the screwdriver, pry out the old bearings from the wheels. After that, grab the new bearing and place it at the end of the skate key or screwdriver. Press the bearing into the wheel with even pressure. Do the same to the other wheel. Now put those on the tracks and youre done.
Correct maintenance of the ball bearings is the key to ensure they dont give you any troubles. Bad bearings usually are the causes of the clunking noises you hear as you rotate the wheel or the rough feel on the wheel. One problem with ball bearings is that they can rub against each other, causing additional friction, but this can be prevented by placing the balls in a cage and greatly lubricate them. The bearings are likely to wear over time, and you cant really do anything about it but to replace them. It is advised that you find the similar quality, as some lower quality wheel bearings may not keep up with your original ball bearings, and you may end up ruining your skateboard.
Some of the most common brands of skateboard bearings available in the market are Zoo York skateboard bearings like Zoo York Uptown Bearings, Flip skateboard bearings, Girl skateboard bearings, Sector 9 skateboard bearings, etc. You can find one at right price right now! Also view a wide selection of Skateboarding accessories that come with a 30-day money back guarantee.