How much do skateboard bearings cost? (Cost Guide)

Skateboarding is an action sport enjoyed by people all around the world.

Whether you are a professional rider or just getting into skateboarding, there’s no doubt that it’s essential to have the right gear and equipment.

Skateboard bearings may not be at the top of your shopping list if you’re new to skateboarding, but they lie at the core of every skateboarder’s performance – helping them cruise faster and turn more sharply. So how much do these small vital parts cost?

In this guide, we’ll take a close look at skateboard bearing prices and help you find out which ones are best for your budget.

How much do skateboard bearings cost?

Skateboarding is a beloved sport for many, and one of the most important parts of the skateboard is its bearings.

Skateboard bearings are the small metal pieces that keep the wheels rolling smoothly, and their price can vary greatly depending on the brand and quality.

There are many affordable options on the market that will do the job just fine, with prices ranging from $10 to $20 for a set of 8 bearings.

However, if you’re looking for top-of-the-line bearings that will provide the smoothest ride possible, expect to pay upwards of $50 or even $100.

How many skateboard bearings do I need?

If you’re looking to replace or upgrade the bearings on your skateboard, you might be wondering how many you need.

The answer is simple: you need 8 bearings, two for each wheel. That being said, not all bearings are created equal, and it’s important to choose the right ones for your board and riding style.

Factors to consider include the ABEC rating (which measures the precision and quality of the components), the material (ceramic or steel), and of course, your budget.

Investing in high-quality bearings can make a noticeable difference in the speed and smoothness of your ride, so it’s definitely worth doing some research before making a purchase.

How do I clean my skateboard bearings?

One of the most important components of a skateboard maintenance routine is to clean the bearings. Over time, the bearings can accumulate dirt, dust, and grime which can result in reduced performance of the skateboard.

Method 1: The Soap and Water Method

The soap and water method is the most basic way to clean your skateboard bearings, and it requires only a few household items such as a bowl, dish soap, and water. Here is how to do it:

• Remove your skateboard wheels from the trucks.
• Pop off the bearings from each wheel.
• Place your bearings in a bowl or container.
• Mix dish soap and warm water in the bowl. Agitate the mixture to create suds.
• Place the bearings in the bowl and swish them around vigorously for several minutes to remove dirt and grime.
• Remove the bearings from the bowl and dry them off with a clean cloth or paper towel.
• Apply a small amount of lubricant to each bearing, then reassemble the wheels onto the trucks.

Method 2: The Solvent Method

The solvent method is a step up from the soap and water method and involves using chemicals to dissolve and remove dirt and debris from your bearings. Here is how to apply this method:

• Remove your skateboard wheels from the trucks.
• Pop off the bearings from each wheel.
• Place your bearings in a container of solvent or cleaning fluid such as acetone or rubbing alcohol.
• Agitate the container to dislodge any dirt and grime.
• Remove the bearings from the container and dry them off with a clean cloth or paper towel.
• Apply a small amount of lubricant to each bearing, then reassemble the wheels onto the trucks.

Method 3: The Toothbrush Method

The toothbrush method is all about manually scrubbing your bearings with a toothbrush and some elbow grease. This method is perfect for intense cleaning jobs, especially for bearings that have not been cleaned in a long time. Here is how to execute this method:

• Remove your skateboard wheels from the trucks.
• Pop off the bearings from each wheel.
• Take a toothbrush and apply some solvent or cleaning fluid to it.
• Scrub each bearing for several minutes until all the dirt and build-up has been removed.
• Dry off the bearings with a clean cloth or paper towel.
• Apply a small amount of lubricant to each bearing, then reassemble the wheels onto the trucks.

Method 4: The Bearing Press Method

The bearing press method involves specialized tools designed to remove dirt and debris from your skateboard bearings with ease. This method is also the most expensive method, but it delivers excellent results. Here is how to deploy this method:

• Remove your skateboard wheels from the trucks.
• Pop off the bearings from each wheel.
• Place your bearings onto the bearing press tool.
• Apply pressure to the bearings to spin them at high speeds.
• Spray solvent or cleaning fluid onto the bearings as they spin.
• Remove the bearings from the tool and dry them off with a clean cloth or paper towel.
• Apply a small amount of lubricant to each bearing, then reassemble the wheels onto the trucks.

How often should I replace my skateboard bearings?

Skateboard bearings should be replaced every 6-8 months, depending on the amount of use and how well they have been maintained.

If you skate often or perform a lot of tricks, replacing them more frequently may be necessary. When it comes to maintaining your bearings, regularly cleaning them with a bearing cleaner and drying off any excess water will help them last longer.

Keeping your bearings lubricated with a speed lubricant or bearing oil will also make them last for many months to come.

When it’s time for replacement, be sure to use good-quality bearings that fit your skateboard properly. Doing so will ensure a smooth and comfortable ride.

How do I choose the right skateboard bearings for me?

With so many different brands, materials, and ratings available, it can be tough to know which bearings are best for you. Go through everything you need to consider when choosing skateboard bearings.

ABEC Ratings

One of the primary factors to consider when choosing skateboard bearings is their ABEC rating.

ABEC stands for Annular Bearing Engineering Committee, and it’s essentially a rating system that measures the precision and manufacturing tolerances of bearings.

ABEC ratings range from 1-9, with 9 being the highest precision. However, it’s important to note that ABEC ratings only measure one aspect of bearing performance – not their speed, durability, or quality of materials.

So, while a higher ABEC rating may mean that your bearings are more precise, it doesn’t necessarily mean they will perform better for you.

Materials

Another essential factor when picking skateboard bearings is the material they are made of.

The most common bearing materials are steel and ceramic, with each having its pros and cons.

Steel bearings are generally cheaper, widely available, and more durable, but they can rust over time and may not spin as fast as ceramic bearings.

Ceramic bearings, on the other hand, are more expensive but offer better speed and longer lifespan. 

Speed

If you’re looking for high-speed skateboarding, you’ll want to pick bearings that offer maximal speed.

While ABEC ratings are an excellent indicator, there are other factors to consider. One of them is the oil and lubricant used to maintain the bearings.

If they are well-oiled, they will spin longer and faster. Plus, ceramic bearings tend to provide the highest rate of speed.

Budget

Your budget is, of course, another vital aspect to consider when buying skateboard bearings.

Bearing prices vary widely, with steel bearings selling for as little as $10, while ceramic ones can cost up to $100.

Remember, though, that higher prices don’t automatically mean better bearings, and you can often get quality bearings that won’t break the bank.

Skateboarding Style

Lastly, it’s essential to consider what kind of skateboarding you’ll be doing when choosing bearings.

If you’re executing technical tricks, you may want bearings with better slowing down and stopping performance.

If you’re cruising more, you may prefer bearings that offer smoother and faster speeds.

But, overall, it’s essential to buy bearings that suit your skateboarding style, endurance levels, and plans for the future.

Conclusion

Skateboard bearings are a necessary component for any skateboard, so it’s important to make sure you get the right kind for your board.

While skateboard bearings can cost anywhere from $10 to over $100, the price largely depends on the brand and quality of bearing.

So, if you want to ensure maximum performance and top-notch speed potential from your skateboard, investing in a more expensive set is likely worth it.

Higher end models are typically built to last and require less maintenance than cheaper versions.

Ultimately, when selecting a skateboard bearing, be sure to pick one that keeps pace with your needs – both in terms of cost and performance.

After all, having the right gear can help to make sure that every rip you take is smooth sailing.