Installing Bearings in a Scooter Wheel
This guide will teach you how to install and remove bearings in metal-core wheels typically used in scooters, without requiring any special tools.
If you've installed bearings in skate wheels before, you likely know it's a straightforward task. The bearings are usually pressed in by hand and can easily be taken out using a standard skate tool. This simplicity stems from skate wheels often having a plastic core. However, this is not the case for scooter wheels. With a metal core, scooter wheels make it more challenging to fit bearings, as the metal does not flex.
Consequently, when installing or removing bearings in your metal-core scooter wheels, some tools are necessary. While special tools can be purchased, they are costly. We will demonstrate a method to do this without specialized equipment. However, we always advise using high-quality professional tools to avoid potential damage to the bearings during the process.
Installing Bearings in Metal-Core Wheels
Required tools:
- Axle bolt with screw
- 5 additional or old bearings
- Hex key
Installing your bearings:
- With an axle bolt and 5 extra/old bearings, press the bearings evenly into the wheel's core to minimize any damage.
- If the bearings fit very snugly, position a metal washer (minimum diameter 22 mm) on both sides of the bearings. This helps better distribute the pressure and reduces the possibility of damaging the bearings.
Removing Bearings from Metal-Core Wheels
Required tool:
- Axle bolt
- Hammer
Removing your bearings:
- Initially, place the spacer (found between the bearings) in the centre, preventing the axle from passing through.
- Use a hammer to strike the axle, positioned from side to side, to extract the bearings from the opposite side.
Note: Should you have a self-centred spacer, you risk harming the bearings during removal.
In our video, a spacer without a flange (non-self-centred) is used. This simplifies the removal of the bearing and reduces potential damage.
If employing a self-centred spacer, you’ll need a screwdriver to tap around the bearing's inner ring for extraction. This could easily damage the bearings.
Consult our Buying bearings guide for comprehensive information on bearings.