Bearings: The unsung heros

[Paper/Scissors]

I pop the shields off too. The shields do make contact with the inner workings of the bearings, I promise you. I can feel the difference.

[m477]

Yeah it does feel different - its not as smooth because dust and grime wears the balls and makes more noise.  They do spin longer and faster without shields if you spin the wheel freely with your hand but thats because there is little to no lube in there and no friction/load to slow it down. However, when you ride them and put load/friction they will be the same speed or slower and will wear more quickly, be rougher and louder over time.  On the other hand, a clean set with shields will stay smooth, quiet and fast for longer because the balls encounter very little dust/grime and the oil stays in the bearing providing protection against friction/load.

Not sure why I'm beating this dead horse, people can do what they want!  I just prefer the smoother/quieter ride... I also like taking care of nice things.. cleaning bearings is kinda like changing the oil on your car - its a good feeling of accomplishment knowing you did it right. 

[Stabby_McShiv]

"cleaning bearings is kinda like changing the oil on your car - its a good feeling of accomplishment knowing you did it right. "

Funny you should say that.  I managed to 1) Explode my bearing 2) Buy the wrong size oil filter leading to a trip back to the store and a second drain and 3) Strip my drain plug after cranking it down with a torque wrench in a hurry. All in the same week.  Must have just been my trifecta of mechanical head up my ass moments. 

[m477]

Haha I know what you mean.  I was changing the oil on my sister in laws car and couldn't get the oil filter to budge because my tools didn't fit.  Ended up having to stab a screwdriver through the entire filter and was finally able to twist it off

[dtotherob]

Ended up having to stab a screwdriver through the entire filter and was finally able to twist it off

love that.

i'm rocking some mini bones. picked them up for 10 bucks. i left them stock and i bet they last longer than anyone who took their shields off.

[FedUp]

 Currently i have the bones swiss for over a year and i have cleaned them and lubricated them once. Before them i had SKF bearings ,not the skate bearings but the ones that are sold in hardware stores,  and i skated them for over 3 years cleaning and lubricating them once a year and i swaped them with bones only because i wanted to try bones. Well bones swiss are really good at first but after a few months or so they skate like SKFS. Since i get SKF for free cause my uncle owns a hardware store i may stick to them.