Can You Use WD40 On Skateboard Bearings? Is It A Good Choice?

When it comes to maintaining your skateboard, one question that often comes up is, Can You Use WD40 On Skateboard Bearings? It’s a common household item, and many people wonder if it’s a suitable alternative to specialized skateboard-bearing lubricants. In this article, we’ll delve into why WD40 is not the best choice and what you should use instead.

Key Takeaways

• WD40 is not recommended for skateboard bearings
• Alternative lubricants are available specifically for skateboard bearings
• Proper cleaning and maintenance are essential for bearing longevity
• Using WD40 can lead to faster wear and tear
• Always consult the manufacturer’s guidelines for proper care

Can You Use WD40 On Skateboard Bearings?

No, it’s not recommended. WD40 is not a lubricant but a water displacer, which means it can actually remove the grease that helps your bearings run smoothly.

Why WD40 Is Not Recommended?

What Does WD40 Actually Do?

WD40 is a water displacer, not a lubricant. It’s designed to remove moisture and prevent rust, but it doesn’t have the properties needed to keep your skateboard bearings running smoothly.

The Impact on Bearings

Using WD40 can actually strip away the existing lubricant on your bearings, leading to increased friction and, ultimately, faster wear and tear.

Alternative Lubricants

Skateboard-Specific Lubricants

There are lubricants specifically designed for skateboard bearings that provide the right balance of lubrication and longevity.

Household Alternatives

If you’re in a pinch, sewing machine oil or even motor oil can serve as a temporary alternative to specialized skateboard-bearing lubricants.

aspects of skateboard bearing maintenance and alternative solutions to WD40

Proper Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning Steps

1. Remove the bearings from the wheels
2. Soak in a cleaning solution
3. Dry thoroughly
4. Apply the appropriate lubricant

Maintenance Schedule

Regular cleaning and lubrication can extend the life of your skateboard bearings significantly.

Risks of Using WD40

Using WD40 on your skateboard bearings can lead to:

• Faster wear and tear
• Increased friction
• Potential for rust due to lack of proper lubrication

The Science Behind Bearing Lubrication

The Role of Viscosity

Viscosity is a measure of a fluid’s resistance to flow. For skateboard bearings, you want a lubricant with just the right viscosity to reduce friction but not so thick that it impedes movement.

Synthetic vs Mineral Oils

Synthetic oils generally offer better temperature stability and longer-lasting performance compared to mineral oils. However, they can be more expensive.

Environmental Considerations

Biodegradable Lubricants

If you’re environmentally conscious, there are biodegradable skateboard-bearing lubricants available that offer good performance without harming the planet.

The Environmental Impact of WD40

WD40 is not biodegradable and can be harmful if it enters waterways, making it a less eco-friendly option.

DIY Solutions

Making Your Own Lubricant

Some skateboarders swear by homemade lubricants made from a mixture of available oils. While not as effective as specialized products, they can be a fun experiment.

Caution with DIY Solutions

Always test a small amount of your DIY lubricant on an old bearing before applying it to your main set to ensure it doesn’t cause damage.

Manufacturer Guidelines

Importance of Following Manufacturer Recommendations

Always consult your bearing manufacturer’s guidelines for their recommended lubricants and cleaning methods to ensure you’re not voiding any warranties or causing unintended damage.

Is WD 40 Bad For Bearings?

WD-40 is often mistaken as a lubricant, but it’s actually a water displacer and rust remover. While it can temporarily make your skateboard bearings feel smoother, it’s not designed for long-term lubrication.

The formula of WD-40 is designed to evaporate quickly, and it doesn’t leave behind the type of lubricating film that bearings require for optimal performance.

Over time, using WD-40 can lead to increased friction, which can cause your bearings to wear out more quickly. Additionally, WD-40 can actually strip away any existing lubricant, leaving your bearings dry and more susceptible to damage and corrosion.

How To Clean Skate Bearings?

Cleaning skateboard bearings is an essential part of skateboard maintenance. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Materials Needed

• A skate tool or wrench
• A pin or paperclip
• A cleaning solution (Acetone or isopropyl alcohol)
• A jar with a lid
• Paper towels
• Lubricant specifically designed for skateboard bearings

Steps to Clean Skate Bearings

1. Remove the Wheels: Use a skate tool or wrench to remove the nuts securing your wheels to the skateboard.
2. Take Out the Bearings: Carefully pop out the bearings from each wheel. You can use a pin or the axle of your skateboard to do this.
3. Remove Rubber Shields: Use a pin or paperclip to carefully remove the rubber shields or seals from each bearing. This will allow the cleaning solution to penetrate the bearings more effectively.
4. Soak the Bearings: Place the bearings in a jar filled with a cleaning solution like acetone or isopropyl alcohol. Seal the jar and shake it vigorously for several minutes.
5. Inspect and Repeat: Open the jar and inspect the bearings. If they still look dirty, repeat the soaking process.
6. Dry the Bearings: Remove the bearings from the jar and lay them out on a paper towel. Make sure they are completely dry before proceeding to the next step. You can use compressed air to speed up the process.
7. Apply Lubricant: Once the bearings are dry, apply a skateboard-specific lubricant. Avoid using WD-40 or any other water displacers.
8. Reassemble: Put the rubber shields back on, place the bearings back into the wheels, and reattach the wheels to your skateboard.

By following these steps, you can extend the life of your skateboard bearings and improve your riding experience.

Does WD40 Create Rust On Skateboard Bearings?

WD-40 is designed as a water-displacing spray that helps to prevent rust and corrosion. However, it’s not a long-term solution for skateboard bearings. While WD-40 can temporarily protect against rust, it can also strip away the existing lubricant on the bearings.

Once the WD-40 evaporates, the bearings are left without any form of lubrication. This lack of lubrication can lead to increased friction, which in turn can cause heat and wear, conditions that are conducive to rusting. So, while WD-40 itself doesn’t create rust, its use can lead to conditions that make rusting more likely.

Does WD40 Fix Skateboard Bearings?

WD-40 can give the illusion of fixing skateboard bearings because it can make them feel smoother immediately after application. This is because WD-40 is effective at cleaning and removing grime, and it does offer temporary lubrication.

However, this effect is short-lived. WD-40 is not designed to be a long-term lubricant and will evaporate, leaving the bearings dry.

Dry bearings are prone to increased friction and faster wear and tear, which means you’ll likely find yourself needing to replace them sooner than if you had used a proper lubricant. So, while WD-40 may seem like a quick fix, it’s not a sustainable or recommended solution for skateboard bearings.

Drawbacks To Using WD40 On Skateboard Bearings

Using WD-40 on skateboard bearings might seem like a convenient solution, especially because it’s a household item that’s readily available. However, there are several drawbacks to using WD-40 as a lubricant for skateboard bearings, which can affect both the performance and longevity of your skateboard setup.

Strips Away Existing Lubricant

WD-40 is designed to displace water and remove grime, but in doing so, it also strips away any existing lubricant on the bearings. This leaves the bearings vulnerable to increased friction and wear.

Not a Long-Term Lubricant

WD-40 is not formulated to be a long-term lubricant. It evaporates quickly and doesn’t leave behind a lubricating film that is essential for the smooth operation of bearings. This means you’ll find yourself needing to reapply it frequently, which is not practical or effective for skateboard maintenance.

Increased Risk of Corrosion

While WD-40 does offer some level of rust protection, it’s not sufficient for long-term care of skateboard bearings. Once it evaporates, the bearings are left unprotected, increasing the risk of corrosion, especially if you skate in wet or humid conditions.

Potential for Grit and Dirt Accumulation

WD-40 can act as a magnet for dirt and grit because it’s not a heavy-duty lubricant. When you skate, these particles can get into the bearings, causing further friction and wear.

Not Cost-Effective

Given that WD-40 is not a long-term solution and will require frequent reapplication, it’s not a cost-effective choice for skateboard-bearing maintenance. Specialized skateboard-bearing lubricants, although initially more expensive, are more economical in the long run because they’re formulated specifically for the task.

Environmental Concerns

WD-40 is not biodegradable and can be harmful to the environment. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly solution, there are specialized skateboard-bearing lubricants that are biodegradable.

By understanding these drawbacks, it becomes clear that while WD-40 may offer a quick fix, it’s not a suitable or effective solution for maintaining skateboard bearings.

Conclusion

In summary, while it might be tempting to use WD40 on your skateboard bearings, it’s not the best choice for maintaining their performance and longevity. Opt for specialized skateboard bearing lubricants or suitable alternatives to ensure your ride stays smooth and your bearings last longer.

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