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How to Change Wheel Positions on Inline Skates
This guide shows you how to change wheel positions on inline skates with 3 or 4 wheels. The front and back wheels often wear out more quickly compared to the ones in the middle, and the wear pattern can differ between the right and left skates. By rearranging your wheels according to the right pattern, you can keep a flat wheel arrangement and extend the wheels' lifespan.
These methods serve as helpful guidelines. They're easy yet effective for keeping a flat wheel setup and prolonging wheel life. There are various strategies for changing wheels on inline skates, and as your skill improves, you might find your own preferred method.
Overview
What Is the Method to Rotate Wheels on 4-Wheel Inline Skates?
For 4-wheeled inline skates, a common practice is swapping the two back wheels from one skate with the two front ones on the other skate, as illustrated in the image provided.
To avoid confusion during the process, put a small piece of masking tape on each wheel and mark its original spot.
Original wheel arrangement:
| Left skate | Right skate |
| 1 Left | 1 Right |
| 2 Left | 2 Right |
| 3 Left | 3 Right |
| 4 Left | 4 Right |
Arrangement after repositioning wheels:
| Left skate | Right skate |
| 3 Right | 3 Left |
| 4 Right | 4 Left |
| 1 Right | 1 Left |
| 2 Right | 2 Left |
- Note: Ensure to flip each wheel. If the graphics were pointing outward prior to rotation, they should point inward once remounted.
How to Change Wheel Positions on 3-Wheel Inline Skates?
The image above illustrates a solid method for adjusting wheel positions on 3-wheeled inline skates with the aim of achieving uniform wear across all six wheels to prolong their usage.
Many methods exist for changing wheels on 3-wheel skates. Beginners to triskates may find the following pattern a suitable starting point.
To avoid confusion during the process, put a small piece of masking tape on each wheel and mark its original spot.
Original wheel arrangement:
| Left skate | Right skate |
| 1 Left | 1 Right |
| 2 Left | 2 Right |
| 3 Left | 3 Right |
Arrangement after repositioning wheels:
| Left skate | Right skate |
| 3 Right | 3 Left |
| 1 Right | 1 Left |
| 2 Right | 2 Left |
- Note: Ensure to flip each wheel. If the graphics were pointing outward prior to rotation, they should point inward once remounted.
What Equipment Is Essential for Changing Inline Skate Wheels?
A 4 mm Allen key or Torx tool is necessary for removing and remounting the wheels. Generally, two keys are needed – one for each side of the wheel – to simultaneously hold both ends of the wheel bolts.
Skate tools are extremely useful for wheel rotation on inline skates, often containing everything required to assemble and disassemble your skates. Some useful tools can be found here:
This guide will show you how to remove inline wheels:
How Frequently Should Wheels on Inline Skates Be Rotated?
The need for rotating your wheels depends on your skating frequency, the type of surfaces you skate on, and your skating style.
It becomes apparent that it's time to rearrange your wheels when the centreline starts shifting away from the middle. For some skaters, this might mean after every session, whereas for others, it might be less frequent.
Once you’re accustomed to the process, changing wheel positions takes only five minutes.
If you're uncertain about whether it's time for new wheels or skates, refer to this guide:
