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:

1. With an axle bolt and 5 extra/old bearings, press the bearings evenly into the wheel's core to minimize any damage.
2. 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:

1. Initially, place the spacer (found between the bearings) in the centre, preventing the axle from passing through.
2. 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.