Jason Mitchell, Seismic Nationals 2007, Hybrid Slalom.  Photo by Greg Fadell Northern California Downhill Skateboarding Association
Now in our 28th year! -- 1996-2024

Skateboard Bearing Reviews

 
HOME: Home  
EQUIPMENT: Decks   Trucks   Wheels   Bearings   Completes   Misc Equipment   Home Made Boards   Vintage Gear  
VENDORS: Vendor's Corner   Buy-Sell-Trade   Skate Shops   Our Advertisers  
DISCIPLINES: Slalom   Cyber Slalom   Speedboarding   Soulriding   Pools & Parks   Banks & Ditches   Freestyle   Buttboarding   Street Luge   Skatecar   All-Terrain   Sandboarding   Riding Techniques   Sidewalk Surfing   Longboarding   Freecarving   Distance & LDP   Sliding & Stopping   High Jump  
GROUPS: Womens   Juniors & Teens   Masters 45+   Shoe Buddies  
Q&A: Race School   GANG OF GERMANY   Slalom Pro Mike Maysey   The Gong Show with Kenny 'Nature Boy' Mollica   Michael Brooke - Publisher, Concrete Wave Magazine   McKendry on Speed   Cliff Coleman on Sliding and Safety   HACKETT & OLSON on RIDING   Going Downhill with David Rogers   Chris Yandall on Skogging  
ORGS: California Republic Stand Up   GSI   IGSA   ISSA   TSR   COSS   UKSSA   DHB   Coast   CSA   SRA   NorCal   ASSA   Tex   Other  
REGIONAL: CAN   UK   EU   Brazil   Asia/Pacific   South America   Africa  
SAFETY: Dr David Hartman on Head Injuries   Crashing   Riding Safety   Safety Equipment   Join the No Helmet Campaign!  
GATHERINGS: Contest Calendar   Events   The Trap   Cyber Slalom Challenge   Cyber Slalom HOF   SAA  
IMAGES: Pics   Pics Preview   Video   Scans  
INFO: Skateboard History   Lords of Dogtown Movie   Skateboarding Law   Riding Locations   Bulletin Board   Interviews   Guest Book   Links  
TOOLS: Search    Summary   30-Day Summary   Pageview Totals  
SITE: Posting Guidelines   User Agreement   Visitors Chart   About This Site   Add URL  

Since 1999: 660425 pageviews on this page, 38725560 pageviews on the whole site.
Since 1996: 42743516 visitors to ncdsa.com, 263802 posts.
Log your best time!
  Contest Calendar!
 

Page to oldest posts   Page backwards 25 posts   Page forwards 25 posts   Page to newest posts     Posts 351-375 of 4976 Add your own post! 
 
Bearing Reviews (4976 Posts)
Bearing Review
more on spacers
On 1/17/2000 jeff wrote in from (207.136.nnn.nnn)

On the subject of spacers, does anyone have spacers snugly fitted in their Krypto Hawaii Ks or 76mm Nineballs? It looks like they need spacers about 8mm wide. Anyone have a mail order source for these?

Thanks

 
  Rate post 9257 !
Best-Of Ncdsa (0)
  Informative (0)
  Abuse(0)
  Flag Moderators (0)
spacers
On 1/17/2000 Bob Loftin wrote in from (192.73.nnn.nnn)

Once again, Herbn is right on target. Man Herb -- you really go the extra mile. And I though I was extra picky about my set ups.

Regarding the super hard shortboard wheels. I can't speak for all brands, but the Spitfire brand (which makes some great wheels for longboards too) DO seat bearing properly -- with some work.

You need to use the 9mm Lucky spacers. If you just grease the bearing seat of the wheel slightly with some butter (I know this sounds strange -- but the butter sort of evaporates), you can get the bearings in all the way much easier.

Over the weekend, I tried putting some Luckys bearings in some small spitfire wheels without the butter. With the axle nut snug, the wheel didn't roll. Then I used a little butter to help me pop the wheel in there real good -- it just popped right in, and the spacer worked perfectly.

I expect that the same trick might work with other non-hubbed wheels.

While I'm wasting time -- my buddy got some China Bones and set up up in Acme Street Sponge wheels, which appear to actually be 65mm blue Krypto Classic Ks. Anyway, the china bones come with very nice, precision made spacers, and worked perfectly with the Acme Sponges.

The wheels were pretty damn smooth and fast too.

Bob

 
  Rate post 9254 !
Best-Of Ncdsa (0)
  Informative (0)
  Abuse(0)
  Flag Moderators (0)
spacers
On 1/17/2000 Herbn wrote in from (207.198.nnn.nnn)

Spacers are probabely made from tubing,steel or aluminum,that has the correct o.d. and i.d. . You probabely got a left over piece from the end of the tube that was close enough to escape q.c. on a production line ,oh well, sht happens.I've even made spacers,and for you real precision freaks;I've even machined the back face of axle nuts by threading them onto 5/16 x24 thread bolts and clamping then bolt in my trustly lathe (once I have a tool I look for reasons to use it) you gotta cut lightly so the nylock in the nut doesn't slip, but the lightest first cut will show you that the nut probabely wasn't perfect, this doesn't really do that much,and its not something that I've done more than once or twice.
Some wheels,mostly hard,shortboard wheels don't seat the bearings correctly with spacers ,without spacers you over tighten the bearings to press them in real flat and then back off until they spin.Spacers don't let you overtighten enough,they would probabely seat after just a short ride,but that sounds like an excuse when a kid just plopped down 28 for wheels and 36 for swiss bearings,it sounds like "give me your money and leave" which is definitely not my style,so when this happens the spacers get the boot,to bad cause I know they're pretty important.

 
  Rate post 9243 !
Best-Of Ncdsa (0)
  Informative (0)
  Abuse(0)
  Flag Moderators (0)
FLOSS? WHO ME?
On 1/17/2000 SHINEY TOOTHED FUZZ wrote in from (193.62.nnn.nnn)

Me, floss DT?
Nah mate, I just swill out my mouth with paint thinners, that usually does the trick!!!
(Don't try that at home children... for experienced stunt persons only!)

WHHHOOOOSHHHHHH (lights breath with match - sparked on thumbnail, Clint Eastwood style)
lah-dee-dah-dee-dah...mah-nah-nah (spaghetti western music)
ROAR!
FUZZ
xxx

 
  Rate post 9233 !
Best-Of Ncdsa (0)
  Informative (0)
  Abuse(0)
  Flag Moderators (0)
Carburetor Cleaner
On 1/16/2000 Matt wrote in from (63.28.nnn.nnn)

I used some carburetor cleaner to clean my bearings. I soaked them for about a half an hour. Is that time enough to get all the crap out of them, or do i need to keep them in the cleaner over-night or something.

 
  Rate post 9217 !
Best-Of Ncdsa (0)
  Informative (0)
  Abuse(0)
  Flag Moderators (0)
Black Panther bearings and spacers
On 1/15/2000 Bob wrote in from (207.200.nnn.nnn)

Today I got some Black Panther bearings.

The bearings are very smooth -- really nice. They come in a little case, and include 8 speed washers and 4 spacers.

I set them up in 70mm Krypto Classic Ks.

Interesting problem.

I set up 3 of the wheels using the spacers and washers. I tightened the axle nut down as usual, and the wheels spun really well.

The forth wheel did not spin.

Upon examination, I discovered that the forth spacer was poorly machined. How to best explain this... the dimensions of the spacer were not uniform. If you measure across the length of the spacer, the length of the spacer is not quite the same on each side. The spacer does not to have been cut from the tube at precise 90 degree angles (or machined to that spec -- i don't know how they make 'em).

So it appears the what happens is that when I tightened the nut down, the inner race of the bearings contacted one side of the spacer first. By making it snug, it forced the bearing into a slightly -off alignment, which prevented proper bearing movement.

Anyway, I used on old extra 10mm spacer, which got all of the wheels working properly, but man -- its amazing what kind of little quality control issues can affect a skateboard's performance.

The old spacers I have from the 1980s, if you look at them, are all well machined little things.

Bob

 
  Rate post 9213 !
Best-Of Ncdsa (0)
  Informative (0)
  Abuse(0)
  Flag Moderators (0)
Solvents
On 1/15/2000 Herbn wrote in from (207.198.nnn.nnn)

When my bearings get old and slow,I soak them in gasolene and then ceremonially float them out on to the hudson river on a little raft. Viking burial.

 
  Rate post 9201 !
Best-Of Ncdsa (0)
  Informative (0)
  Abuse(0)
  Flag Moderators (0)
china bones
On 1/14/2000 Mr. T wrote in from (205.188.nnn.nnn)

China bones, and smooth, cheap bearings. You can get them for like 15-16 bucks. I am completely happy with em

 
  Rate post 9192 !
Best-Of Ncdsa (0)
  Informative (0)
  Abuse(0)
  Flag Moderators (0)
you forgot to floss
On 1/14/2000 DT wrote in from (209.223.nnn.nnn)

dont forget to floss after you brush.

 
  Rate post 9187 !
Best-Of Ncdsa (0)
  Informative (0)
  Abuse(0)
  Flag Moderators (0)
Lucky Sevens
On 1/14/2000 Drew wrote in from (209.240.nnn.nnn)

Anyone got info on those? Cleaning, durability, blah blah blah? I heard toothpaste works great on bearings, along with a good soaking in mouthwash. Any objections?
keep on bombin'

 
  Rate post 9186 !
Best-Of Ncdsa (0)
  Informative (0)
  Abuse(0)
  Flag Moderators (0)
spacers
On 1/14/2000 Bob wrote in from (192.73.nnn.nnn)

Rene, at Longskate.com, told me that the hub they use in the Super-G is actually a quad roller skate hub. As such, I think it probably needs a quad roller skate spacer. I think the correct width is 6mm.

Anyway, last year I orders some spacers from Skates On Haight, and they sent me these tiny little spacers. I measured them and they are 6mm, so I think they are for quad skates.

So you might give them a try.

Bob

 
  Rate post 9174 !
Best-Of Ncdsa (0)
  Informative (0)
  Abuse(0)
  Flag Moderators (0)
spacers
On 1/14/2000 Ali wrote in from (146.50.nnn.nnn)

Hi,

I want to put spacers in my wheels - Envys, the ones they put on the Super GS, maybe they're called "Swirls"
or something - but the spacers I have are too wide. They make the first bearing pop out when I put the
second one in.
Does any one know of a company that makes spacers in different sizes?
Or how could I make 'em myself? I think the edges have to be smooth to prevent damage to the bearings,
so just an end of pipe and a saw isn't enough.
Thanks & ride on! (or any similar slogan)

Ali.

 
  Rate post 9171 !
Best-Of Ncdsa (0)
  Informative (0)
  Abuse(0)
  Flag Moderators (0)
water
On 1/6/2000 cory wrote in from (38.155.nnn.nnn)

yes brian you are exactly correct. That is exactly why i squirt it with oily stuff. It works for me, no rust yet.

 
  Rate post 8964 !
Best-Of Ncdsa (0)
  Informative (0)
  Abuse(0)
  Flag Moderators (0)
bevo
On 1/5/2000 jens wrote in from (195.204.nnn.nnn)

Ever heard of Bevo bearings?

 
  Rate post 8943 !
Best-Of Ncdsa (0)
  Informative (0)
  Abuse(0)
  Flag Moderators (0)
bearings
On 1/5/2000 MASTER FUZZ wrote in from (193.62.nnn.nnn)

Cleaning bearings? huh?
Give 'em a good lick, your toungue gets into all those nasty little gritty places. Give your bearings a good licking and they'll love ya forever!

Puuuurrrr pussycat!
FUZZ
xxx

 
  Rate post 8938 !
Best-Of Ncdsa (0)
  Informative (0)
  Abuse(0)
  Flag Moderators (0)
water
On 1/4/2000 brian wrote in from (206.105.nnn.nnn)

to cory: water + metal = rust

 
  Rate post 8911 !
Best-Of Ncdsa (0)
  Informative (0)
  Abuse(0)
  Flag Moderators (0)
paint thinner
On 1/4/2000 cory wrote in from (38.155.nnn.nnn)

paint thinner is a good idea if the bearings are soaked in oil. If the bearings are packed with grease this not a good idea. The grease will break down and will not leak out of the edges of the bearings. Once you break down grease you have no more lubricating qualities just a huge mess inside your wheels. The oil on the other hand is not dense enough to get stuck inside the bearings and will therefore, get the dirt out. Then once you are done you will have to soak them in wd 40 and then soak them in 3 in one. The reason for this is because if there is any paint thinner in the bearings while you are riding the paint thinner will thin down the oil and break the lubricating qualities down. I personally wipe off the the excees dirt, soak them in hot water then drench them in wd 40. After that I put a couple of drops of three in one on the bearings. sounds lengthy, but it works for me. (my opinion)

 
  Rate post 8905 !
Best-Of Ncdsa (0)
  Informative (0)
  Abuse(0)
  Flag Moderators (0)
Your Right
On 1/3/2000 DT wrote in from (209.223.nnn.nnn)

I'm sorry dont microwave your bearings, soak them in gasoline and C4 and light a match. hehehe.

 
  Rate post 8895 !
Best-Of Ncdsa (0)
  Informative (0)
  Abuse(0)
  Flag Moderators (0)
dangerous
On 1/3/2000 A New Guy wrote in from (207.167.nnn.nnn)

Metal in a microwave is not a good idea, that's my point. Some people might not realize this, and try it.

 
  Rate post 8893 !
Best-Of Ncdsa (0)
  Informative (0)
  Abuse(0)
  Flag Moderators (0)
Lazerbeams
On 1/3/2000 Herbn wrote in from (207.198.nnn.nnn)

I brought my bearings(minimizers) to Dr.Evil and he vaporized the dirt out of them from orbit with his deathray.

 
  Rate post 8890 !
Best-Of Ncdsa (0)
  Informative (0)
  Abuse(0)
  Flag Moderators (0)
dangerous?
On 1/3/2000 DT wrote in from (209.223.nnn.nnn)

I only tried this after spilling the boiling water all over me. now whos the dangerous one, mr smarty pants.

 
  Rate post 8880 !
Best-Of Ncdsa (0)
  Informative (0)
  Abuse(0)
  Flag Moderators (0)
microwave
On 1/3/2000 A New Guy wrote in from (207.167.nnn.nnn)

Please don't make dangerous jokes

 
  Rate post 8879 !
Best-Of Ncdsa (0)
  Informative (0)
  Abuse(0)
  Flag Moderators (0)
microwave
On 1/2/2000 DT wrote in from (209.223.nnn.nnn)

No no no, you guys are doing it all wrong, you're supposed to microwave your bearings. just throw your dirty bearings in your mothers microwave and nuke the hell out of it. all the evil impurities will be zapped away forever.

 
  Rate post 8873 !
Best-Of Ncdsa (0)
  Informative (0)
  Abuse(0)
  Flag Moderators (0)
paint thinner
On 1/2/2000 Jonnieo wrote in from (216.224.nnn.nnn)

I find that soaking bearings in paint thinner dissolves everything that's inside. The lubricant gets filled up with abrasives, so when you ride, it's like sanding down the bearings. I try to do this & re-lube at least once every two weeks, and there is always a large ammount of sand and crap at the bottom of the cup when I'm done. I've never tried boiling them, it seems to me that the heat would cause the metal to expand and get damaged, but i'm not an expert on it.

 
  Rate post 8869 !
Best-Of Ncdsa (0)
  Informative (0)
  Abuse(0)
  Flag Moderators (0)
boiling (don't do it)
On 1/1/2000 franky wrote in from (195.92.nnn.nnn)

oops, sorry! I WON'T boil those bearings cos you guys know what you're talking about! Cheers*

 
  Rate post 8858 !
Best-Of Ncdsa (0)
  Informative (0)
  Abuse(0)
  Flag Moderators (0)

Page to oldest posts   Page backwards 25 posts   Page forwards 25 posts   Page to newest posts     Posts 351-375 of 4976 Add your own post! 


Add your own Bearing Reviews post using this entry form
Topic:
Your Name:
Your Email: (optional)
Post:
Characters remaining:      Posts containing links are not allowed
Black box number:     (This number expires 11/24/2024 3:35:45 PM California time)
  (Linking to an image? Read this first)
Return to Menu

© Copyright 1996-2024 NCDSA - All Rights Reserved
Site-related comments to
webmaster@ncdsa.com
Site by Norcal Internet LLC