Skateboard Bearings

Absolutely not! All bearings you purchase from our skate shop come pre-lubricated. There’s no need to add extra lubricant—you can start skating right away without any worries!

Yes, in almost all cases, skateboards and longboards can use the same bearings. They are also compatible with cruiser boards and surfskates.

A skateboard, as well as most roller skates or inline skates, uses bearings of size 608. These bearings measure 22 mm in outer diameter, 7 mm in width, and 8 mm in inner diameter/axle size.

Each skateboard wheel requires 2 bearings, so you’ll need 8 bearings for 4 wheels. Bearings are almost always sold in packs of 8, so you only need to buy 1 pack for a skateboard.

Usually, yes, but there are some exceptions. It’s always a good idea to check if your bearing shields have the number "608" stamped on them. The "608" code is the standard identifier for skateboard bearing sizes.

When it comes to bearing spacers, the situation can get a bit more complicated. While skateboards use only one size of spacer, roller skates may require spacers of varying sizes.

Generally, skateboard bearings fit perfectly with freestyle scooter wheels. However, it’s always a good practice to check with your scooter’s manufacturer to be sure. Standard bearings are usually size 608. Note that freestyle scooters have only two wheels, unlike a skateboard’s four, so you’ll need only 4 bearings. Typically, freestyle scooter bearing packs contain 4 bearings instead of 8, like those for skateboards. If you’re looking for bearings for your freestyle scooter, check out our dedicated section: Freestyle Scooter Bearings.

Not necessarily. The term "Swiss" refers to bearings made using Swiss machining techniques, rather than their place of manufacture. While many companies producing Swiss bearings do manufacture in Switzerland, this is not always the case. Switzerland is globally renowned for its precision craftsmanship, particularly in watchmaking and other high-precision components like bearings. Swiss bearings are generally considered high quality and are often more expensive. Purchasing Swiss bearings from reputable brands like Bones Swiss will ensure you receive a high-quality product.

In short, no, they’re not strictly necessary, but they can greatly improve performance. You can skate without spacers, but if you want to maximize your bearings’ efficiency and keep them parallel, using spacers is highly recommended. Spacers help prevent less precise urethane wheels from negatively affecting bearing rotation. If you want the best performance from your bearings, consider using spacers.

The answer depends on the quality and condition of your current bearings. If you’re still using the stock bearings from a preassembled skateboard, upgrading to higher-quality bearings could result in significantly better speed and performance. However, if you recently purchased a high-quality skateboard with good bearings and have only used it briefly, switching to new bearings may not result in a noticeable speed increase.

Other reasons to consider buying new bearings include preferring grease-lubricated bearings over oil-lubricated ones, needing more effective shields, or wanting bearings with integrated spacers. While increased speed might be a benefit, there are other factors to consider when choosing new bearings for your skateboard.

The lifespan of skateboard bearings varies depending on usage. Typically, a regularly used bearing can last between 3 to 6 months and 3–5 years, depending on intensity. For trick or freestyle skateboards, bearings are often the second most replaced component after the deck, with an average lifespan of about 6–9 months. Bearings for longboards or cruisers can last for years, provided they are kept clean and dry.

For downhill or racing bearings, their lifespan is usually around 6 months, especially if they undergo intense sliding and lateral loads. Since ball bearings are not designed to handle heavy lateral forces, regular replacement is key to maintaining optimal performance.

Integrated bearings are specially designed for skateboards, where the spacers and speed rings are built into the inner race. This means you can install the bearings into the wheels without worrying about adding separate spacers. They are a convenient option for simplifying assembly and ensuring proper alignment of components within the wheel.

Amazon offers a wide selection of skateboard bearings, including high-quality brands like Bones and Bronson, just like any other retailer. However, it’s important to be cautious about counterfeits and low-quality brands that may be available on the platform.

When purchasing bearings from a reputable brand on Amazon, such as Bones or Bronson, we recommend ensuring the seller is an authorized dealer to guarantee product authenticity. This will help you avoid buying counterfeit bearings that might not deliver the performance and quality you expect.

For peace of mind and to ensure you get genuine, high-quality bearings, it’s always best to buy from a specialized skate shop like ours, where you can receive expert advice and access to original products.