Guide to Replacing Inline Skate Wheels

The wheels on roller blades are the components that wear out the fastest. In most instances, replacing these wheels will make your skates feel as good as new. Fortunately, you can manage this task yourself — simply adhere to this guide and you will be rolling again shortly.

Required tool: Allen key or a skate-tool (Certain skates may require two tools, one for either side of the wheel).

Utilise the tool on the bolt securing the axle. Sometimes, as depicted in the image above, two tools or Allen keys are necessary. Once the bolt is loosened, you can remove the axle and screw, as well as the old wheel from the frame.

This stage is an ideal time for cleaning the frame and bearings. Thus, we advise wiping off grime with a dry cloth from where the wheel was situated.

Employ a skate-tool or an Allen key to extract the bearings from the old wheel. If you intend to reuse these bearings in the new wheel, ensure you wipe away all grime from them with a dry cloth. You might also wish to clean your bearings.

Learn more: How to clean your bearings

In addition to the bearings, a spacer is located within the wheel. This spacer must be used in the new wheel (Please take note, some skates possess 2- or 3-part spacers).

Insert the bearings and spacer into the new wheel. The bearings should fit firmly. (If the bearings do not fit firmly, wheel play occurs, which should be avoided. Seek out superior wheels with a tighter hub)

The new wheel is prepared for installation. Place it in the vacant spot within the frame.

Insert an axle through the wheel and position the screw. Use the skate-tool to tighten the screw. The screw should be tightened substantially, but not to a degree that prevents the wheel from rotating freely.

Apply the same procedure to all wheels. New wheels generally have a larger diameter than those worn. Hence, you will skate at higher speeds, so exercise caution the first time you use your skates post wheel replacement.