How to Replace Inline Skate Wheels

The wheels are the component of roller blades that wear out the fastest. Replacing the wheels will often make your skates feel brand new. Fortunately, you can easily replace the wheels yourself - just follow this guide, and you'll be rolling again in no time.

Required tool: Allen key or a skate-tool (For some skates, you might need two tools, one for each side of the wheel).

Use the tool on the bolt that secures the axle. In some cases, you will need two tools or Allen keys, as shown in the picture above. Once the bolt is loose, you can remove the axle and screw. Also, remove the old wheel from the frame.

This is a good time to clean the frame and bearings. We recommend wiping off dirt with a dry cloth from where the wheel was positioned.

Use a skate-tool or an Allen key to remove the bearings from the old wheel. If you intend to reuse the bearings in the new wheel, wipe off all dirt from the bearings with a dry cloth. You might also want to clean your bearings.

Read more: How to clean your bearings

Besides the bearings, a spacer is also located in the wheel. This spacer should also be used in the new wheel (Please note that some skates have 2- or 3-divided spacers).

Place the bearings and spacer in the new wheel. The bearings should fit tightly. (If the bearings do not fit tightly, play in the wheel occurs, which should be avoided. Find better wheels with a tighter hub)

The new wheel is ready for installation. Place the new wheel in the empty spot in the frame.

Insert an axle through the wheel and place the screw. Tighten the screw with the skate-tool. The screw should be tightened firmly, but not so tight that the wheel cannot rotate freely.

Repeat the same procedure for all wheels. New wheels usually have a larger diameter than worn wheels. Therefore, you will be able to skate faster, so be cautious the first time you use your skates after a wheel change.