How to Change Roller Skate Wheels & Bearings (Without the Stress)
Changing your roller skate wheels and bearings might sound technical, but it’s one of the simplest and most useful skills any skater can learn. Whether you’re switching between indoor and outdoor skating, refreshing worn-out kit, or upgrading to light-up wheels, you don’t need a workshop or specialist tools to get it done, just a skate tool and a bit of confidence.
Many skaters assume they need separate skates for different surfaces, but in reality, swapping your wheels can completely change how your skates feel and perform. Softer wheels are ideal for outdoor paths, while harder or hybrid wheels work better indoors,and changing them is far easier than most people expect.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about changing roller skate wheels and bearings safely and correctly. From removing old wheels and bearings to installing new ones (including light-up Luminous wheels), we’ll break it down step by step so you can skate away knowing your setup is secure, smooth, and ready to roll.
Why You Might Need to Change Your Roller Skate Wheels
Changing your roller skate wheels is a simple way to improve performance, comfort, and safety. One of the most common reasons skaters change wheels is to suit different skating surfaces.
Outdoor roller skate wheels are usually softer, helping you roll smoothly over rough paths, pavements, and uneven ground. Indoor roller skate wheels are typically harder, offering better control and slide on smooth rink floors. Instead of buying separate indoor and outdoor skates, swapping your wheels allows you to use one pair of skates in multiple environments.
Another reason to change wheels is general wear and tear. If your wheels look dirty, worn down, or uneven, it’s often a sign they need replacing. This is also an ideal time to check or replace your roller skate bearings, which play a big role in how smoothly your wheels roll.
What You Need to Change Roller Skate Wheels and Bearings
Before you start, make sure you have the right equipment. Changing roller skate wheels doesn’t require specialist tools, and most skaters already have everything they need.
You’ll need:
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A skate tool for loosening and tightening axle nuts
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New roller skate wheels
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Bearings (two per wheel)
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Any wheel spacers included with your wheels
If your skates have a hex bolt toe stop and you plan to remove it, you may also need a hex key.
Understanding Roller Skate Wheel Types and Hardness
Roller skate wheels are designed for different skating styles and surfaces, and wheel hardness (durometer) is one of the most important factors.
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Soft roller skate wheels (around 78a) are ideal for outdoor skating. They absorb vibrations and grip rough surfaces more easily.
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Hybrid roller skate wheels (around 85a) work well both indoors and outdoors, making them a popular choice for skaters who switch between environments.
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Harder wheels are best for indoor rinks and smooth floors where speed and slide are important.
Choosing the right wheel can make a noticeable difference to your skating experience.
How to Change Roller Skate Wheels and Bearings: Step by Step
1. Remove the Roller Skate Wheels
Using a skate tool, loosen and remove the axle nuts from each wheel. Keep the nuts somewhere safe so they don’t get lost.
Once the nut is removed, slide the wheel off the axle.
2. Remove Bearings From the Old Wheels
Each roller skate wheel contains two bearings.
To remove them, place the wheel partially back onto the axle and use the axle as a lever. Gently pry the bearing out by pulling upwards and towards you. Repeat this for the second bearing.
3. Install Bearings Into the New Wheels
If your new wheels require a bearing spacer, make sure it is inside the wheel before installing the second bearing.
Place the first bearing onto the axle and press the wheel down firmly until the bearing sits flat and flush. Insert the spacer if needed, then press in the second bearing until it is fully seated.
4. Reattach and Tighten the Wheels
Slide the assembled wheel back onto the axle and screw the nut on by hand before tightening it with your skate tool.
The wheel should spin freely with no wobble or resistance.
How to Install Light-Up Roller Skate Wheels (Luminous Wheels)
Light-up roller skate wheels require a magnetic spacer to function correctly. This spacer allows the wheels to generate power as they spin, so without it, the wheels won’t light up.
When tightening light-up wheels:
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Tighten enough for the lights to activate
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Make sure the wheel spins smoothly
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Ensure there is no clicking or rattling sound
A useful tip is to slightly turn the nut backwards after tightening. This can help prevent the axle nut from loosening while skating.
Safety Tips When Changing Roller Skate Wheels
Before skating, always check:
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All axle nuts are securely tightened
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Wheels spin freely and evenly
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There are no unusual noises or wobbling
A loose roller skate wheel can come off while skating, so taking a few extra moments to double-check your setup is essential for safety.
How to Replace Toe Stops With Jam Plugs
If your skating style doesn’t require toe stops, you may want to replace them with roller skate jam plugs. This usually involves unscrewing the existing toe stop and threading the jam plug into place.
Some toe stops require a hex key to remove, while others can be loosened by hand.
Roller Skate Wheel Maintenance Made Easy
Learning how to change roller skate wheels and bearings is one of the best ways to take control of your skate setup. It saves money, improves performance, and helps you adapt your skates to different skating surfaces.
With the right tools and a little confidence, roller skate maintenance doesn’t need to be intimidating — and once you’ve done it once, it becomes second nature.
