New wheels can completely change how your board feels. Maybe your old set has flat spots, maybe you're switching from skatepark wheels to something better suited to rough British pavement, or maybe you're just giving a battered setup some love. Whatever the reason, changing skateboard wheels is one of those jobs every skater can learn.
You don't need a workshop. A skate tool, a bit of patience and somewhere safe to put the tiny washers will do it. Here's the FK way: straightforward, no unnecessary faff.
What you'll need to change skateboard wheels
- A skate tool with a 1/2-inch (approximately 13mm) axle-nut socket, or a suitable spanner.
- Your replacement wheels, ideally four matching wheels for a consistent setup.
- Eight skateboard bearings (two per wheel), either new or carefully transferred from the old wheels if they're still in good condition.
- Axle washers (also called speed rings), normally one on either side of each wheel, and your existing axle nuts if they're sound.
- Optional bearing spacers if your setup uses them, plus a clean cloth.
Set up on a table or clean floor. A small bowl for nuts and washers is surprisingly useful; these things have a habit of disappearing just when you need them.
How to change skateboard wheels: step by step
1. Remove the axle nut
Lay the board on its side or turn it upside down so it can't roll away. Fit your skate tool over the axle nut at the centre of one wheel and turn anticlockwise to loosen it. Put the nut somewhere safe.
2. Keep track of the washers
Slide off the outside washer, then remove the wheel. There may also be a washer between the inside bearing and the truck hanger. Keep both. If your old setup didn't have them, check the truck manufacturer's instructions before replacing anything; don't assume every board is assembled identically.
3. Decide whether to reuse the bearings
Each wheel usually contains two bearings. If they spin smoothly, aren't visibly damaged and have been maintained properly, you may be able to transfer them to the new wheels. If they're gritty, rusty, rough or noisy, inspect them before reuse. FK has a separate guide to cleaning skateboard bearings if they just need maintenance.
4. Remove the bearings from the old wheels
A proper bearing puller or press is ideal. On many standard skateboard trucks, you can also use the exposed tip of the truck axle: slide the wheel partway onto the axle so the tip catches the inside of one bearing, then gently lever the wheel at an angle to ease the bearing out. Repeat for the other side. Don't force it or press against a bearing shield. If it's stuck, get help rather than damaging the axle, bearing or wheel.
If your wheels contain a spacer between the two bearings, take it out and keep it with the rest of the hardware.
5. Press bearings into the new wheels
Start with a clean wheel and a clean bearing. Use a bearing press if you've got one. Otherwise, for many standard setups, place the bearing squarely on the truck axle and push the wheel straight down onto it with even pressure. The bearing should seat flat, not at an angle.
Turn the wheel over, add the internal spacer if your setup uses one, and press in the second bearing. Repeat for the remaining wheels. A normal skateboard uses two bearings per wheel: eight in total. Don't hammer directly onto the shields or outer bearing surfaces.
6. Put the wheel back on the axle
Slide the inner axle washer onto the truck axle, followed by the wheel with both bearings installed. Add the outer washer, then thread the axle nut on by hand first so you don't cross-thread it. Graphics facing out or in is usually personal preference unless the wheel manufacturer specifies a direction.
7. Tighten the nut — but don't crush the bearings
Use your skate tool to secure the axle nut. The wheel should spin freely without binding, and there should be little unnecessary side-to-side movement. Adjust gradually if it feels pinched. Make sure the nut's locking section is properly engaged on the axle threads; never leave it hanging loosely at the end just to get more spin.
8. Check all four wheels before skating
Give each wheel a spin, then check for excessive wobble, scraping, grinding or a wheel that stops abruptly. Check that the nuts are secure. Roll slowly on flat ground first and make sure the board feels normal before heading to the park or trying tricks.
When should you replace skateboard wheels?
There's no fixed number of months. Look for flat spots that cause a rhythmic vibration, pronounced uneven wear or coning, cracks, chunks missing, or wheels worn down so far that your board feels noticeably different. A little cosmetic wear isn't automatically a reason to replace them.
Sometimes a wheel that feels slow isn't worn out at all — the bearing could be dirty or the axle nut too tight. Check those first. If your wheels are wearing unevenly, rotating their positions periodically can help spread wear.
Can you change wheels without changing bearings?
Yes. If your bearings are healthy, you can usually move them into new compatible wheels. Standard skateboard bearings are widely used, but check your particular wheel and axle arrangement rather than assuming every unusual setup is identical. If a bearing has obvious damage or corrosion, don't reuse it simply to save a few quid.
Wondering whether you need expensive bearings while you're at it? Read our guide to ABEC ratings before spending extra money on a number printed on a packet.
What size wheels should you fit?
For a typical street or park skateboard, common sizes include 52mm and 54mm, but there isn't one correct diameter for everyone. Smaller wheels tend to sit lower; larger wheels can help roll over imperfect ground, although they may need more clearance. If you're undecided, see 52mm vs 54mm skateboard wheels.
Wheel hardness matters too, especially if your local routes are cracked pavements rather than smooth indoor parks. Check out our wheel hardness explainer to understand why two wheels of the same diameter can ride completely differently.
Will bigger wheels cause wheelbite?
They can. If the wheel touches the underside of the deck when you turn hard, it can stop suddenly. Before moving up a size, consider your truck height, bushings and clearance. Our wheelbite guide explains the checks and possible fixes. If you're also changing your trucks, read how to match trucks to deck width.
Common mistakes when changing skateboard wheels
- Losing the speed washers: keep the original order of parts as you work.
- Forcing a crooked bearing: it should sit squarely in the wheel.
- Overtightening the axle nut: a pinched bearing won't roll properly.
- Leaving the nut insecure: free-spinning wheels are no good if the nut can come off.
- Ignoring wheel clearance: always check for wheelbite after changing diameter.
Quick FAQs
Do I need a special tool to change skateboard wheels?
A standard skate tool makes the job easier. A correctly sized socket or spanner can remove the axle nuts, but a bearing press or puller is useful if you're transferring bearings.
How many bearings does a skateboard need?
Most standard four-wheel skateboards use eight bearings — two per wheel.
Can I mix old and new skateboard wheels?
For predictable handling, four matching wheels of similar size and wear are generally the sensible option. Mixing very different diameters or hardnesses can change how the board rolls and turns.
How tight should skateboard wheel nuts be?
Tight enough that the locking nut is securely engaged and the wheel doesn't wobble excessively, but not so tight that the bearings bind. Check each wheel by hand before skating.
The FK takeaway
Changing wheels is a basic bit of skateboard maintenance, not some secret skate-shop ritual. Keep your washers, seat the bearings properly, secure the axle nuts and test everything before you skate. If you're weighing up a different setup, have a look through FK's Wheels collection and Bearings collection for what's currently listed — check each product's specifications and availability before ordering.
Built by misfits. Made for everyone.