Cleaning bearings

[kovalchuk71 212]

What do you guys use to clean bearings? I dont have speed wash, and what is something good from around the house to use?

[cbettner66 0]

alot of people i know use gasoline to clean their bearings - i have used it too and it works pretty well - but you have to dry them out well and make sure to grease them afterwards

[Benchboy 0]

I use Citrus cleaner from the supermarket here in Australia.

[cbettner66 0]

i think the citrus cleaner works alright - but for bearings that are in really bad shape gasoline works really well - i dunno - i hate cleaning my bearings because it takes me hours to do. But thats cause i take them apart and clean the insides of the bearing - a royal pain in the butt.. I wish there was a much easier way to do that - like maybe someone invent a machine to clean bearings (wishful thinking)

[mickz 107]

I use a Q-Tip = P For outdoors.

[MDE3 0]

Here's something to speed up the process...

If you have an electric air pump or compressor available, take a sports ball air needle and cut off the tip at the hole making a little air jet. Remove the shield from one side of the bearing (if it is not already open like BSB bearings are). Then using WD40, or gas, or cleaner, which ever seems to cut the dirt/grease/oil the best, soak the inner bearing with a few shots, and use the cut needle to blow them out. Once the race spins free at high speed just from the air pressure, the bearing will be free and clear of dust and dirt. Add a drop of your preferred lube and re-install. No need to replace the shield...just put the open side to the inside of the wheels hub.

Caution..not a recommended practice in your mom's living room, or your bedroom..use the basement or a shop, or go outside if you can..the spray from the cleaner can make a mess and smells pretty strong...cover the cleaning area with lot's of old newspapers to absorb the spray.

[Aussie Joe 0]

like maybe someone invent a machine to clean bearings (wishful thinking)

Heres something I found on the subject.....

Turbo Wash Bearing Washing Machine

Enjoy!

[cbettner66 0]

yeah i have actually bought one of those cleaning kits before - the only problem is that they dont really do a great job and after a few times of cleaning the bearings the solution is so dirty that i doubt it actually "cleans" the bearings. I was meaning more like what MDE3 was saying - like an actuall machine to clean them or spray them out with. I'm sure someone will come out with one eventually..

[Aussie Joe 0]

and after a few times of cleaning the bearings the solution is so dirty that i doubt it actually "cleans" the bearings.

Dude, You do know you are supposed to change the solution after a few washes?

If you are looking for a machine maybe you should contact an actual Industrial Bearing company. They may have something that fits the bill. I know In Aus there are a few Bearing/Lubricant specialist retail shops. You can buy skate bearings as well as all your other bearing type products. Its possible they may have a machine or service even that will do the trick.

[cbettner66 0]

eh u are probably right - im sure you are supposed to change the fluid but - it just seems a waste to have to buy it so often - i guess im looking for an easier way that in the long run is cheaper or ends up paying for itself

[MDE3 0]

Well you can use an industrial degreaser which filters out the dirt from the solvent as it pumps it back through the spray nozzle, but it would be a lot cheaper to invest in one of those small Black and decker air pumps like I mentioned and do it that way.....