What can I use instead of a ball bearing?

Author: Dr. Dalton Hilpert  |  Last update: Sunday, June 15, 2025

Roller bearings are a great alternative to a ball bearing or plain bearing block as they offer “best of both” performance. Due to the larger surface/ contact area, roller bearings will not roll as quickly as ball bearings. However, they are much more efficient than a plain bearing system.

What can be used instead of bearings?

Bushings. Bushings, also known as plain bearings or sleeve bearings, are cylindrical components used to reduce friction between two moving surfaces. Unlike bearings, bushings do not contain rolling elements.

What is a good substitute for ball bearing grease?

Mineral oil lubricants can be used in a wide range of temperatures and are compatible with most ball bearing materials. They also have excellent rust protection properties, which can help to prevent corrosion in ball bearings.

What can I use for skateboard bearings?

The Cadillac of skateboard bearings would have to be Bones Swiss Ceramics. Today, ceramic is often used in place of metal. Their high level of abrasion resistance makes ceramic bearings super-fast, super-stable and extremely long-lasting! Skateboard bearings usually come in an eight pack - that means two per wheel.

Is it safe to drive with a broken ball bearing?

It's extremely dangerous, more so than driving with an engine that could die. Having a bearing seize and fall off can have catastrophic results including losing control of the vehicle at speed, where the broken axle can dig in and you could spin and flip as a result. That can even happen if you drive as slow as 30 mph.

Why I Don't Use Bearing Spacers!

How to drive with a bad wheel bearing?

How many miles can you drive on a bad wheel bearing? The lesser, the better. As we said before, this issue can lead to a very dangerous situation. If it's unavoidable, the most appropriate way to do so is to drive as slow as possible to minimize the friction.

Can I use WD40 on skateboard bearings?

In summary, our answer is: no. WD-40 it is not the most suitable product for lubricating skating bearings. While it can be used as an all-purpose water repellent/lubricant, WD-40 was not specifically developed to lubricate ball bearings, such as those used in roller skates or inline skates.

Can I use vegetable oil for my skateboard bearings?

Pro tip: Skateboard bearing oil is not a necessity. You can use all kinds of random oil. I have used bike chain lube, cooking oil and even car motor oil. You just need a little something after the alcohol has dried out all the metal parts of the bearing.

Are super reds better than reds?

BONES SUPER REDS BEARINGS

Every component you find in standard REDS is upgraded creating a superior quality bearing. They have higher quality steel races, use better quality and grade balls and have a superior race finish. They are as fast as a set of REDS but are quieter, smoother and will outlast them.

Can I use Vaseline instead of bearing grease?

Vaseline: you can use vaseline for all sorts of applications. It is a great lubricant for metal parts such as air installation, but it is also regularly used for installing PVC parts. Note: contrary to ball bearer grease, vaseline does become liquid at higher temperatures (40 - 60°C), causing it to drip.

Can you use WD40 as bearing grease?

Did you know WD-40 Specialist ® White Lithium Grease is a great lithium lubricant for bearings? Although they're designed to minimise friction, bearings themselves can slide against each other and become worn over time.

Can you use olive oil as lube for bearings?

The lubricant must be chosen appropriately: some of the selection criteria derive directly from what has been said: you can easily deduce the fact that the use of impromptu lubricants (olive oil, paraffin oil, nautical grease, WD40, etc.) will probably not lead to results you want, or at least won't allow you to get ...

What is the alternative to a ball bearing?

Roller bearings are a great alternative to a ball bearing or plain bearing block as they offer “best of both” performance.

What can ball bearings be made of?

Most ball bearings are made of a type of steel known as high carbon chromium steel, often called chrome steel. This is used for reasons of cost and durability. Bearings are also made from other materials such as stainless steel, ceramics and plastic.

What products use ball bearings?

These 10 Things in Your Home Have Bearings in Them
  • Microwave. Bearings are perfect for reducing friction on objects that rotate. ...
  • Swivel chairs and stools. ...
  • Food processor. ...
  • Drawers. ...
  • Toys. ...
  • Exercise equipment. ...
  • DVD player. ...
  • Washer and dryer.

What lubricant can I use for skate bearings?

For skating in the rain where roll speed is less important than keeping water out, we recommend something like a Marine grease or engine grease - the thick green or blue stuff that you get out of a grease gun or in a tub. Pack your bearings full of grease and they will last a lot longer!

Can you use olive oil as lube?

Olive oil is a thick, smooth liquid, and people can technically use any liquid or gel as a sexual lubricant. However, some options — including olive oil — may not be ideal. People should avoid using olive oil because it can damage latex condoms and dental dams.

How do you lubricate skateboard bearings at home?

Use 1-2 drops of oil (not more, as it will attract dirt) or 3 mm grease evenly distributed around in the bearing. Make sure that the oil/grease is distributed well by spinning the bearings (can be done very effectively by mounting the bearing on a drilling machine).

How to restore skateboard bearings?

If you can find a spray-on degreaser, you can blast all the crap out of your bearings to great effect. Lemon juice works well too! Soak your bearings in your chosen liquid try putting the bearings in a jam jar and shake the bejeezus out of them for about 2 minutes, then rinse them with some more clean solvent.

How tight should skateboard wheels be?

You shouldn't be able to move the axle nut with your fingers. When you jiggle the wheel, it shouldn't move more than about the thickness of a 5c coin- as in, just enough room to where the bearing isn't pressed against the axle and can therefore move freely but attached safely and secured.

Is WD-40 bad for wheel bearings?

Again, it is unlikely that WD40 would meet these requirements as a lubricant. Third, depending on the operating environment, the bearing will be prone to corrosion, particularly rusting. Nearly all lubricants contain specific additives called rust inhibitors to counteract this.

How to fix a bad wheel bearing?

How to replace a car wheel bearing?
  1. Preparation: Ensure you have a replacement wheel bearing suitable for your vehicle. ...
  2. Raise the vehicle: ...
  3. Remove the wheel and brake assembly: ...
  4. Remove the old wheel bearing: ...
  5. Install the new wheel bearing: ...
  6. Reassemble the brake assembly and wheel: ...
  7. Lower the vehicle: ...
  8. Torque the lug nuts:

What is one of the first signs of bearing failure?

A sure sign that your bearing has failed is vibration. If the raceway surface of the bearing becomes damaged by abrasion, the rolling elements (the balls or rollers) will bounce around on the raceway surface during operation, causing high levels of vibration.

Will your wheel fall off with a bad wheel bearing?

Wheel bearings connect your car's wheels to axles. They're steel rings with small, lubricated steel balls inside them that allow the wheels to spin at high speeds with minimal friction. Although rare, faulty bearings can cause an entire wheel to fall off your car while you're driving.

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