Converting to Precision Bearings

BretMan · November 18th, 2019, 09:45 PM

I picked up a nice old pair of skates with Chicago plates and Hyde boots. And they're loose bearing! Cleaned them up, lubed the ball bearings and they skated well. But I was wondering about converting them to precision bearings.

It's been a long time since I messed with loose bearings! Will a 7mm bearing fit the axles? Or would I need to replace the axles with something a different diameter?

Thanks!

Tislord · November 19th, 2019, 06:58 PM

Depends upon the current axle but most of them can be converted. Pics?

BretMan · November 19th, 2019, 09:11 PM

I'll have to work on getting pics. They're just typical loose ball bearing wheels, with two cones, one on each side of the wheel. If memory serves from the last time I worked on loose bearing wheels (30 years ago!) axles are all threaded, 5/16" thread???

rwsz · November 23rd, 2019, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BretMan

I'll have to work on getting pics. They're just typical loose ball bearing wheels, with two cones, one on each side of the wheel. If memory serves from the last time I worked on loose bearing wheels (30 years ago!) axles are all threaded, 5/16" thread???

sometimes u have to replace axles to get the bearings to fit.

fierocious1 · November 24th, 2019, 06:51 PM

This is Doc Skates page. When asking questions in here, he answers first.

BretMan · November 25th, 2019, 02:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rwsz

sometimes u have to replace axles to get the bearings to fit.

That's what I was thinking, but since the last pair of skates I converted was around 1980...couldn't remember.

Loose ball axle is 9/32" (.281" ) and 7mm is .276" ...so it might be a snug fit!

I might just leave these as is, all original, as a relic of the past. I skated them last week and they work perfectly. Besides, I picked up a new project this week...some old school Riedell 265's with XK4 plates, Hartford bearings, and Zingers! Basically the same set up I used back in the 70's and 80's. I'm trying to get them ready to skate next weekend.

Tislord · November 25th, 2019, 09:23 PM

Sorry about the reply. I did not realize which posts I was on. Yes Doc is amazing and will chime in I am sure.

rwsz · November 28th, 2019, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fierocious1

This is Doc Skates page. When asking questions in here, he answers first.

yes he does most of the time,,,,but I have permission

Doc Sk8 · November 30th, 2019, 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rwsz

yes he does most of the time,,,,but I have permission

Rick has permission.

Doc Sk8 · November 30th, 2019, 11:49 PM

I have yet to run into a loose ball axle that that will fit inside a "typical" modern 7mm (627) bearing. That said, I just changed the axles on a Cleveland 400. It had precision bearings, but they looked like something out of the skateboard universe w/ a built in spacer. Same axle OD as a loose ball but not a loose ball axle. No flat on the end and not threaded across. Looked like a regular axle.

Now as far as your old XK4s.... I have seen those w/ loose ball axles as well. The old ones had the short height trucks too, which do not like 62mm wheels.

rwsz · December 1st, 2019, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doc Sk8

Rick has permission.

thanks and I agree with u on the axles,,,,,hope all is well

November 18th, 2019, 09:45 PM	#1
BretMan Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 84	Converting to Precision Bearings I picked up a nice old pair of skates with Chicago plates and Hyde boots. And they're loose bearing! Cleaned them up, lubed the ball bearings and they skated well. But I was wondering about converting them to precision bearings. It's been a long time since I messed with loose bearings! Will a 7mm bearing fit the axles? Or would I need to replace the axles with something a different diameter? Thanks!

November 24th, 2019, 06:51 PM	#5
fierocious1 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Texas Posts: 6,334	Be aware This is Doc Skates page. When asking questions in here, he answers first. __________________ Dims = promoting and carrying out baby deaths. Collusion, whistleblower, fakepeachment,fake reality and you're a racist!

November 30th, 2019, 11:49 PM	#10
Doc Sk8 Yankee Catfish Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Big hill on Mars Posts: 12,156	Now back to the original question. I have yet to run into a loose ball axle that that will fit inside a "typical" modern 7mm (627) bearing. That said, I just changed the axles on a Cleveland 400. It had precision bearings, but they looked like something out of the skateboard universe w/ a built in spacer. Same axle OD as a loose ball but not a loose ball axle. No flat on the end and not threaded across. Looked like a regular axle. Now as far as your old XK4s.... I have seen those w/ loose ball axles as well. The old ones had the short height trucks too, which do not like 62mm wheels. __________________ "The difference between good skates and great skates comes from knowing where to get the numbers."

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November 19th, 2019, 06:58 PM	#2
Tislord Member Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Bushnell, Illinois Posts: 52	Depends upon the current axle but most of them can be converted. Pics?

November 19th, 2019, 09:11 PM	#3
BretMan Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 84	I'll have to work on getting pics. They're just typical loose ball bearing wheels, with two cones, one on each side of the wheel. If memory serves from the last time I worked on loose bearing wheels (30 years ago!) axles are all threaded, 5/16" thread???

November 25th, 2019, 09:23 PM	#7
Tislord Member Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Bushnell, Illinois Posts: 52	Sorry about the reply. I did not realize which posts I was on. Yes Doc is amazing and will chime in I am sure.