How far to disassemble bearings?

[a-cut-above]

For cleaning, is it necessary to completely disassemble bearings, separating the races and balls, or just take off the shield(s) and run them through a cleaning solution? I see both methods touted equally when I search the topic. One vendor at the Duluth NSIM said totally disassembling bearings was old fashioned and unnecessary, another said his bearings shields were easily removable so the bearings could be disassembled for cleaning.
Reassembling is tedious and doesn't go smoothly each time but I'll do it if it is really better. (Sometimes the balls and races don't move smoothly after I reassemble them.)

[Mort]

Depends on the retainers.

Plastic retainers have deeper pockets, and often harbour dirt in there even after extensive cleaning.

The bearings in my skates only have 1 seal on the open side of a plastic retainer.

I use dawn and a tooth brush , scrubbing both sides and spinning the bearing rinse it under hot water while spinning to make sure it feels clean.

Then I remove the plastic cages and clean them, toothbrush and dawn again, making sure to get the gunk out of the ball pockets. Reassemble them So I ning them dry and using a hair dryer. Oil them

Also remember to clean seals or shields, as they can accumulate debris as well.

It can't be too clean.

[likkwid]

Also depends on how committed and patient you are to the task....

There have been (numerous) times that I have taken them apart down to individual balls and races, cleaning and polishing everything...

You don't HAVE to, but do you WANT to?

[wired]

Take the shields off and put 8 at a time in one of these with acetone



Shake vigorously. Put the other 8 in and shake. Change acetone, shake, change bearings, shake, leave acetone in cleaner for next set.

Pop shields back in and lube.

Or just get new bearings. Most of the time it seems to me by the time they really need lube (rink skating) there is at least one bearing going south. Qube 8-ball bearings are reasonable and last a lot longer for me than Bones Reds.

.

[fierocious1]

Originally Posted by likkwid

Also depends on how committed and patient you are to the task....

There have been (numerous) times that I have taken them apart down to individual balls and races, cleaning and polishing everything...

You don't HAVE to, but do you WANT to?

Id rather work on my girl friends body than skate bearings, but some have different priorities! To have nasty bearings you must skate nasty places, or run without shields. Spend your time wisely, once its gone you dont get it back.

[BPTS]

Originally Posted by fierocious1

Id rather work on my girl friends body than skate bearings, but some have different priorities! To have nasty bearings you must skate nasty places, or run without shields. Spend your time wisely, once its gone you dont get it back.

Pics of girlfriend?

[fierocious1]

Originally Posted by BPTS

Pics of girlfriend?

Ill have to look for a non-Rerengi type pic.... You know Ferengi rules.....