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Buying Guide - Bearings |
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Bearings are cylindrical housings that an axle fits through allowing free wheel movemnt of the caster, wheel, or caster fork stem. Bearings are often overlooked when changing a caster or tire but they should'nt be as they wear just as much as a tire. Best practice is to change the bearings when doing a tire/caster change. Before ordering, note the following information:
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Bearing size? Many bearings have a bearing reference number stamped on the side making it easy. If no reference number is found, you'll need to measure the inside and outside dimension of the bearing. If you are ordering casters, we have an option to purchase the bearings with the caster.
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Bearing type? Caster, rear wheel, or stem bearing (for the caster fork stem)
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Axle size? Measure the diameter of the axle (the part that slides through the bearings) or you can measure the inside diameter of the bearing
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| Some Things To Check Before Ordering Bearings |
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Spin the casters to see if they spin freely - Inspect them closely for hair and other debris that may be caught or wrapped around the axle preventing them from moving freely
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Look at the caster forks - are they straight and even? A bent caster fork can cause the chair to not roll easily or straight. You can also give the chair a shove on even ground - it should roll straight. If not, you may need caster forks instead of bearings
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The caster fork should rotate freely without being wobly - a wobly caster fork usually means the caster stem bearing is worn out or the stem is not properly tightened. It could also mean that the fork is bent and needs replacing. Also make sure the dust cap is securely in place (ontop of the stem) - this prevents debris and liquids from falling into the stem bearing
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Do you hear noises when the casters are turning? That is an indication on worn beaaings. Bearings should be changed every time tires are changed (or casters) - never re-use exissting bearings
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| Installation |
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Remove the old bearings by pushing a screwdriver into the center of the bearing on one side to push out the bearing on the other side. Turn the caster or wheel over to do the same for the other. There may be a spacer in between the bearings - save for later reinstallation. Most bearings seat into the space with little effort but some require a gentle pounding to get them in. A rubber mallet works well for this (for casters and wheels, use a cloth on both sides to prevent damage to the caster or wheel). Do one side, re-insert the spacer if you had one before, turn over and repeat. When reinstalling the axle and tightening, take care not to over tighten as this can put undue strain on the bearings.
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| Other Buying Guides |
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