What's the difference between bearings that have Shields and bearings with Seals ?
Last Updated: 08/23/2011
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*A Shield is a bearing side cover made of metal and is fixed into place with a C clip. Shielded Bearing the C clip holds the Shield snugly to the bearing against the outer race. The Shield fits snugly to the outer race but does not contact the inner race at all. Because the Shield does not contact the inner race, the Shield does not introduce any bearing rolling friction. So, there is a small gap between the inner side of the Shield and the outer side of the inner race. This gap allows dirt, grime and other contaminants to enter the bearing. You will know when a bearing becomes contaminated when you feel and hear a sandy grind when you spin the bearing. Because of this gap, Shielded bearings are known for higher maintenance. If you skate or skateboard in a clean environment (indoors) or don't mind servicing your bearing often, then Shielded bearings are the way to go. The Shielded bearing is the most common bearing found on new skates and skateboards.
*A Seal is a bearing side cover made of metal with a rubber coating. The Sealed bearing does Sealed Bearing not us a C clip. The Seal is pressed and fits snugly into place on the outer race and makes very light contact on the outer side of the inner race. Because the rubber seal makes light contact to the inner race a small amount of bearing rolling friction is introduced. The amount of friction introduced is minimal and is not generally noticed. Because no gaps are present between the Seal and races, dirt, grim and other contaminants are not allowed into the bearing, giving you many hours of maintenance free skating or skateboarding. If you skate or skateboard in a dirty environment or do not want to service your bearings then a bearing with Seals is the way to go. The Seal on a Sealed bearing can easily be removed in case service is required.
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