ILQ-9 FAQs

Classic with removable shield and C-clip

Pro with nylon retainer

Pro with rubber shield

Classic or Pro?

The ILQ-9 Classic bearing is sealed on both sides with specially fitted metal shields which sit in an undercut outer raceway and are held in place by a removable C-clip. This forms a barrier which keeps lubricant in and contamination out.

ILQ-9 Classic bearings should provide many thousands of kilometers of trouble-free use, even if you occasionally ride through dirt or rain. They're not as easy to clean as a bearing with a removable nylon shield, but in case servicing is necessary, it can still be accomplished by releasing the C-clip on one side with a pin and taking off the shield before cleaning, lubricating, and reassembling. To remove the shield on one side, run a pin around the outside of the shield until it catches under the clip and pop it out, then tap the bearing upside down to release the shield. To put it back, lay the shield on top of the bearing until it seats in the groove of the outer race, then lay the C-clip on top, starting with one end underneath the overhang, and clipping the other end back into place with your finger or with the aid of a pin.

ILQ-9 Pro's are currently sealed on one side with a metal shield, soon to be replaced by a custom-designed S-Channel rubber shield (SCRS), which will provide superior protection from contamination and do an even better job at keeping light oil lubricants inside.

S-channel diagram

The nylon retainer on the other side of the ILQ-9 Pro bearings is shaped like a crown and keeps the balls properly spaced in the raceway. When servicing is necessary, the nylon retainer is easily removed by gently prying it open with a pin and pulling it out with your fingers. You can get under the retainer with the pin by inserting it in between the nylon retainer and the outer ring directly over one of the balls. It doesn't afford the same protection as a metal or rubber shield, but if it's facing inward and the wheel hub has the correct tolerance, the bearing's interior integrity will not be compromised.

The ILQ-9 line

Why are 6 balls better than 7?

Because there's less contact area between the balls and the raceway, ILQ-9's spin with less friction than any other inline bearing. With larger balls, there's also less void space inside, so the bearing can be filled with less lubrication. Less lubrication means more free spin.

Additionally, the larger balls (4.5 mm diameter) allow ILQ-9's to handle greater loading rates. This means they are superior for heavier skaters, or stressful activities like hockey, aggressive skating, or high-speed pushing and cornering.

Assembled ILQ-9

Exploded view

Why are ILQ-9 bearings better than ABEC?

ILQ-9's go beyond ABEC rating in terms of performance, durability, design, and materials. Since ABEC only measures precision tolerance, ABEC-7 bearings can be made out of inferior steel as long as they are accurate enough. The all-new 6-ball ILQ-9 has only one standard: the best. ILQ-9 considers precision tolerance plus other variables like design features, lubrication, and quality of materials.

What design features set ILQ-9's apart?

TWINCAM designed the first undercut to keep bearings cleaner, longer. The Classic undercut is a grooved notch on the inner face of the raceways onto which shield is seated and clipped. It forms a protecive barrier that prohibits lubrication from leaking out and contaminants from coming in. If you hold up a TWINCAM bearing to the light, you'll see how tight the seal is because there won't be any light leaks like with other bearings that don't have an undercut.

Poorly sealed (no undercut)

Well-sealed ILQ-9 (w/undercut)

Which oil is best?

Performance demands on inline bearings actually exceed the capabilities of petroleum based lubricants, so oil is not the answer. A synthetically based lubricant like patented TK Gel has the protective qualities of a grease but the spinning characteristics of a light oil.

Synthetic ILQ-9 K9 Racing Oil is extremely thin but won't put the bearing into boundary conditions at high operating temperatures. An ILQ-9 Pro bearing with K9 lubrication has the longest free spin of any bearing on the market, at 95.76 seconds.

What's the difference between grease and oil?

Oil has got a certain free spin for a certain period of time, but it will dry out relatively soon, or fail at high operating temperatures. Performance demands on inline bearings actually exceed the capabilities of petroleum based lubricants, so oil is not the answer.

Grease is simply oil with a thickening agent added. A grease is only as good as the oil from which it's made. TWINCAM uses lithium, not soap or clay, to hold the oil in suspension. At normal operating temperatures and revolutions, when the resistance to motion exceeds the plastic deformation point of the grease, grease will have the same performance characteristics as just the oil alone.

What's the function of a grease?

A lubricant like grease covers up contact points and prevents metal to metal friction. Grease also forms a layer of insulation. The lithium helps to draw out heat and prevent dangerous heat buildup.

Why is TK Gel so special?

A synthetically based lubricant like patented TK Gel has the protective qualities of a grease but the spinning characteristics of a light oil.

TK Gel is the ultimate specialty grease because it has low fluid resistance but can maintain it's viscosity at high operational temperatures without breaking down. An acrylic polymer additive also reduces operational noise to give you a quieter ride.

TK Gel is also unique because it is absolutely water repellent. The benefits of most greases are totally lost when it's wet because grease will actually attract water and allow it to dissolve inside. TK Gel is unlike all other greases because it contains extremely fine fibers of aluminum stearate which are insoluble in water and alcohol, functioning as a waterproof agent.

Which bearings are better, mini (688) or standard (608) size?

Mini bearings may weigh a few grams less than regular ones, but the wheel hub must be larger to accept a smaller bearing, so the weight savings is actually negligible because the wheel weighs slightly more.

In terms of durability, however, 688 mini bearings are not as good as the 608 size, because they can't handle sustained high side-loading rates, which can lead to heat buildup and cause deformation of the balls and raceway. A mini bearing subject to long-term stresses of skating will get loose and wobbly and lose its performance characteristics. 6-ball ILQ-9's are engineered for increased loading and can last even longer than either a mini bearing or a standard 608 7-ball bearing.

Order ILQ-9's Tour the ILQ-9 DVD Return to ILQ-9 home skatecentral

Copyright 1997 - 2004 Eddy Matzger Collection. All rights reserved worldwide.