In my opinion XRAY bearings are very good and last very long. I have raced hundreds of packs with the same bearings and practiced as well. But if you want to be sure they are running free all the time,do this:
1- Take the covers off carefully and spray some cleaner like brake cleaner ( same as used often to clean tires) to the bearing.
2- Put the bearing to axle where it belongs and try if its running well now. Usually they do. If not, try more cleaner and try the bearing again.
3- Put some ball bearing oil to the bearing and try it on where it belongs. It should be running smoothly now.( If still not, replace the bearing.)
4 -Put covers on 1 side at the time and try the bearing again. If the cover has twisted or isn't fitting to its placethe bearing feels like it is broken. This is usually the reason for "bad bearing". Replace the cover with another one if available OR if bearings are from steering blocks or rear hubs, they can be used with only one cover on. So you can leave the inner cover off if the bearing is running more freely without another cover. But do not ever leave the outer cover off otherwise it collects all the dust.
I normally take the inner cover off from my race car whenI built it as it makes the car run more freely. But this is not a must.
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Vesa
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