You don’t want to be in a situation where you are cruising along, minding your business, and enjoying a beautiful day, only to have the trucks on your longboard break because of bad bushings. Understanding when you should replace your longboard bushings guarantees that it will never happen again.
Longboard Trucks
To better understand the bushings of your longboard, you should learn about every component of its trucks. The trucks are the T-shaped pieces on the underside of your board that attach the wheels. Longboard trucks are vastly different from a typical skateboard’s trucks because they must be wide enough to accommodate the longboard’s size. There are two trucks on every longboard, which are measurable by the width of two of the main parts of the trucks: the axle and hanger.
Here are some terms to familiarize yourself with:
- Axle:a long pin that runs between the hanger and attaches the wheels.
- Hanger:the largest portion of the trucks. It’s shaped in a triangle and supports the axle.
- Kingpin: the large bolt that inserts into the bushings and connects the skate truck pieces. Hollow kingpins have become more popularsince they weigh less but are as durable and robust.
- Bushings: urethane rings around the kingpin, allowing your board to pivot and turn easily.
Bushing Concerns
Bushings typically wear down at some point, causing your trucks to become wobbly, resulting in wheelbite. Inspect the bushings, and if you notice they are crushed or split on either side, don’t hesitate to replace them because it will improve your ride.
Ideally, the bushings should match the brand of your trucks so you know they’ll fit together nicely. However, some bushings will fit well with any trucks.
How To Change Your Bushings
If you conclude that your current bushings have seen better days, you can replace them. Here is how:
- Disconnect the kingpin nut using a 12-inchwrench or specified skatetool to change the bushings. Remove the ragged topwasher and bushing, followed by the hangar. Repeat the same process for the bottom bushing.
- Add the new washers and bushings, with the thicker of the two bushings at the bottom. Reattach the hanger to the kingpin and pivot. Lastly, use the smaller washers and bushings towards the top.
- Connect the kingpin nut to the kingpin.
Your first few rides may be squeaky and clunky. However, it should only take a few sessions to break them in.
Knowing when you should replace your longboard bushings allows you to ride confidently every time, relinquishing any trepidation that your trucks will break. You can grab the best DB longboards and a wide array of trucks at The Longboard Store to ensure you never have to go a day without riding.
