Hey folks, welcome to the world of skateboarding, where the only thing more exhilarating than the ride is the inevitable crash when your trucks give out. Now, I know you might be thinking, “I’m just a beginner; I don’t need to worry about that yet,” but let me tell you, if you’re not regularly inspecting and replacing your trucks, you’re skating on thin ice, my friends. Trust me.
In this article, we’ll explain the importance of regularly inspecting your trucks, the signs that they need to be replaced, and how to replace them so you can keep riding smoothly and steadily. So, let’s get started, shall we?
When should I replace skate trucks? The recommended time frame for replacing trucks is every 6 to 12 months, depending on the frequency of use and the rider’s weight, skill level, and riding style. Check the trucks regularly for signs of wear and tear and replace them immediately if needed.
How do I know if my bushings are worn out about skateboarding?
The bushings are the small rubber pieces that act as a cushion between the hanger and the baseplate. They help to absorb shock and vibrations and provide stability to the skateboard. Unfortunately, when they become worn out, they can’t provide the same support and stability as when they were new.
As a skateboarder, you should check the condition of your bushings often to ensure they give you the support and stability you need. Worn-out bushings can cause several problems, like a lack of control and responsiveness while skating, which makes it hard to do tricks and moves.
…check their bushings regularly, at least every six months, to ensure they provide the necessary support and stability.
Wiggle the hanger side to side to see if your bushings are worn out. If there is excessive play, then it’s likely that the bushings are worn out and need to be replaced. A good way to know if the bushings are worn out is by seeing if the truck is harder to turn than usual.
Another sign of worn-out bushings is if the truck feels loose and unstable while riding. A Skateboarder should check their bushings regularly, at least every six months, to ensure they provide the necessary support and stability. Skateboarders who ride frequently should check their bushings more frequently.
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What are the signs of a bent or broken kingpin concerning skateboarding?
Another sign that your trucks need to be replaced as a skateboarder is a bent or broken kingpin. The kingpin is the large metal bolt that holds the hanger in place, and when it becomes bent or broken, it can cause the trucks to become unstable and unpredictable.
This can lead to a loss of stability and control while skating, making it difficult to stay on your board and perform tricks. To check for a bent or broken kingpin, look for any visible damage or deformities on the kingpin. If there is any, then it’s time to replace the trucks. In addition, a bent or broken kingpin can cause the trucks to become loose and move around excessively, which can cause the skateboarder to lose control of the board.

How often should I replace my trucks as a skateboarder?
The recommended frequency for replacing trucks as a skateboarder varies depending on several factors. The rider’s weight, skill level, and riding style can all impact the truck’s lifespan. For example, a heavier rider or someone who skates frequently may need to replace their trucks more often than a lighter rider or someone who skates less frequently.
Some factors that can affect the lifespan of trucks include the rider’s weight, skill level, and riding style. For example, a heavier rider or someone who skates frequently may wear out their trucks more quickly, whereas a lighter rider or someone who skates less frequently may need to replace their trucks less often.
Additionally, riding style can also affect how long trucks last. For example, a street skater may wear out their trucks faster than park skaters due to the rough surface and obstacles they encounter.
What are the potential dangers of riding on worn-out trucks?
Riding on worn-out trucks can be extremely dangerous, as they can fail unexpectedly and cause you to lose control of your skateboard. Worn-out trucks can also make it difficult to perform tricks and maneuvers, leading to injuries.
Additionally, if the bushings are worn out, it can make the skateboard less stable and harder to control, which can cause accidents. So, if you want to be safe while skateboarding, you should check your trucks often and replace them when necessary.
How to replace trucks?
When choosing trucks, it’s important to consider your deck’s width and riding style. You’ll want to use wider trucks if you have a wider deck. If you’re into street skating, you’ll want to use a narrower truck for more maneuverability. And if you’re into cruising, you’ll want a wider truck for more stability.
Also, consider the truck’s height, which you can figure out by measuring the distance between the baseplate and the hanger. Low trucks provide more stability, and high trucks provide more maneuverability.
- First, you’ll need to remove your old trucks. This can be done using a skate tool or a regular Phillips head screwdriver.
- Next, you’ll want to measure the width of your deck to determine the appropriate truck width.
- Once you have your new trucks, you’ll want to attach their new trucks to the deck.
- Finally, you’ll want to adjust the tightness of the trucks to your personal preference by tightening or loosening the kingpin nut.
Remember, checking the manufacturer’s recommendations for your trucks is always best. But overall, replacing trucks can be a quick and easy process that can greatly improve your skateboarding experience.
If you want even more tips and insights, watch this video called “When Should You Get New Skateboard Trucks? | Tactics” from the Tactics Boardshop YouTube channel.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do you still have questions? Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about skate trucks.
How often should I replace my skateboard trucks?
It depends on the rider’s weight, skill level, and riding style, but it is generally recommended to replace trucks every 6-12 months.
What are the signs that my trucks need to be replaced?
Signs that your trucks need to be replaced include excessive play or looseness in the hanger, worn-out bushings, and difficulty maintaining control while riding.
How do I know which trucks are right for my riding style?
When choosing trucks, consider factors such as the width of your deck and the riding you will be doing. For example, wider trucks are better for stability, while narrower trucks are better for maneuverability.
Is it dangerous to continue riding on worn-out trucks?
Yes, riding on worn-out trucks can lead to losing control and stability, making it dangerous for the rider and potentially causing accidents. Therefore, it is important to replace worn-out trucks as soon as possible.
Conclusion
So there you have it, folks, all the information you need to keep your trucks in tip-top shape. Trucks are the backbone of your skateboard; without them, you’re just pushing around a plank of wood. So do all those inspections, and always roll on the freshest set of trucks.
So, how often do you replace your skate truck? And did I cover everything you wanted to know? Let me know in the comments section below (I read and reply to every comment). If you found this article helpful, share it with a friend, and check out my full blog for more tips and tricks on skateboarding. Thanks for reading, and never stop shredding.
This article covered when to replace skate trucks. Here are some key takeaways:
Key takeaways
- It is recommended to replace trucks every 6 to 12 months or when they show signs of wear and tear.
- As a Skateboarder, it’s important to regularly check the condition of your bushings to ensure they provide the necessary support and stability for your skating.
- Another sign that your trucks need to be replaced as a Skateboarder is a bent or broken kingpin.
- Regularly inspecting your trucks can help prolong their lifespan and save you money in the long run.
- Factors such as rider weight, skill level, and riding style can affect the lifespan of trucks.
- When choosing new trucks, consider size, width, and turning radius to match your skateboard and riding style.
- Regularly inspecting trucks can help ensure that you are always riding safely.
- Importance of regular inspection is crucial for skateboarding safety and prolonging the life of trucks.