Squeaky skateboard trucks can be annoying and even embarrassing when you’re out in public. Not only are they loud, but they also draw unwanted attention to your board and skills.
If left unchecked, squeaking can also damage the components on your skateboard, leading to more costly repairs down the road. Fortunately, there are things you can do to fix squeaky skateboard trucks and get back to enjoying your ride.
Using the right techniques to fix squeaky skateboard trucks can be beneficial in several ways. One of the main advantages is that it can save you money. Investing in new or replacement parts for your skateboard truck can become quite expensive, particularly if you have multiple sets.
Fixing troublesome squeaks can also give you a sense of satisfaction, as you can take credit for the job yourself. You can find step-by-step instructions on how to fix squeaky skateboard trucks in this blog article.
What Causes Skateboard Trucks to Squeak?
Skateboard trucks are the metal axles and bearing assemblies that attach the wheels to the board. Skateboard trucks tend to squeak when they become loose, corroded, or dirty.
Friction between components can also cause a squeaking noise and improper lubrication or debris clogging up the works. If you hear a squeaking sound coming from your skateboard, it means one of these issues is happening and must be addressed.
The most common culprits behind squeaky skateboard trucks are either old, worn-down components or lack of lubrication. The bushings that allow the axles to rotate freely can wear down over time and start to squeak.
If they haven’t been lubricated in a while, dirt, and debris can build up and cause them to grind against each other. In either case, the solution is to properly clean and lubricate the truck components.
Step-by-step Instructions for How to Fix Squeaky Skateboard Trucks
Step 1: Inspect the Truck
Before you begin, look carefully at the truck and identify its components. Check for any loose nuts or bolts that could be causing the squeakiness. If all of your hardware looks in place, chances are you will need to take the wheels off the truck to access other parts of it. You can use a skate tool or a wrench to do this.
Step 2: Apply Lubricant
Once the wheels have been removed, you can apply lubricant to the axles and the pivot cups of the truck. This will help reduce any squeaking noises that may be coming from these parts. If you have worn bushings, it’s time to replace them. You can find replacement parts at any skate shop or online.
Step 3: Replace Ball Bearings
If the ball bearings of your truck are worn out, you will need to replace them as well. Again, these parts can be found easily at most skate shops or online. Once all the parts have been replaced and lubricated, reassemble the wheels onto the truck, ensuring all bolts are tightened securely.
Step 4: Test Ride Your Board
After your skateboard is reassembled, take it for a test ride to make sure that everything is working properly. If your skateboard still squeaks, you may need to repeat some of the steps above. The kingpin is what holds the truck together and can cause squeaking if it’s loose. Make sure to tighten it up so that it doesn’t cause any further issues.
Step 5: Tighten the Nuts and Bolts
Check all the nuts and bolts on your skateboard to ensure they’re tightened securely. Loose ones can also contribute to squeaking noises. If you have followed these steps, you should now have a squeak-free ride.
By following these steps, you can easily fix a squeaky skateboard truck. Be sure to inspect and replace any worn components, and use lubricant in the right places.
Safety Precautions for How to Fix Squeaky Skateboard Trucks
- Wear safety goggles and gloves to protect your eyes and hands while working on the squeaky skateboard trucks. Make sure to also wear long pants and closed-toed shoes in case of any slipping or dropping of tools.
- Gather all necessary tools before starting, such as a skate tool, screwdriver, Allen key, and rag. Having all these tools close by is important to complete the job quickly and safely.
- Before attempting any repairs or adjustments on your skateboard trucks, make sure you have read through all instruction manuals that come with them carefully.
- Carefully inspect each of the screws, nuts, and bolts on the skateboard truck for any signs of wear or tear. If there is any damage to these components, replace them with new ones that match the originals.
- Ensure all screws, nuts, and bolts are tightened securely without over-tightening them so they can be used safely and don’t cause further damage to the skateboard trucks.
- Apply a thin coat of lubricants such as WD-40, oil, or grease to any squeaky parts of the skateboard truck after all adjustments have been made. This will help reduce further squeaks and prevent rust buildup.
- When repairs are completed, and all tools have been put away, test out the skateboard truck for any squeaks or other problems.
These safety precautions are important to follow when attempting to fix squeaky skateboard trucks.
Are There Any Common Mistakes to Avoid When Addressing the Issue?
When attempting to fix squeaky skateboard trucks, there are several common mistakes that should be avoided. Firstly, over-tightening the trucks is a mistake often made by DIYers, which can further damage the truck and cause it to become even noisier.
Secondly, using inadequate lubricants such as WD-40 or silicone oil can also cause additional squeaking or provide only temporary relief. Lastly, using the wrong type of screws and nuts can lead to further detachment of parts, making fixing the issue even more difficult.
Therefore, it is important to take extra care when attempting to fix a noisy skateboard truck in order to ensure that no damage is done to the truck and that the issue is resolved.
It is also advisable to consult a skateboard mechanic or technician if you are unsure of how to proceed. They will be able to advise you on the best way to fix your squeaky trucks and ensure that they remain in good condition for years to come.
Is It Important to Maintain Your Skateboard Truck Regularly to Prevent Issues Such as Squeaking?
Yes, regular maintenance is important for skateboard trucks, especially if you’re an avid skater.
This helps to keep all parts running smoothly and prevents squeaking or any other annoying noises. Here are some tips on how to prevent squeaking, as well as fix it when it does happen:
- Lubricate the Kingpin: The kingpin is the main pivot point of the truck, and it can be easily lubricated to reduce squeaking. Use a good quality lubricant such as WD-40 or mineral oil.
- Tighten Loose Hardware: Check all of your skateboard’s nuts and bolts for any signs of wear, rust, or damage. Tighten them if needed to ensure a secure fit and reduce squeaking.
- Clean the Bushing Cone: The bushing cone is what holds the bushings in place on the truck, and it can become dirty over time. Use an old toothbrush and some mild soap to clean off any built-up dirt and grime.
- Replace Old Bushings: Worn-out bushings are a common cause of squeaking, so replacing these when necessary is important. You can buy new bushings from your local skate shop or online.
By following these simple tips, you should be able to stop any squeaks coming from your skateboard truck and keep it running smoothly.
Are There Any Other Potential Issues to Look Out for When Inspecting a Skateboard Truck for Squeaks or Other Problems?
If a squeak persists after lubricating the pivot cup, there may be other issues with the skateboard truck that should be taken into consideration. For starters, make sure all of the nuts and bolts associated with your skateboard truck are tight and secure.
Loose nuts or bolts can cause vibrations and rattles as you ride down the street. Additionally, look at the kingpin nut on the underside of the skateboard truck. It should be tight so that it doesn’t move or shift as you turn and carve.
Another potential cause for squeaks or other issues with your skateboard trucks could be worn bushings and pivot cups. Bushings are rubber washers used inside skateboard trucks to absorb shock and vibration.
Over time, these bushings can wear down from regular use and should be replaced if they are cracked or worn out. Pivot cups also receive a lot of wear and tear, so inspecting them periodically for signs of damage or wear is important. If you find any cracks or chips in the pivot cup, replacing them with a new one would be best.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is relatively easy to fix squeaky skateboard trucks. The trick is to identify the source of the squeaking, which could be due to loose nuts and bolts, worn bushings, or misaligned axles. All these problems can be solved with some simple tools like a skate tool, wrenches, and an Allen key.
Once you have identified and solved the problem, make sure to lubricate your trucks regularly in order to prevent any future squeaking. I hope reading this post has helped you learn how to fix squeaky skateboard trucks. Make sure the safety precautions are carried out in the order listed.