Why is My Longboard Not Turning? Top Causes and Easy Fixes
Why Is My Longboard Not Turning?
Longboarding feels smooth and free, until your board stops turning the way you want. Many riders face this problem—your longboard goes straight, but struggles to carve or make sharp turns. Maybe you push harder, but the board barely responds. If your longboard isn’t turning, the ride becomes frustrating, especially for beginners who want control and confidence.
Let’s break down the reasons why your longboard might not be turning, how to fix it, and what you can do to improve your ride.
Understanding How Longboards Turn
Before looking for solutions, it’s helpful to know how turning works. When you lean on your board, the trucks (metal parts holding the wheels) pivot, changing the direction of the wheels. This pivot lets your board carve left or right. If anything stops the trucks from moving, your board won’t turn well.
Longboards are built for stability, but they should still turn smoothly. If your board feels stiff or doesn’t respond, something is blocking the turning mechanism.
Common Reasons Your Longboard Is Not Turning
Several factors can make your longboard hard to turn. Some are simple fixes, others require more attention.
1. Tight Trucks
The most common reason is tight trucks. Trucks have a kingpin nut—if it’s too tight, the trucks won’t pivot easily. Beginners often tighten trucks for stability, but it limits turning.
How to check: Stand on your board and lean. If it feels rigid, loosen the kingpin nut slightly. Start with a quarter turn and test the board.
2. Hard Bushings
Bushings are small rubber parts inside the trucks. If you have hard bushings, they resist movement. Hard bushings are good for downhill speed, but bad for turning.
Solution: Switch to softer bushings for easier turns. Most boards use bushings rated by durometer (hardness). For more turning, use bushings around 78A–90A.
3. Old Or Damaged Bushings
Bushings wear out over time. Cracked, dry, or misshaped bushings lose flexibility. This makes turning rough or nearly impossible.
Tip: Inspect bushings for damage. Replace them if you see cracks or if they feel hard and brittle.
4. Wrong Truck Type
Longboards use different truck styles. Reverse kingpin trucks turn better than traditional kingpin trucks. If your board has traditional trucks, turning may be limited.
Example: Cruiser boards often use traditional kingpin trucks for tricks, not carving. For smooth turns, consider switching to reverse kingpin trucks.
5. Deck Shape And Flex
The shape and flex of your board also matter. Stiff decks (no flex) don’t help with turns. Boards made for downhill racing are stiff and flat.
Flexible decks bend as you lean, giving more turning power. If your board is stiff, you may need to lean harder or consider a flexible deck for easier carving.
6. Wheelbase Length
The wheelbase is the distance between your trucks. Longer wheelbases mean more stability but less turning. Short wheelbases turn quicker.
Quick check: Measure your wheelbase. If it’s over 30 inches, your board will be less responsive. Choose a board with a shorter wheelbase if you want sharp turns.
7. Wheel Size And Shape
Large wheels (over 70mm) are fast but harder to turn. Square wheels grip well, but don’t slide or turn easily. Round wheels help with easier turning.
Advice: If you want more turning, use wheels between 65–70mm with round edges.
8. Poor Maintenance
Dirt, rust, or old parts can block movement. If your trucks, bushings, or pivot cups are dirty, they won’t work smoothly.
Maintenance tip: Clean your trucks regularly. Apply a small amount of lubricant to moving parts.
Comparing Key Factors That Affect Turning
To better understand which parts matter most for turning, here’s a comparison of key factors:
| Factor | Effect on Turning | Recommended for Easy Turns |
|---|---|---|
| Truck Tightness | High impact | Loose, but not unstable |
| Bushing Hardness | High impact | Soft bushings (78A–90A) |
| Deck Flex | Medium impact | Flexible deck |
| Wheelbase | Medium impact | Short wheelbase (<30″) |
| Wheel Size | Low impact | 65–70mm, round edges |
How To Fix A Longboard That’s Not Turning
Fixing a stubborn longboard is mostly about adjusting and replacing the right parts. Here’s a step-by-step guide to diagnose and solve the problem:
Step 1: Loosen The Trucks
Use a skate tool or wrench to turn the kingpin nut counterclockwise. Loosen it a bit, test the board, and repeat until you find the right balance between turning and stability.
Warning: Don’t loosen too much. Trucks that are too loose can wobble and cause falls.
Step 2: Change The Bushings
If you still have trouble, swap your bushings for softer ones. Most bushings cost $10–$20 and are easy to install.
- Remove the kingpin nut and washer
- Take out old bushings
- Insert new soft bushings
- Reassemble trucks
Step 3: Check For Damage
Look for cracks or wear in bushings, pivot cups, or trucks. Replace any damaged parts. Old pivot cups can block truck movement, so change them if needed.
Step 4: Inspect Truck Type
If your board uses traditional kingpin trucks, consider switching to reverse kingpin trucks. They fit most longboard decks and offer better turning.
Step 5: Review Deck And Wheelbase
If your board is very stiff or has a long wheelbase, it’s harder to turn. If you’re serious about carving or cruising, look for a flexible deck and shorter wheelbase.
Step 6: Clean And Lubricate
Dirt and rust can block turning. Take apart your trucks and clean the pivot area. Use a small amount of skate lubricant.
Step 7: Adjust Your Riding Technique
Sometimes, the issue is not the board—it’s how you ride. Lean more with your body, not just your feet. Practice carving by shifting your weight from toes to heels.
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Comparing Bushings For Turning Performance
Bushings come in different shapes and hardness levels. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Bushing Type | Hardness (Durometer) | Turning Ability | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barrel | 78A–90A | High | Carving, cruising |
| Cone | 85A–95A | Medium | General use |
| Double Barrel | 95A+ | Low | Downhill racing |
Real-world Examples
Let’s look at two riders:
Maria bought her first longboard for campus commuting. Her board wouldn’t turn, even after loosening the trucks. She found her bushings were hard and dry. After changing to soft barrel bushings, she noticed a big improvement.
Jake rides a stiff downhill board with traditional kingpin trucks. He tried to carve, but his board wouldn’t respond. Switching to a flexible deck and reverse kingpin trucks made turning smooth and easy.
Credit: www.reddit.com
Non-obvious Insights Beginners Miss
- Bushings can “break in” over time. When new, bushings feel stiff. After a week of riding, they soften and give more turning. Don’t judge bushings on the first day.
- Pivot cups matter. These tiny plastic cups help trucks pivot. If they’re worn out or dry, your trucks won’t turn—even with loose settings. Replace them every year for smooth carving.
Mistakes To Avoid
- Don’t over-loosen trucks. This causes wobble at speed.
- Don’t mix bushings with different hardness. Always use matching pairs.
- Don’t ignore cleaning. Dirty parts block turning more than you think.
Data: How Truck Tightness Affects Turning
A simple test shows how tightness changes turning:
| Kingpin Nut Turns | Turning Angle (degrees) | Stability |
|---|---|---|
| Fully tight | 5° | Very stable |
| 1/2 turn loose | 15° | Stable |
| 1 turn loose | 25° | Less stable |
| 2 turns loose | 35° | Wobbly |
When To Replace Parts
If you’ve tried adjusting and your board still won’t turn, it’s time to replace parts. Most bushings last 1–2 years. Trucks and decks can last longer, but pivot cups and washers wear out faster.
Budget tip: Bushings and pivot cups cost less than $20. Upgrading trucks or decks is more expensive, but worth it for frequent riders.
Improving Your Ride
For better turning, focus on these upgrades:
- Use reverse kingpin trucks
- Choose soft barrel bushings
- Pick a flexible deck
- Select round, 65–70mm wheels
- Keep parts clean and lubricated
If you want more technical details, you can read about truck types and longboard setup at Wikipedia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Does My Longboard Feel Stiff Even After Loosening The Trucks?
If your board is still stiff, check your bushings. Hard or old bushings don’t allow trucks to move. Also, look for worn pivot cups or dirty parts blocking movement.
Can Changing Wheels Help My Longboard Turn Better?
Wheels affect turning, but not as much as bushings or trucks. Smaller, round wheels make turning easier. If your wheels are very large or square, switching can help—but start with bushings and trucks first.
How Often Should I Replace Bushings And Pivot Cups?
Replace bushings every 1–2 years, or when they crack or feel hard. Pivot cups should be replaced yearly for smooth turning. Regular maintenance keeps your board responsive.
What’s The Best Truck Setup For Carving?
For carving, use reverse kingpin trucks with soft barrel bushings. This combination gives smooth, responsive turns. Avoid traditional kingpin trucks for cruising or carving.
Is It Safe To Loosen Trucks For Better Turning?
Loosening trucks is safe if you don’t overdo it. Too loose trucks cause wobbles, especially at speed. Adjust in small steps and test your board each time.
Longboarding is about flow and control. If your board isn’t turning, it’s easy to fix with the right adjustments and upgrades. Start with trucks and bushings, keep your parts clean, and use the setup that fits your riding style. With a few changes, your board will carve and cruise smoothly again.
Credit: www.reddit.com
