How To Change Longboard Bushings

Bushings are the small rubber or urethane components that sit inside the trucks of your longboard and determine its turning and carving capabilities. If you want to improve your riding experience, changing your bushings can make a world of difference.

To Change Longboard Bushings, follow these steps:

1. Remove Your Old Bushings.
2. Take Out the Pivot Cups.
3. Remove the Old Bushings.
4. Prepare Tools for Kingpin.
5. Choose Your New Bushings.
6. Install the New Bushings.
7. Reassemble Your Longboard.

Easy Steps For Replacing Longboard Bushings:

Replacing Longboard bushings is a straightforward process that can be done at home with just a few tools.

1. Remove Your Old Bushings:

• Start by loosening the screws that hold your trucks in place using a screwdriver.
• Once the screws are loose, remove the trucks entirely.

2. Take Out the Pivot Cups:

• Use a screwdriver or pry bar to remove the pivot cups from the bottom of your trucks.

3. Remove the Old Bushings:

• Pull the old bushings out of the bottom of your trucks. Use your fingers or a pry bar if necessary.

4. Prepare Tools for Kingpin:

• Get a T-tool or an Allen wrench ready.
• Insert it into the kingpin and unscrew it while holding onto the kingpin to prevent it from falling.

5. Choose Your New Bushings

• Consider the durometer, or hardness, of the bushings.
• Softer bushings offer more control, while harder bushings are more responsive and stable.
• Decide on the bushing shape – conical for street skating or barrel for bowl and ramp skating.

6. Install the New Bushings

• Insert the kingpin into the new bushing and hand-tighten the nut.
• Insert the axle into the other side of the bushing and hand-tighten the nut.
• Use a skate tool to snugly tighten the nuts without overtightening.

7. Reassemble Your Longboard

• Insert the kingpin into the hanger.
• Add washers and nuts.
• Tighten everything down carefully.
• Now you’re ready to ride with your new bushings.

Remember to experiment with different bushings to find the setup that suits your riding style and weight. Enjoy the enhanced control and responsiveness of your Longboard with new bushings.

Are Longboard Bushings Necessary?

Skateboard bushings are absolutely necessary for optimal Longboard performance. These small and often overlooked components play a crucial role in Longboard control and maneuverability. Without Longboard bushings, it would be extremely challenging to steer and control your Longboard.

Bushings are essential for ensuring smooth and fluid turns. They act as a cushion between the truck hanger and baseplate, allowing the Longboard to pivot smoothly. This allows skaters to navigate corners and execute tricks with precision.

Replacing worn or poor-quality bushings is vital to maintain optimal Longboard performance. Over time, bushings can deteriorate, become loose, or lose their responsiveness. This can result in loose trucks, wobbly rides, and an overall lack of control. By replacing bushings regularly, skaters can ensure their trucks are properly tightened and responsive, enhancing their Longboarding experience.

What is the function of bushings?

Bushings play a crucial role in a Longboard performance. They act as a cushioning layer between the truck’s metal components, preventing wear and tear. The function of bushings directly affects the ride stability, turn radius, how the board leans, and the amount of rebound it has.

By adjusting the bushings, skaters can make significant changes to their ride. While small adjustments can be made by tightening or loosening the kingpin nut, larger changes require replacing the bushings.

Choosing the right bushings for your riding style and preference is essential. Different types of bushings are available, varying in hardness and shape, allowing skaters to customize their ride. Softer bushings provide a smoother and more responsive ride, while harder bushings offer greater stability and control.

Why do bushings matter?

Swapping stock bushings for custom bushings can enhance the performance of your longboard. Stock bushings are designed for a wide range of riders, but specialized bushings tailored to your weight and riding style can provide a more optimal experience. While there is nothing wrong with standard bushings, they may not perform as well as specialized ones as you develop your riding skills.

Bushings play a crucial role in the performance of your longboard. They are the small rubber or urethane parts that sit inside the trucks, allowing for smooth turns and controlling the responsiveness of your board. By changing the bushings, you can fine-tune the feel of your longboard to match your personal preference.

The hardness of the bushings determines how much resistance they provide. Softer bushings provide a smoother and more responsive ride, ideal for carving and cruising. On the other hand, harder bushings offer greater stability and control, making them suitable for downhill and high-speed riding.

When Should I Replace My Longboard Bushings?

There is no set timeframe for when you should replace your Longboard bushings, as it will depend on how often you use your Longboard and the conditions in which you ride. However, generally speaking, you can expect to need to replace your bushings every few months to a year.

If you notice that your Longboard is not performing as well as it used to, or if the bushings are starting to show signs of wear and tear, then it is probably time to replace them. Replacing your Longboard bushings is a relatively simple and straightforward process, and it is something that you can do at home with just a few tools. This article will show you how to replace bushings on a Longboard.

Things You Will Need

To change your longboard bushings, you will need a few things to get started. First, make sure you have a Longboard with trucks that require bushing replacement. Next, you will need new bushings, which you can choose based on the hardness that suits your skating style. Softer bushings provide more responsiveness, while harder bushings offer more stability.

In addition to the bushings, you will need a screwdriver to remove the kingpin nut, which holds the trucks and bushings in place. You may also need a T-tool or an Allen wrench, depending on your specific Longboard setup.

With these tools in hand, you are ready to change your longboard bushings. Follow a simple step-by-step guide to remove the old bushings and replace them with new ones. This process typically involves removing the kingpin nut, replacing the bushings, and then reassembling the trucks.

Tips for Replacing Bushings on Your Longboard:

When replacing the bushings on your Longboard, it is important to follow the instructions carefully. Failure to do so may result in incorrect assembly and issues with performance or safety.

• Consider the Durometer and Shape: The durometer, or hardness, of the bushings is an important factor to consider when choosing new ones. Softer bushings offer more control, while harder bushings provide more responsiveness and stability.
• Grease the Bushings: Before installing the new bushings, it’s a good idea to apply some grease to them. This will help reduce friction and ensure smoother movement.
• Test the New Bushings: Once the new bushings are installed, take your Longboard for a test ride. Pay attention to how well the board responds to your movements and how it feels while riding. This will allow you to make any necessary adjustments or try different bushings if needed.
• Avoid Overtightening: When tightening the kingpin nuts, be careful not to overtighten them. Over-tightening can lead to damage and make it difficult to remove the nuts in the future. Use a skate tool to snugly tighten the nuts without applying excessive force.

Warnings for Replacing Bushings on Your Longboard:

• Consult the Manual or a Professional: Before making any modifications to your Longboard, always consult the Longboard’s manual or seek the advice of a professional skate mechanic. They can provide specific instructions based on your Longboard’s design and specifications.
• Use Protective Gear: When working with tools or riding your Longboard, always wear proper protective gear, including a helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads. Safety should always be a top priority.
• Avoid Over-Tightening Axle Nuts: Over-tightening the axle nuts can damage the threads and make them difficult to remove in the future. Ensure the nuts are secure but not overly tightened.

Following these tips and observing the warnings will help ensure a successful and safe replacement of bushings on your Longboard.

Are Longboard Bushings Universal?

No, Longboard bushings are not universal. Each truck’s bushing seats are different, so it’s crucial to ensure you get the right size when purchasing new bushings. To determine the size of your Longboard bushings, the first step is to identify which truck your bushing goes to.

Once you know the truck, you can either measure the bushing seats or consult your truck’s manual to find out the appropriate size you need. It’s important to note that using the wrong size bushings can affect your Longboard’s performance and potentially cause safety issues.

How Long Should Bushings Last Longboard?

The average lifespan of Longboard bushings is typically three to six months, but this can vary depending on various factors. How often you skate and the conditions of the skating surface play a significant role in how quickly your bushings wear down.

If you frequently skate on rough surfaces, your bushings will likely wear down faster. On the other hand, if you only skate occasionally on smooth surfaces, you can expect your bushings to last longer. It’s crucial to monitor the condition of your bushings regularly and replace them when necessary.

Signs that your bushings need replacement include decreased responsiveness, wheel bite, and speed wobbles. Ultimately, the lifespan of your Longboard bushings will depend on your skating habits and the environments in which you skate.

FAQs

Conclusion:

Changing your longboard bushings may seem like a small adjustment, but it can make a world of difference in your riding experience. By customizing your bushings to fit your style and preferences, you can take your longboarding to the next level.

So, grab your tools, get out there, and start fine-tuning your ride. The only thing left to do now is hit the pavement and feel the exhilaration of a perfectly dialed-in longboard. Happy shredding!