Md Ismail HossenInstalling trucks on your skateboard is an essential skill that every skater should learn. These trucks allow you to turn and maneuver your board. Installing trucks may seem intimidating initially. It’s straightforward once you understand the basics. This guide covers How to Install Skateboard Trucks.
Trucks are the metal T-shaped components that connect the wheels to the deck. We’ll walk through removing old trucks and properly tightening new ones.
What You’ll Need
- Skateboard deck
- Skateboard Trucks (2)
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Skate tool or wrench
Table of Contents
Things to Consider Before Installing
There are a few key factors to consider before installing trucks:
- Truck Width – Trucks come in different widths to match different deck widths. Generally, you’ll want trucks that are the same width as your deck for optimal stability and control. Measure your deck width and purchase suitable trucks.
- Truck Tightness – Skate hardware comes with two washers/bushings on each truck. Boardside bushings (next to the deck) are usually harder for more stability. Roadside bushings (next to the wheels) are softer for turning. Feel free to change or tweak these according to your liking.
- Truck Style – Most modern skateboards use conventional kingpin trucks. But some, like longboards, may use reverse kingpin trucks that turn differently. Ensure you get the appropriate trucks for your board type.
Safety Gear – Installing trucks requires using tools, so be sure to wear safety glasses to protect your eyes. You should install trucks in a clear, clean area with good lighting.
Step-by-Step: How to Install Skateboard Trucks?
Once you have suitable trucks and tools. Follow these step-by-step instructions on How to Install Skateboard Trucks:
1. Remove Old Trucks (If Applicable)
If there are existing trucks on your deck that you want to replace, you’ll need to remove them first. Using your skate tool or wrench, loosen all the mounting hardware and take the trucks off. Make sure to keep the mounting hardware nearby to reuse or replace any damaged pieces if needed.
2. Position Trucks on Deck
Place the new trucks on the deck’s underside. Align the truck holes with the mounting holes on the nose and tail.
Ensure the kingpins face outward from the deck. The axles should be centered between the nose and tail edges.
Double-check that your trucks match the deck width for optimal stability. If needed, refer to the deck dimensions and the manufacturer specs printed on the trucks.
3. Insert Mounting Hardware
For each truck, take a Phillips head screw and place a washer on the threaded end. Align the screw with a mounting hole on the underside of the deck. Twist the screw into the threaded hole on the baseplate of the truck.
Continue this for all mounting holes, ensuring all screws are started evenly before fully tightening.
4. Add Remaining Bushings/Washers
Once all screws are initially threaded, you can add the remaining components. Take the boardside bushings (usually harder white ones). Place them over the kingpins between the deck and locknuts.
Then place the roadside bushings and the metal cupped washers. The roadside bushings should be closer to the wheels, while the boardside sits near the deck.
5. Tighten Down Mounting Hardware
At this point, all truck components should be loosely assembled. Now it’s time to use your skate tool to tighten down all mounting hardware evenly and securely.
Make sure not to overtighten the screws. Just tight enough so there is no side-to-side movement or rattling of the trucks/bushings. Overtightening can damage components or warp your deck. Tighten screws incrementally in an “X” pattern.
6. Check Truck Tightness
Once trucks are fully tightened, pick up your board and check that both trucks can still pivot smoothly but with no looseness. Hold the board on its side and stand on the deck, shifting your weight to tilt the trucks. They should turn evenly without catching or restriction.
If trucks are too tight or loose, readjust mounting screws accordingly. Bushings can also be swapped out for softer/harder ones to adjust turning and rebound to your preference.
7. Add Wheels
Now that your trucks are successfully installed, you can insert your skateboard wheels onto the axles. Place a bearing onto each wheel and gently press onto the axle until flush with the truck. Add your washers and nuts, adjusting tightness so the wheel has minimal side movement but spins freely. Repeat this process for all four wheels.
And that’s it! With trucks and wheels installed, your board should now be fully assembled and ready to ride. Carefully stepping on the deck, shift your weight to check that both trucks can turn smoothly.
Make minor adjustments as needed until you’re comfortable carving left and right. Once dialed in, you’re ready to cruise and shred!
Tips for Proper Truck Setup – How to Install Skateboard Trucks?
Here are some additional pointers for optimizing your new trucks:
- Ensure mounting hardware is tight enough that bushings slightly bulge – this helps with turning rebound
- Break in new bushings by loosening trucks during initial use to avoid over-compression
- Try loosening roadside bushings and tightening board-side ones for more turning with stability
- Match your skating style and skill level to bushing hardness – harder for advanced stability, softer for easier turning
- Keep a skate tool in your backpack for loosening trucks on the fly if needed
- Check for excess wear on kingpins, bushings, and pivot cups and replace as required
Properly installing and adjusting trucks is key for control, performance, and safety. Taking the time to dial in your hardware makes a big difference in your overall riding experience. Don’t hesitate to experiment with bushing configurations and tightness until your board feels just right!
Mounting suitable trucks is fundamental for assembly. It allows a high-performing skateboard tailored to your preferences. Following the proper step-by-step process ensures your trucks are solidly attached and aligned.
Adjusting the tightness and bushings is important. It allows you to customize the board’s turning, rebound, and stability.
Now that you know how to install skateboard trucks. You can upgrade your ride or build a new board from scratch to match your riding style. So swap out those old trucks or grab a new deck and assemble! Perfectly dialed trucks give you more control and confidence. This helps when taking on ramps, tricks, and terrain at skateparks or streets.
Md Ismail Hossen
