How to Replace Longboard Bushings
Just like skateboard bushings, longboard bushings are the small rubber rings that are inside the board’s trucks. For such small objects, you might not think that bushings are quite as important as they actually are.
However, if they wear out, bushings can lose their spring, which can cause your longboard to drop in performance, and your board could also end up only turning in one particular direction.
Fortunately, longboard bushings are fairly easy to replace, and in this piece, we will briefly demonstrate how to change your longboard bushings.
Making Sure You Have the Right Tools
Before you get started on the replacement process, you need to make sure you have the right tools. It’s ideal to have a skate tool, but if you don’t have one, a regular socket wrench will do, so long as it matches the head of the kingpin in your trucks (which is the big bolt that runs right through the center of the trucks).
The types of trucks you have will determine what sort of wrench or skate tool is the best for the job, and while most trucks are the same, some may require special a special wrench, so be sure you know your truck specifications before you begin the bushing replacement process.
Taking Apart the Longboard Trucks
To begin taking apart your longboard trucks, you first need to remove the nut on the end of the kingpin, which is the nut that holds everything together. After you take that nut off, you should then continue to disassemble your longboard trucks and remove the washer underneath. You will want to take extra special care to ensure that you do not lose any of the pieces.
As you proceed with the disassembly process, you will ultimately reach the hangar, which is the big metal part that secures the longboard truck axle. To remove it, pull it out of its socket before sliding it up and off the kingpin. This part may be somewhat difficult as it’s possible for the hanger to get stuck, but during this stage (or any stage of the disassembly process), you will want to make sure that you don’t pull or push on anything too hard, as pieces could easily break.
Cleaning and Replacing Your Bushings
Next comes the cleaning and replacing stage. During this part, you will want to have all of your pieces laid out. Make sure you carefully clean each piece. It may even be beneficial for you to remove the kingpin from the baseplate and clean that as well.
If you are replacing your bushings or any other parts, it is fine for you to get rid of those old parts. Coming up next, we move slightly away from the replacement process to touch on just a few quality bushings that may serve as good replacements, should you be in the market for new ones.
3 Replacement Longboard Bushings That May Work Best for You
There are a number of different longboard bushings on the market, but here are three that may be the best for you.
- LIVELY LONGBOARD BUSHINGS – The Orangatang Nipples are big and lively bushings designed to help you bounce out of every carve with tons of energy and rebound.
- LARGE BARREL SHAPE – Slightly wider and taller than most stock truck bushings, the Nipples provide your trucks with more support and more material to squish, making for a highly responsive ride.
- RANDY THANE – The ideal urethane formula for energetic, high-rebound bushings. Make your trucks come alive!
- THE PERFECT SET – Each pack contains two taller bottom bushings (0.66"), two shorter top bushings (0.56"), and four thin and strong flat washers.
- HARD – Super stable but less responsive at lower speeds.
Name aside, these longboard bushings (they’re also great for skateboards) are incredibly effective and have an extremely eye-catching design. Available in orange, purple, or yellow, you can buy a set of four for around $16.
Their large barrel shape is perfect for added support and durability, while the urethane formula they are made out of leads to increased performance. With each pack coming with two tall bottom bushings, two short top bushings, and four washers, these truck bushings are some of the highest-rated bushings on the market.
- Replacement Pivot Cups from Dime Bag Hardware
- Includes 2 pcs
- Enough for 2 Trucks
Available for around $6, these very affordable bushings are known for providing a smooth and quality ride. With specifications of 88A, they are ideal for either lighter riders or riders who prefer loose trucks.
- Comes with one top and one bottom bushing
- One pack needed for each truck
These may sound like children’s toys, but these bushings are incredibly high quality, and they’re rounded edges make them especially resistant to chipping.
Reassembling Your Longboard Trucks
Next, you will need to simply put all of the truck parts back together. First, put the kingpin up through the baseplate. Then, the piece order goes baseplate, large washer, large bushing, hanger, small busing, and small washer.
To ensure that you don’t bend the washers, be especially careful during this stage.
Tightening the Longboard Trucks and Finishing the Process
Finally, now that all the parts are in place, you will need to place the top nut back on. Use your skate tool or wrench during this tightening process. Some longboarders prefer looser trucks while others prefer tighter ones, so how much you tighten the trucks is all up to your personal preference.
Once you found your ideal truck specifications, you’ve successfully replaced your bushings. Now, it’s time to get out there and enjoy some quality longboarding!
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