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How to Fix a Skateboard

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How Tos  |  Sports  |  Skateboarding

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  • Skateboards are easy to fix, but the best method isn't always obvious. This page covers a number of things that could go wrong with your skateboard and shows you, clearly and simply, How to Fix a Skateboard.

  • Introduction

    • The skateboard may be the simplest vehicle invented in the 20th Century that's also a practical form of transportation (sorry, pogo stick). There's really not much to a skateboard, but you will need to perform some maintenance on your board now and then. Read on for a guide to curing the occasional skateboard ailment.

  • Skateboard Anatomy 101

    • First, lets explore this simple machine, so you know the names of all its parts. For an excellent illustrated guide, see Skate Warehouse's Skateology page.

  • Deck

    1. The deck is the wooden "board" part of the skateboard. Most are made of maple plywood, though some newer decks are based on more environmentally friendly materials, like bamboo.
    2. Grip tape is the sandpaper-like surface material on the deck that keeps your feet from slipping off.

  • Trucks

    1. The trucks are the two T-shaped metal contraptions that hold the wheels and allow you to turn by shifting your weight.
    2. The truck bolts are the screws that fasten the trucks to the deck. They're usually either phillips-head or allen-head screws, each fastened with a nut beneath.
    3. The part of the trucks attached directly to the board is called the baseplate.
    4. The horizontal piece of the "T", with the axle running through it, is called the hanger.
    5. Axle nuts are the 1/2" nuts that hold on the wheels.
    6. The kingpin is the large bolt in the center of each truck, holding the hanger onto the base. Tightening or loosening them can adjust the amount of resistance the trucks give when you shift your weight to turn.
    7. The bushings are the rubber pads that surround the kingpin and make the trucks flexible.
    8. Risers are the thin plastic platforms between the baseplates and the deck, used in order to raise the deck to a higher distance from the ground.

  • Wheels

    1. The wheels are, um, wheels. Since the '70s, most are made from plastic composite.
    2. The bearings are the tiny metal balls that allow the wheels to spin smoothly. In skateboard wheels, you typically don't see the balls themselves because they are sealed in ring-shaped casings that look like little metal wheels themselves. Each Wheel contains two sealed sets of bearings.

  • What You'll Need

    • Just about everything you need for skateboard maintenance (except for a can of lubricant) is combined on the all-in-one tool known as the Unit Skateboard Tool—find it online, or at your local skate shop. If you'd rather go with household tools, however, obtain these:
    1. Screwdriver. Now and then, the trucks will come a little loose from the deck. Make sure you have the right screwdriver to tighten the bolts that hold them on, usually a standard phillips-head or allen-head.
    2. 3/8" socket wrench. When you're screwing in the bolts that hold the trucks on, use this wrench to hold in place the nuts on the other side.
    3. 9/16" socket wrench or open-end wrench. Use this wrench to tighten or loosen the kingpin of the trucks, resulting in more or less resistance when you turn.
    4. 1/2" socket wrench. This is for tightening or loosening the nuts that hold on the wheels.
      • The Unit Skateboard Tool contains all of these tools in one. Look for it online, or at your local skate shop.
    5. 2 oz. can of Tri-Flow brand synthetic lubricant.
    6. A push-pin, to use while servicing the bearings.
    7. A bottle of ordinary vinegar to use as a degreaser.

  • Troubleshooting

    • If anything goes wrong with your skateboard, it will probably resemble one of the scenarios listed below. They're all easy to remedy.

  • Loose trucks

    • If you're having trouble balancing on the board, your trucks may be too loose.
    1. First, try tightening the kingpin with the 9/16" socket wrench.
    2. If that doesn't do it, have a look at your bushings; they may be worn down and in need of being replaced.

  • Tight trucks

    • If the skateboard will not turn when you shift your weight to one side or the other, the trucks are probably too tight.
    1. Try loosening the kingpin with the 9/16" socket wrench.
    2. If that doesn't do it, your bushings might need to be broken in, just like the soles of new shoes.

  • Skateboard veering to the side

    • If the skateboard won't cruise in a straight line, the bushings in one of your trucks are probably torn or worn out. Even if only one of the trucks is causeing the problem, it's a good idea to replace the bushings in both.
    1. Loosen the kingpin of each truck until the nut comes off.
    2. Remove the metal washer beneath the nut.
    3. Pull the hanger off the base.
    4. Remove the two rubber bushings on each truck
    5. Bring them to a skateshop and ask for replacements
    6. Install the new bushings, placing the lower one on the kingpin, the hanger on top of it, then the upper bushing, the metal washer and the nut.
    7. Tighten the nut to your preference.

  • Loose truck bolts

    • If the trucks are wobbling under the deck, one or both of the baseplates are probably not fastened tightly to the deck.
    1. Jiggle each truck to determine which one is loose.
    2. Tighten any loose trucks bolts.
    3. If the problem keeps recurring, get a new set of truck bolts and nuts from your local skateshop.

  • Wheel keeps coming loose

    • If a wheel keeps getting loose on the axle, it's probably due to one of two problems: either the axle nut holding it on has lost its threading, or the axle is too greasy, causing the nut to slip loose. To be thorough, just fix both:
    1. Get a new axle nut from the skateshop.
    2. Unscrew the old nut with the 1/2" socket wrench.
    3. Slide the wheel off the axle.
    4. Pour some vinegar on a washcloth.
    5. Rub the vinegar on the axle and dry—this will cut the grease.
    6. Slide the wheel back on.
    7. Put on the new nut and tighten until the wheel is snug.

  • Peeling or worn-out grip tape

    • If the grip tape is peeling off your deck, it can be a real safety hazard. Follow these steps:
    1. See Mahalo's guide to How to Remove Grip Tape from a Skateboard.
    2. See Mahalo's guide to How to Put Grip Tape on a Skateboard.

  • Broken deck

    • If this happens, just remember all the good times you've had, then follow these steps:
    1. Cry.
    2. Remove the trucks from the deck by taking off the truck bolts.
    3. Hold a funeral to show the proper respect.
    4. Get a new deck.

  • Slow Wheel(s)

    • If your skateboard seems sluggish, you probably need to lubricate your wheel bearings.
    1. Flip the board on its back and spin all the wheels.
    2. If one (or more) of the wheels is not spinning as freely and smoothly as the others, use the the 1/2" socket wrench to loosen the axle nut—then remove the wheel.
    3. Use the end of the axle to carefully pry out both sets of bearings from the wheel.
    4. Run the point of the push-pin around the edge of each bearing set until it catches on the c-ring.
    5. Carefully pry out the c-ring.
    6. Tap the bearing set against a table, in order to pop out the the shield (the metal washer that covers the actual bearings).
    7. Hold the can of spray lubricant close to the exposed bearings and coat them thoroughly.
    8. Replace shield and slip in c-ring to secure it.
    9. For an excellent illustration of the process, see the YouTube video below.

 


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