Skateboard bushings are a key but often overlooked part that can greatly improve how you ride. They offer stability and a unique feel to your ride thanks to their high-quality urethane makeup. These little parts make a big difference when you turn or carve on your skateboard.
They come in hardness levels from 87a to 98a, meeting the needs of all riders. Whether you love high speeds or smooth carving, there’s a bushing for you. If you’re considering an upgrade, think about getting a bushing kit. It also has pivot cups to boost your board’s performance and quietness. Plus, you can easily install them yourself with help from online guides.
Upgrading your bushings is a smart move for better skateboarding. It doesn’t matter if you’re into intense street skating or just cruising around, there’s a bushing set just for your style. Get yourself some top-notch skateboard bushings and feel the improvement in how you ride.
Understanding Skateboard Bushings
Skateboard bushings are small but vital for your skateboard’s performance. They are placed in the skateboard truck around the kingpin. These urethane rings help with board movement and shock absorption.
What Are Skateboard Bushings?
Skateboard bushings help you turn and keep stable. They come in various colors, shapes, and hardness. Made of polyurethane, these bushings have durometer ratings from 1 to 100. This rating affects how your skateboard moves with you.
Location and Purpose
Skateboard bushings are part of the truck assembly. Each truck has two bushings: one at the top and one at the bottom. They give stability and balance. This lets you ride on different surfaces and styles easily.
Their main role is to allow precise turns and absorb shocks. This makes for a smoother ride.
Types of Bushings
Knowing the types of skateboard bushings helps tailor your board to your style. Some popular styles include:
- Cone Bushings: Tapered for better turns and agility.
- Barrel Bushings: Straight for more stability.
- Double Barrel Bushings: Offers extra stiffness and stability.
- Double Stepped Bushings: For high resistance and support.
- Barrel/Stepped Bushings: A mix for customizable responsiveness.
Skateboard pivot cups and washers also play a key role. They make sure the bushings work well without pressure or shape changes. Picking the right bushing type and hardness based on your preference and weight improves your skateboarding.
| Bushing Type | Shape | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Cone | Tapered | Increased steer-ability |
| Barrel | Straight | Enhanced stability |
| Double Barrel | Straight (two) | Additional stiffness |
| Double Stepped | Stepped | Maximum resistance |
| Barrel/Stepped | Combination | Tailored responsiveness |
In the end, knowing about skateboard components like bushings and pivot cups is key. Upgrading these parts can make your skating better. It ensures stability, quick response, and a comfortable ride.
Why Upgrading Your Skateboard Bushings Matters
Upgrading your skateboard bushings is crucial for a better ride. These bushings greatly affect your board’s performance and handling. Here’s why changing them is important.
Impact on Stability
Bushings help keep your skateboard stable. For heavier skaters or those wanting tighter control, harder bushings in the 90-100A range are best. Products like those in the Dime Bag Hardware Skateboard Truck Rebuild are ideal. Barrel bushings, which make turning harder, increase stability. This helps you keep your balance and control at high speeds or when doing tricks.
Enhancing Turning Responsiveness
Turning response changes with the type and hardness of your bushings. Softer bushings, like the 86A Orangatang Morongas, make your skateboard more flexible and turns sharper. Replacing cone bushings with barrel ones lets you adjust your board’s responsiveness. Trying different bushing setups can customize your skateboard to fit your needs perfectly without getting new trucks.
Improving Shock Absorption
Upgraded bushings offer better shock absorption. High-rebound bushings, such as those in Orangatang Nipples Longboard Skateboard Truck Bushings, soak up rough terrain well. This makes your ride smoother and less tiring during long skate sessions. Also, changing your bushings often keeps the shock absorption good.
In conclusion, choosing the right bushings for your weight, style, and preferences is key. Whether you need more stability, sharper turning, or smoother rides, the right bushings can make skateboarding way more fun.
Choosing the Right Skateboard Bushings
Selecting the right skateboard bushings is crucial. It enhances your skateboarding experience. Your choice impacts safety, performance, and enjoyment.
Consider Your Riding Style
Your riding style is very important. Street skaters and longboarders often need different types of bushings. Some prefer bushings for deeper turns or for specific skate disciplines.
Understanding Durometer Ratings
It’s essential to understand durometer ratings. They show the hardness of bushings. This affects your control and the feel of your ride. For riders around 70kg, a rating between 85A to 90A is usually good. Options like Riptide Street Barrels/Cones 90A are great for beginners.
- Riptide APS bushings increase turn response by 10% to 15%.
- Venom SHR bushings make for lively carving.
- The BONES Wheels Hardcore Bushings endure turning forces well.
Soft vs. Hard Bushings
Choosing between soft and hard bushings matters. Soft ones allow flexible turns, ideal for cruising. Hard bushings offer more control, best for tricks or downhill skateboarding. Medium bushings suit various styles.
Brands like Riptide WFB enhance performance. They turn more and reduce friction. Trying different settings helps find the best fit for your skateboarding needs.
How to Install New Skateboard Bushings
Learning to install skateboard bushings can change how your skateboard feels and moves. Make sure you have all the tools ready before you begin. Follow this guide to put in new skateboard bushings:
- Prepare your tools, including a skate tool and possibly a hex-head tool for specific trucks.
- Remove the trucks from the skateboard and then take off the old bushings.
- Clean the kingpin and pivot cup thoroughly, ensuring there’s no debris left.
- Place the new bushings onto the kingpin in the same arrangement as the old ones.
Choosing the correct bushing type and hardness is key for your skateboarding style. Medium bushings are good for a balanced ride, perfect for carving and cruising. Softer bushings, however, let you turn more easily.
Put the trucks back together with the new bushings. Secure everything with washers and a nut. Be careful not to tighten too much. There are many bushing durometers, from 60a to 100a, to fit everyone’s needs. Cup washers help prevent wheelbite and keep your turns smooth.
Test your skateboard after installing the bushings. This ensures everything works as it should. Make any necessary adjustments to get the right mix of stability and turning ability.
Check out this detailed guide for step-by-step instructions. Proper installation and cleanliness will make your bushings last longer and perform better.
Maintaining Your Skateboard Bushings
Skateboard bushing maintenance is crucial to keep your board in top shape. Checking and maintaining your skateboard trucks often boosts your ride. Clean and inspect regularly for the best results. Sometimes, taking apart the trucks to clean and oil them fixes common issues like noisy bushings and uneven performance.
Start by checking your bushings for wear or damage frequently. Bushings can crack or become less flexible over time, making your board less responsive. Replacing old bushings can make your skateboard feel like new again. For those under 80kg, medium durometer bushings (85A to 95A) work best, while heavier riders should choose hard bushings (95A and above) for more stability.
Keeping your skateboard trucks in good shape also means cleaning the kingpin and pivot cups. These parts are key to your board’s performance. Using quality pivot cups, like Riptide pivot cups, gives you a smoother, quieter ride. And don’t use very different durometers in the same truck to keep your ride smooth.
Pay attention to how your skateboard turns. Wobbly turns or less responsiveness mean your bushings may need some love. Tightening the bushings with a 14 mil spanner can adjust their tightness, improving stability and control. It’s a good idea to tighten the back trucks a bit more than the front for better high-speed stability.
When you’re doing skateboard bushing maintenance, follow a careful process. This involves taking apart the trucks, cleaning everything well, and putting them back together with the right lubrication. If your bushings squeak, a thorough clean and grease can solve the problem quickly.
Finally, upgrading your bushings when they start wearing out improves your skateboarding. Watching for signs like less responsiveness, wobbly rides, or instability is key. With the right durometer ratings and a setup that fits your style, you’ll get the best performance and comfort from your skateboard.
Skateboard Bushings: The Key to an Optimal Ride
Skateboard bushings are not just tiny parts; they’re key for great skateboarding. They help make your ride smooth and sharp. Picking the right kind of bushings and knowing their hardness (durometer ratings) allows for personal board customization. For example, bushings rated between 78a to 100a affect board response differently. Soft bushings (around 78a) absorb shocks well, making them good for beginners and longboarders. Hard bushings (up to 100a) give more stability, which is great for downhill skaters.
Finding the perfect bushings for your skating style enhances your setup. Brands like Independent Truck Company and Bones Wheels have many options. Independent offers bushings in 88a, 90a, 92a, and 94a, mixing responsiveness with stability. For street skating, Bones Wheels Hardcore bushings come in 81a, 91a, and 96a, fitting various preferences. Remember, heavier skaters might lean towards stiffer bushings, while lighter or younger riders often go for softer ones.
Installing your bushings correctly and keeping them in top shape is vital. This care keeps your rides consistently smooth. Feel free to test different bushing combinations to find what works best for you. To learn more about bushings, check out RipTide Sports. The right bushings can transform your skateboard, making each ride uniquely thrilling.
I’m John Peterson, a passionate skater, blogger, and lifelong enthusiast. I’ve been skating for over 9 years and have gone on to write a blog dedicated to the sport of skating and its culture. Through my blog, I strive to share my knowledge and experience of the sport with all who are interested. From beginner tips, tricks, and equipment reviews to interviews and event coverage, I cover it all. So read my blog as I explore the wonderful world of skating!