Every skateboarder runs into a squeaky skateboard. It’s annoying when you’re riding. Knowing why this happens and fixing it is key. The noise usually means dry bushings, worn bearings, or loose trucks. With the right care, you can enjoy a quiet skateboard riding journey.
Bearings get worn from dirt and dust, causing squeaks as metal parts rub together. Not enough lube makes them grind. Loose truck hardware and dry bushings can also squeak. This is due to the metal on metal action without enough lubrication.
The best fix starts with proper lubrication. Lubricating your bushings cuts down on noise. High-quality bearings last longer and keep rides smooth. Make sure you clean your skateboard often. Tightening all bolts and applying skateboard wax also helps a lot.
Want to learn more about keeping your skateboard in top shape? Check out Dr. Skate for all the best guides and tips.
Understanding the Causes of Squeaky Skateboards
Skateboard noise usually comes from a few common problems. These include worn-out bearings, loose hardware on trucks, and bushings that have dried out. Keeping your skateboard well-maintained can solve these issues.
Worn-Out Bearings
Bearings become squeaky as they wear down. This happens due to dirt, debris, and regular use. To stop the squeak, regularly clean and oil your bearings. This prevents the bearings from grinding against each other.
Loose Truck Hardware
Loose nuts and bolts in the truck assembly can make noise too. Even a little bit of movement can cause a squeak if they’re not tight. Making sure your truck’s nuts and bolts are secure can cut down on noise.
Dry Bushings
Dry bushings can also lead to a squeaky skateboard. They’re meant to help your board turn smoothly and to soak up shocks. When they lose their moisture, they rub and squeak. Oiling these bushings keeps them working right and quiet.
Why Is My Skateboard Squeaky?
Squeaky noises on a skateboard raise questions about its condition. Finding out why your skateboard makes noise is key to fixing it. Regularly checking parts like bushings, pivot cups, and bearings helps find the cause of these sounds.
The pivot cup is often the first place to look. Friction here causes squeaks, especially when turning sharply. Lubricating the pivot cup with soap, wax, or oils like Bones Speed Cream can stop the noise and make the trucks move better.
Bushings can also be the source of squeaks due to friction. This happens with new bushings that haven’t been broken in yet. Skating more can wear them in, reducing the noise. For a quicker fix, wax around the bushings helps.
Clicking noises are common too, often from washers on the kingpin shifting. Using specific washers like Atlas Precision Top Hat Washers, positioning bushings correctly, or flipping washers can fix these clicks. Solving these sounds calls for regular checks and fixes.
Noises can also come from loose parts, bad bearings, or low-quality gear. These can be both annoying and unsafe. Checking every part, like bearings, trucks, bushings, and wheels, is crucial. This way, you can fix issues causing noise, improving your skateboard’s ride and quietness.
Quick Fixes for Silencing Your Skateboard
Noise from your skateboard can ruin the peace of a quiet ride. Here are some easy tips to keep your rides quiet.
Cleaning and Lubricating Bearings
Bearings can get dirty and make your skateboard squeak. They collect dust and dirt, causing creaks. Start by taking the bearings out of your wheels. Clean them well with the right cleaner. Then, use lubricant to make them quiet and smooth.
Keeping bearings clean reduces noise. Plus, it makes them last longer and perform better.
Tightening Truck Hardware
Loose trucks make your skateboard noisy. Check and tighten your trucks’ nuts and bolts with a skateboard tool. This simple action cuts down on squeaks. It makes your ride smoother and safer. Tight trucks mean less noise and better control, especially on crowded streets.
Replacing Dry Bushings
Old bushings can cause your skateboard to creak. They wear out and harden over time. This affects your skateboard’s quietness. Remove old bushings and put in new ones that match your weight and riding preference. Softer bushings are good for light riders or those who like sharp turns. Heavier and faster riders might prefer harder bushings for more stability.
- Ensure your bearings are regularly cleaned and lubricated for optimal performance.
- Keep all truck hardware tight to eliminate any potential noise.
- Replace worn-out bushings to maintain a smooth and quiet ride.
To quiet your skateboard, follow these simple steps. These fixes tackle the most common noise issues. For more help, check out this detailed guide at this link.
How to Properly Lubricate Skateboard Bearings
Keeping your skateboard bearings in shape is key to a smooth ride. Proper bearing lubrication helps keep your skateboard working well, cuts noise, and boosts performance.
First, ensure your bearings are clean and free of moisture. Dirt left behind can increase friction, noise, and harm your bearings. Here’s how to properly lubricate them:
- Remove the bearings from the wheels and carefully remove the rubber shields.
- Soak the bearings in isopropyl alcohol for at least 30 minutes to remove grime.
- Rinse with rubbing alcohol and allow the bearings to dry completely.
- Put a few drops of lubricant like Bones Speed Cream or BankRoll Bearing Oil. Remember, a little goes a long way.
Bones® Bearings are seen as top-notch in the skate world. They’re made with ultra-fine tolerances, less than 1/1000th of an inch. Bearing lubrication is crucial for keeping these tolerances and preventing rust.
Good upkeep can make your bearings last much longer. For example, world champion skater Skip Clinton has used the same bearings for over two decades, thanks to careful maintenance.
Don’t make mistakes like using water for lubrication or WD40. Choose high-quality bearing lubes and stick to a cleaning schedule instead.
| Material | Lubrication Frequency | Cleaning Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Steel Bearings | Every 3-4 weeks | Monthly |
| Ceramic Bearings | Every 4-5 weeks | Bi-monthly |
Follow these tips and regularly check your skateboard assembly. This way, you’ll enjoy smoother, longer rides and save money on part replacements.
The Role of Bushings and Pivot Cups in Skateboard Noise
When your skateboard makes creaking or squeaky sounds, it might be the bushings or pivot cups causing it. It’s crucial to know and fix these parts for a better skateboarding experience. Let’s get into how to find and solve these issues.
Identifying Squeaky Bushings
Bushings are key to your skateboard’s ability to turn. They can wear out or dry up, leading to annoying noises. To find squeaky bushings, look for signs like cracks or deformity. Listen for creaks when turning or performing tricks, as this can indicate a problem.
Lubricating Pivot Cups
Pivot cups help your skateboard turn smoothly. But they need proper lubrication to avoid noise. To fix them:
- Take the trucks off to reach the pivot cups.
- Put soap shavings or candle wax in the pivot cup and between the bushings.
- Put everything back and check if the skateboard is quieter.
Regular care and using good parts can reduce noise and improve your skateboard. Here’s a look at the prices of various truck parts, showing how quality affects skateboarding noise.
| Component | Price | Quantity Available |
|---|---|---|
| Powder Coated Radikal Trucks | $255 per set | 2 sets |
| Trailing Swing Arm Rear Trucks | $150 each | 9 units |
| Dragon’s Wing Rear Truck | $155 | Various |
| Talon Trucks (Full Size) | $250 | Various |
| Talon Trucks (Cut Down) | $260 | Various |
| Splash Anodized Dragon’s Claw Trucks | $160 | Limited |
| Aqua Blue Dragon’s Claw Trucks (Remaining) | $160 | 12 units |
Dealing with squeaky bushings and pivot cups improves your skateboard. Keeping up with maintenance ensures a quiet, enjoyable ride.
Importance of Tightening Loose Skateboard Hardware
Skateboards need regular checks to keep them working well. Loose hardware like trucks can cause problems. These issues can hurt how the skateboard rides and its safety.
Wheel nuts, baseplate nuts, and kingpin nuts can get loose from vibrations. This can make the board creak or squeak. Checking and fixing these parts is crucial.
If your skateboard makes noise or feels off, the wheels might be loose. Loose trucks change how your skateboard turns and moves. Skateboard trucks have bushings. Over time, these bushings can wear out or get hard. This also leads to noises when you ride.
It’s smart to regularly check your skateboard’s hardware. Tighten everything up to keep your ride smooth. Doing this helps prevent parts from failing when you’re skating.
Not fixing loose trucks or wheels can lead to accidents. It’s important to pick the right bushings. The right choice depends on your weight and how you skate. Lighter riders should use softer bushings for better turns. Heavier riders need harder bushings for more stability.
- Make sure the baseplate nuts are tight.
- Look at the wheel nuts to avoid wheel shake.
- Check the kingpin nuts for the right tightness of the trucks.
Ignoring strange noises from your board could mean it’s damaged. Cracks or splits can happen. This can cause the board to break suddenly or lose balance. Keeping up with maintenance helps your board last longer. It also keeps you safe and makes skating better.
Proactive Maintenance Tips for a Silent Skateboard
For a noise-free ride, proactive skateboard maintenance is key. Implementing a structured approach lessens squeaky sounds for a smoother, quieter glide. This includes regular cleaning, using skateboard wax, and choosing high-quality parts.
Regular Cleaning Routine
A clean skateboard is a quiet one. Bearings wear out from dust, dirt, and use. It’s crucial to clean wheels and bearings often. Lubrication is also key to avoid squeaks. Cleaning and lubricating your bearings prevents noise for smooth riding.
Applying Skateboard Wax
Skateboard wax on trucks and rails cuts down friction, which causes squeaks. Regular wax application quietens the noise from grinding and tricks. A little wax can make your skateboarding much quieter.
Upgrading to High-Quality Parts
High-quality skateboard parts make rides quieter. Upgrading bearings reduces squeaks. Ceramic or hybrid wheels are smoother and quieter. Rubber riser pads absorb shocks and vibrations, making rides even quieter. Quality parts mean less noise, better performance, and longer-lasting gear.
With these tips, you’ll get closer to the silent skateboarding experience you want.
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!