Skateboard trucks are an essential part of a skateboard, responsible for allowing riders to turn, maneuver and grind on their board. But with so many options on the market, choosing the right skateboard truck can be daunting for both beginners and experienced riders. In this ultimate guide, we will cover everything you need to know about skateboard trucks, including their anatomy, materials, sizes, and how to choose the perfect one for your riding style.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Skateboard Truck Anatomy
   • Hanger
   • Kingpin
   • Pivot Cup
   • Baseplate
   • Bushings
3. Skateboard Truck Materials
   • Aluminum
   • Titanium
   • Magnesium
4. Skateboard Truck Sizes
   • Width
   • Height
5. Choosing the Right Skateboard Truck
   • Riding Style
   • Deck Width
   • Truck Size
   • Bushing Hardness
   • Brand and Price
6. Maintaining Your Skateboard Trucks
   • Cleaning
   • Tightening Loose Screws
   • Replacing Worn-Out Parts
7. Frequently Asked Questions
8. Conclusion

Skateboard Truck Anatomy

To understand skateboard trucks, it’s essential to know their anatomy. A skateboard truck is made up of several parts, including the hanger, kingpin, pivot cup, baseplate, and bushings.

Hanger

The hanger is the T-shaped part of the skateboard truck that connects to the axle and supports the weight of the skateboarder. It is typically made of aluminum, titanium, or magnesium and comes in different sizes depending on the width of the skateboard deck.

Kingpin

The kingpin is the large bolt that runs through the middle of the hanger and baseplate, holding the skateboard truck together. It is essential to adjust the kingpin’s tightness to customize the truck’s turning ability.

Pivot Cup

The pivot cup is a small, circular piece of rubber that sits between the hanger and baseplate, allowing the truck to turn smoothly. It is important to keep the pivot cup clean and replace it if it becomes worn out.

Baseplate

The baseplate is the flat piece of metal that attaches the skateboard truck to the deck. It has four holes that align with the deck’s four holes, allowing the truck to be mounted to the deck with bolts.

Bushings

Bushings are the small, rubbery pieces that sit inside the skateboard truck’s hanger and provide cushioning and stability. They come in different durometers, or hardness levels, and can be customized to the rider’s preference.

Skateboard Truck Materials

Skateboard trucks can be made of various materials, each with their benefits and drawbacks.

Aluminum

Aluminum is the most common material used for skateboard trucks because it’s durable, lightweight, and affordable. It’s an excellent choice for beginners and intermediate riders.

Titanium

Titanium is a more expensive material that’s incredibly lightweight and durable, making it a popular choice among professional skateboarders.

Magnesium

Magnesium is another lightweight and durable material, but it’s less commonly used than aluminum or titanium.

Skateboard Truck Sizes

Skateboard truck sizes are crucial to ensuring proper performance and stability. There are two main measurements to consider when selecting skateboard truck sizes: width and height.

Width

The Skateboard truck width should match the width of the deck. Trucks that are too narrow or too wide can lead to instability and poor performance.

Height

Skateboard truck height can vary depending on the rider’s preferences. Lower trucks provide better stability, while higher trucks offer better turning ability and more clearance for grinding on obstacles. It’s important to choose the right height based on your riding style and the size of your wheels.

Choosing the Right Skateboard Truck

Choosing the right skateboard truck depends on several factors, including your riding style, deck width, truck size, bushing hardness, brand, and price.

Riding Style

Your riding style will determine the type of skateboard truck you should choose. If you’re a street skater who loves doing tricks, you’ll need a lightweight and responsive truck with a high turning ability. If you’re a vert skater who likes to ride ramps and bowls, you’ll need a taller truck with more stability.

Deck Width

Your skateboard truck width should match your deck width for proper performance and stability. If your deck is wider than your trucks, you’ll have less control over your board, and if your trucks are wider than your deck, your board will feel unstable.

Truck Size

Skateboard truck size is essential to ensure proper performance and stability. As mentioned earlier, truck size is determined by the deck width, but it’s also essential to consider the height of the truck and the size of your wheels.

Bushing Hardness

Bushings come in different durometers, or hardness levels, and can be customized to your riding style and weight. Softer bushings provide more turning ability, while harder bushings provide more stability.

Brand and Price

There are many skateboard truck brands on the market, each with its benefits and drawbacks. It’s important to do your research and choose a brand that fits your needs and budget.

Maintaining Your Skateboard Trucks

Maintaining your skateboard trucks is crucial to ensure proper performance and longevity. Here are a few tips for maintaining your skateboard trucks:

Cleaning

Clean your skateboard trucks regularly to remove dirt and grime that can affect their performance. Use a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe down the trucks, making sure to clean the pivot cup and bushings.

Tightening Loose Screws

Check your skateboard truck’s screws regularly to make sure they’re tight. Loose screws can affect your board’s performance and even cause accidents.

Replacing Worn-Out Parts

If any part of your skateboard truck becomes worn out, replace it immediately. Worn-out parts can affect your board’s performance and even cause accidents.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What size skateboard truck should I use? The size of your skateboard truck should match the width of your deck. If your deck is 8 inches wide, you should use an 8-inch truck. It’s important to choose the right height based on your riding style and the size of your wheels.
2. What are the best skateboard truck brands? There are many skateboard truck brands on the market, each with its benefits and drawbacks. Some of the most popular and trusted brands include Independent, Thunder, Venture, and Tensor.
3. How do I adjust my skateboard truck’s turning ability? You can adjust your skateboard truck’s turning ability by tightening or loosening the kingpin bolt, which is located in the center of the truck. Tightening the kingpin bolt will make your truck more stable and less maneuverable while loosening it will make your truck more responsive and easier to turn.
4. Can I use different-sized trucks on my skateboard? It’s not recommended to use different-sized trucks on your skateboard. If your trucks are different sizes, your board will feel unstable and difficult to control.
5. How often should I replace my skateboard truck’s bushings? It’s recommended to replace your skateboard truck’s bushings every six months or whenever they become worn out. Worn-out bushings can affect your board’s performance and even cause accidents.

Conclusion

Skateboard trucks are a crucial component of any skateboard, responsible for allowing riders to turn, maneuver and grind on their board. By understanding the anatomy, materials, sizes, and how to choose the perfect one for your riding style, you can enhance your performance and enjoy a more comfortable and safe ride. So, take your time to research and choose the right skateboard truck that fits your needs and budget.

interested in learning about electric skateboards? check out our article here.