Longboard trucks are essential to a longboard, enabling the rider to turn and maneuver the board. The trucks are attached to the deck and allow the board to pivot from side to side. However, some riders may find their longboard trucks too tight, making it difficult to turn the board. So it is necessary to lose them to have a comfortable and smooth ride.
For those who are new in this game and don’t have any awareness about how to loosen longboard trucks, this blog will be a valuable piece of information. You can lose the trucks of the longboard by removing wheels, losing the kingpin wheels, adjusting the bushings, reassembling the trucks, reattaching, and testing the wheels in the end, with essential tools as a main part of the process.
In this guide, we will focus on how to loosen longboard trucks, including the tools required and the steps to follow in detail. So, let’s embark on the journey.
Tools Required
Before discussing the steps to loosen longboard trucks, let’s first talk about the required tools. You will need the following tools:
- A skate tool
- A rag or towel
If you don’t have a skate tool, purchase one from a skate shop or online. A skate tool is a multi-purpose tool specifically designed for skateboards and longboards. It includes a wrench for adjusting the nuts on the trucks, a Phillips head screwdriver for tightening or loosening the kingpin, and an Allen key for adjusting the axle nuts.
6 Steps to Loosen Longboard Trucks
Now that you have the tools required let’s discuss the steps to loosen longboard trucks. Follow these steps carefully:
1. Remove the Wheels
The first step is to remove the wheels from the longboard. Use the skate tool to loosen the nuts on the axle until they are loose enough to remove the wheel. Repeat this for all four wheels and set them aside.
2. Loosen the Kingpin Nut
The kingpin nut is located at the center of the truck and holds it together. Use the skate tool to loosen the kingpin nut. You don’t need to remove the nut; loosen it enough so the truck can pivot.
3. Adjust the Bushings
The bushings are located on either side of the kingpin and are responsible for absorbing shocks and providing cushioning. They also determine the tightness of the trucks. To loosen the trucks, you will need to adjust the bushings.
There are two types of bushings – top bushings and bottom bushings. The top bushings are above the kingpin, and the bottom bushings are below the kingpin. You can adjust the bushings by tightening or loosening the nuts on the kingpin.
It would be best to loosen the nuts on the kingpin to loosen the trucks. Use the skate tool to turn the nuts counterclockwise. You don’t need to remove the nuts; loosen them enough to keep the bushings loose.
4. Reassemble the Truck
Once you have adjusted the bushings, you need to reassemble the truck. Hold the truck in one hand and the kingpin in the other. Place the kingpin back into the truck and screw the nut back on. Tighten the nut until it is snug but not too tight.
5. Reattach the Wheels
Now that you have reassembled the truck, you can reattach the wheels. Place each wheel back onto the axle and tighten the nuts with the skate tool. Make sure the wheels are securely fastened.
6. Test the Trucks
Finally, you must test the trucks to see if they are loose enough. Stand on the longboard and try to turn the board by leaning to one side. If the board turns easily, then the trucks are loose enough.
If the board is still too tight, repeat the process until you are satisfied with the looseness of the trucks.
Why Do You Need to Loosen Your Longboard Trucks?
The need for loosening trucks in any type of longboard is due to many good reasons. These include it will improve the flow of your longboard with smooth and even speed.
Secondly, you will learn the tricks of longboarding by leaning drastically as you roll away and you can go ahead without having tic tac up to an obstacle.
Thirdly, your longboarding journey quill takes a more carefree look, in an easy way. So if you notice the style rigid you should lose your trucks for must.
How Does the Tightness of Your Trucks Impact Your Riding?
Tightness in the trucks of your longboard plays a great role and impacts your riding style in an innovative way like, they imply more pressure on your overall body and offer less flexibility.
Moreover, tight trucks ensure and provide more room for you to move a little, in addition, the wrong trick can split your board in the middle of the game.
Last but not least tight trucks are the ideal way for downhill longboarding as they offer you more control and stability while avoiding things on the road and shifting your body weight.
How Tight Should the Mounting Hardware Be?
The mounting hardware should be tight enough in such a way that the top of the hardware bolts should be even with your grip.
Furthermore, the components of the longboard should be flushed within the deck and the nuts should be snugged.
Additional Tips for Adjusting the Loosen Longboard Trucks
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when loosening your longboard trucks:
- Don’t over-tighten the kingpin nut: When reassembling the truck, make sure to tighten the kingpin nut only until it is snug. If you tighten it too much, it can make the truck too stiff, which defeats the purpose of loosening the truck.
- Adjust the bushings according to your weight: The bushings come in different durometers (hardness levels) and are designed to support different weights. You may need harder bushings to maintain stability if you’re a heavier rider. On the other hand, if you’re a lighter rider, you may prefer softer bushings for a looser ride.
- Experiment with different bushing combinations: You can try many different bushing combinations to achieve the perfect level of looseness and stability for your riding style. Some riders prefer a looser front truck and a tighter back truck, while others prefer the opposite. Don’t be afraid to experiment with combinations to find what works best for you.
- Check the tightness of your trucks regularly: It’s a good idea to check the tightness of your trucks regularly, especially if you ride your longboard frequently. Over time, the vibrations from riding can cause the nuts and bolts to loosen, which can affect the performance of your board.
FAQs
Why would I want to loosen my longboard trucks?
Loosening your longboard trucks can improve your ability to turn and maneuver your board. It can also make for a more enjoyable ride, allowing for a more fluid and responsive ride.
How do I know if my longboard trucks are too tight?
If you’re having difficulty turning or carving, or if the board feels stiff and unresponsive, your trucks may be too tight. You can also try leaning to one side to turn the board. If it takes a lot of effort to turn, your trucks may be too tight.
Can I loosen my longboard trucks too much?
Losing your trucks too much can make your board unstable and prone to wobbling at high speeds. Finding the right balance between looseness and stability for your riding style is important.
What tools do I need to loosen my longboard trucks?
You will need a skate tool, which is a multi-purpose tool that includes a wrench for adjusting the nuts on the trucks, a Phillips head screwdriver for tightening or loosening the kingpin, and an Allen key for adjusting the axle nuts.
Conclusion
Let’s wind up this amazing guide now!! So, loosening longboard trucks is a simple process that can be done with a few tools and some basic knowledge. Remember to take your time and follow the steps carefully. Loosening the trucks can improve your ability to maneuver and turn your longboard, making it a more enjoyable ride.
It’s also important to note that loosening the trucks too much can result in instability and wobbling at high speeds, so be sure to find the right balance for your riding style!
