Trucks are the most essential part of your skateboard. They control your turns, balance, and even the smoothness of your ride. But after countless tricks and endless rides, they can get covered in grime, dirt, and sometimes even rust. If your trucks are dealing with the same problem, don’t be late it’s time to clean skateboard trucks. Otherwise, they will damage your trucks.
Are you thinking about how to clean skateboard trucks? Fear not! Today, I’m gonna show you how to make the skateboard trucks look shiny and new again. Cleaning them is easy and doesn’t take much time.
So, grab your board, and Let’s get started!
Why You Should Clean Skateboard Trucks?
First of all, you need to understand why clean skateboard trucks are essential. Trucks get dirty from dust, mud, or rust. This dirt can slow you down or mess up your turns. Rust can also weaken the metal.
That’s why you should clean them. By cleaning skateboard trucks, you will make your board last longer and ride better.
Tools You’ll Need to Clean Your Skateboard Trucks
Before starting the prosses, you should gather these tools. They’ll make the process much easier and faster:
- Screwdriver: To remove the trucks from the deck.
- Slip-joint pliers: For loosening or tightening nuts.
- WD-40: This is great for cleaning rust and lubricating metal parts.
- Wire brush or soft brush: To scrub away dirt and rust.
- Paper towels or cloth: For wiping down and drying.
- Wax: To reduce friction and prevent annoying noises.
Once you have got everything, you’re ready to begin.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Clean Skateboard Trucks
Ready to bring your skateboard trucks back to life? Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to clean your trucks and keep them in top shape. This guide will make the process easy and hassle-free. Follow this guide, and your skateboard will feel as good as new!
Step 1: Disassemble Your Skateboard
First of all, you need to remove the trucks from your skateboard deck. Use a screwdriver to loosen the bolts. Hold the nuts with pliers so they don’t spin. Be careful not to lose any small parts like nuts, bolts, and washers. Which can be tricky to replace.
Keep all the parts in a small container so you can easily find them later.
Step 2: Wipe Down the Trucks
Secondly, you can use a damp cloth or paper towel to remove any surface dirt or grime. Pay close attention to areas like the axles and the pivot cup, as these spots collect the most buildup. If you notice stubborn dirt, don’t worry! I will show you in the next steps.
Step 3: How to Clean Rust Off Skateboard Trucks
If your trucks have rust, this is where WD-40 and a wire brush come in handy. Rust is common, especially if you skate in wet conditions, but it’s easy to remove.
- Spray WD-40: Apply it to the rusty areas and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This will loosen the rust and make it easier to scrub.
- Scrub with a Brush: Take your wire brush and gently scrub the rusty spots. Don’t apply too much pressure. That will damage the metal.
- Wipe Clean: Use a paper towel to wipe away the rust and residue.
By now, your trucks should look much cleaner. This is the best way to clean rusty skateboard trucks without damaging them.
Step 4: How to Clean Your Skateboard Truck Axles
The axles hold your wheels. They can get very dirty. Use a soft small brush or a paper towel to clean these areas thoroughly. If there’s grime stuck on the threads, then spray a bit of WD-40 and wipe again.
Keeping the axles clean makes it easier to put your wheels back on and prevents wear and tear on the threads.
Step 5: Wax the Pivot Cup
If your skateboard makes creaking noises when you turn, the problem is probably with the pivot cup. This small part connects the truck hanger to the baseplate and can create friction over time.
Then you need to apply a small amount of wax to the pivot cup. This reduces friction, prevents wear, and eliminates annoying noises. If you don’t have skateboard-specific wax, a bit of candle wax will work too.
Related Article: Why is My Skateboard Squeaky? Discover the Quick-Fix Solutions!
Step 6: Reassemble the Trucks
Now that everything is clean, it’s time to put the trucks on your skateboard. Start by attaching the hangers, bushings, and washers in the correct order. Make sure everything is aligned properly before tightening.
Then, use your screwdriver to secure the bolts evenly. Don’t over-tighten, just ensure the trucks are snug and stable. Once everything is back in place, double-check that all parts are secure before taking your skateboard out for a ride.
Tips for Maintaining Your Skateboard Trucks
Cleaning your trucks is great, but regular maintenance will save you time and effort in the long run. Here are some simple tips:
- Check for Rust: If you notice rust forming, clean it off immediately to prevent it from spreading.
- Tighten Bolts: Loose bolts can cause wobbling, so check them regularly.
- Replace Damaged Parts: Worn-out bushings or nuts should be replaced to keep your board performing well.
- Clean After Wet Rides: If you skate in the rain or through puddles, dry your trucks as soon as possible to prevent rust.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your skateboard trucks clean isn’t just about looks. It’s about smoother rides, better control, and longer-lasting gear. Take a few minutes to clean them, and your rides will feel brand new.
So, don’t let grime and rust slow you down—clean your trucks, hit the pavement, and skate with confidence!
