How To Clean Skateboard Bushings: 05 Steps For Beginners!

Skateboard bushings are small rubber rings inside your trucks. They let you turn smoothly and keep control of your board. But over time, they can start to squeak. Do you know why this happens? After many rides, bushings get old. They pick up dirt, become stiff, and lose their flexibility. If your bushings are making those annoying noises, don’t ignore them! It’s time to clean skateboard bushings. Take action before it’s too late!

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If you are wondering about how to clean skateboard bushings, don’t worry! Today, I’ll show you how to do it step by step. It’s a simple process, and anyone can do it. Let’s dive in!

Why Should You Clean Skateboard Bushings?

First, you need to know why cleaning your bushings is important. Over time, dirt and grime build up on them. This makes your board harder to turn and can cause uneven wear. Here are some benefits of clean skateboard bushings:

Make your skateboard turn smoothly.

Stop annoying squeaks during rides.

Save money by keeping your bushings in good shape.

So, instead of buying new bushings, let’s clean the ones you already have!

Tools and Materials You’ll Need to Clean Skateboard Bushings

Before starting, gather everything you need. Having the right tools makes the job easier. Here’s what you’ll need:

Adjustable wrench – To take apart your trucks and put them back together.

Isopropyl alcohol – To remove dirt and grime.

Microfiber cloth – For scrubbing the bushings without damaging them.

Cooking pot – A small pot to boil your bushings and soften them.

Soap bar – To reduce squeaks when you reassemble the trucks.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Clean Skateboard Bushings

Ready to restore your skateboard bushings and improve your ride? Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to clean your bushings and keep them in perfect shape. This process is quick, beginner-friendly, and hassle-free. Just follow the steps below, and your skateboard will turn smoother and feel like new!

Step 1: Disassemble Your Trucks for Clean Skateboard Bushings

First of all, you need to take apart your trucks to reach the bushings. Don’t worry; it’s easy!

Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the kingpin nut. This is the big nut in the center of the truck.

Once the nut is off, remove the parts in this order: First washer, outer bushing, truck hanger, inner bushing, second washer

Finally, take out the pivot cup.

Keep everything in a safe place. If you’re unsure about the order, take a picture before taking it apart. It’ll make reassembly easier.

Step 2: How to Clean Your Skateboard Bushings?

Secondly, you can start cleaning the bushings.

Take your microfiber cloth and dampen it with isopropyl alcohol.

Gently scrub the bushings. Make sure to clean all sides, including the edges.

If your bushings are extra dirty, rinse them under warm water

. Then scrub them again with alcohol.

This step removes dirt, grease, and grime. Take your time here, it’s worth it!

Related Article: How to Clean Skateboard Bearings!

Step 3: How to Soften the Skateboard Bushings?

Then you can soften the bushings. This step helps if your bushings feel hard or stiff.

Fill a small cooking pot with water and bring it to a boil.

Drop the bushings into the boiling water. Make sure they are fully underwater.

Let them boil for about 10 minutes.

Carefully remove the bushings (they’ll be hot!) and let them cool for a few minutes.

Soft bushings make turning easier and give you a smoother ride.

Step 4: Apply Soap to Stop Squeaks

Finally, you need to apply soap to prevent squeaks. This is a simple but effective trick.

Take a soap bar and rub it along the edges of the bushings. This leaves a thin layer of wax that reduces friction.

Scrape a little soap into the pivot cup (the socket where the truck hanger rotates). Spread it evenly with your finger.

However, You Can Read This Article: Why is My Skateboard Squeaky?

Step 5: Reassemble Your Skateboard Trucks

Finally, you need to put everything back together. Follow these steps:

Place the pivot cup back into the truck baseplate.

Slide the first washer onto the kingpin.

Add the inner bushing, then the truck hanger, followed by the outer bushing.

Place the second washer on top and tighten the kingpin nut.

Don’t overtighten the nut. The bushings should compress slightly but still allow the board to turn easily.

Recently Published Article: How to Clean Skateboard Trucks!

Tips for Keeping Your Skateboard Bushings in Good Shape

Now that your bushings are clean, here are some tips to maintain them:

Clean regularly: Check your bushings every 2–3 months for dirt and clean them if needed.

Avoid over-tightening: Tight trucks can crush the bushings and reduce their lifespan.

Know when to replace them: If your bushings are cracked, split, or losing their shape, it’s time to replace skateboard bushings!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can you use WD-40 on skateboard bushings?

Yes, but only in small amounts. WD-40 can reduce squeaks, but too much can make your bushings slippery. Using soap is safer and more effective.

Can I use rubbing alcohol to clean skate bearings?

Yes! Rubbing alcohol is great for cleaning both bushings and bearings. It removes dirt and grime without leaving residue.

Do bushings wear out quickly if not cleaned?

Yes, dirty bushings wear out faster. Dirt increases friction and makes them less flexible. Regular cleaning helps them last longer.

Final Thoughts

Now you know how to clean skateboard bushings. It’s simple, quick, and saves you money. Clean bushings make your skateboard turn smoothly and last longer.

Follow these steps to keep your board in great shape. Remember, regular maintenance is the key to better performance. Got squeaks? Don’t forget to use soap!