A skateboard is a great way to get around, whether you’re in a city or out in the country. But did you know that there are different parts to a skateboard?
In this blog post, we’ll talk about bushings on a skateboard.
- What are they?
- What do they do?
Keep reading to find out!
Bushings on a skateboard are important for two reasons: they help the board turn and they keep the wheels in contact with the ground.
The type and shape of the bushing determine how much turning power the rider will have.
What Are Bushings Used For On A Skateboard?
Bushings are used on a skateboard to help the board turn and keep the wheels in contact with the ground. The type and shape of the bushing will determine how much turning power the rider will have.
There are many different types of bushings so it’s important to choose the right ones for your style of riding.
Hard Vs. Soft Skateboard Bushings
Hard skateboard bushings are typically made of polyurethane and have a durometer of 90a or higher. These bushings are harder and provide more stability at high speeds but they are also more difficult to turn.
Soft skateboard bushings are typically made of urethane and have a durometer of 86a or lower. These bushings are softer and provide more turning power but they also offer less stability at high speeds.
Which type of bushing is right for you will depend on your riding style. If you’re a beginner, it’s a good idea to start with softer bushings. These will be easier to turn and won’t give you as much control. As you get more experience, you can try harder bushings for more speed and power.
No matter what type of bushing you choose, be sure to change them when they start to wear down. With the right bushings, you’ll be sure to have a great ride!
How Do Skateboard Bushings Work?
Bushings work by allowing the trucks of a skateboard to pivot. The bushings are placed between the baseplate and the hanger of the truck. The top bushing is usually harder than the bottom bushing which allows for more control when turning.
When Should I Change My Skateboard Bushings?
You should change your skateboard bushings when they start to wear down. Bushings will usually last for several months but this will vary depending on how often you ride and what type of riding you do.
If you do a lot of downhill skating, for example your bushings will wear out more quickly than if you only ride around town.
How Do I Choose Skateboard Bushings?
There are many different types of skateboard bushings, so it’s important to choose the right ones for your style of riding.
If you’re a beginner, it’s a good idea to start with softer bushings. These will be easier to turn and won’t give you as much control. As you get more experience, you can try harder bushings for more speed and power.
Skateboard bushings are an important part of your skateboard and can make a big difference in how your board rides.
Be sure to choose the right bushings for your style of riding and change them when they start to wear down. With the right bushings, you’ll be sure to have a great ride!
Shapes Of Skateboard Bushings
Skateboard bushings come in a variety of shapes, including:
1) Barrel
Barrel shaped bushings are the most common type of bushing. They are symmetrical and offer a balanced ride.
2) Cone
Cone shaped bushings are more pointed than barrel shaped bushings. They offer more turning power, but less stability.
3) Barrel/Cone
Barrel/cone shaped bushings are a combination of barrel and cone shaped bushings. They offer a balance of turning power and stability.
If you’re a beginner, it’s a good idea to start with barrel shaped bushings. These will be easier to turn and offer more stability. As you get more experience, you can try cone shaped bushings for more speed and power.
FAQ – skateboard bushings
Do I need bushings on a skateboard?
Bushings are an important part of your skateboard trucks and can make a big difference in how your board rides.
Without bushings, your skateboard trucks would be very difficult to turn. So, if you want to be able to turn your skateboard, you’ll need bushings!
Do skateboard bushings make a difference?
Skateboard bushings can make a big difference in how your board rides. Different bushings will offer different levels of turning power and stability. So, it’s important to choose the right bushings for your style of riding.
What bushings are best for street skating?
If you’re going to be skating on the street, you’ll want to choose harder bushings. These will offer more stability at high speeds and will help you maintain control of your board.
What is difference between bushing and bearing?
Bushing: Bushing is a plain bearing in which the journal slides on a smooth surface.
Bearing: Bearing is a machine element that constrains relative motion between moving parts to only the desired motion and reduces friction between them.
How do you adjust bushings?
To adjust your bushings, you’ll need to loosen or tighten your kingpin. The kingpin is the bolt that holds your trucks together.
Loosening the kingpin will make your trucks easier to turn. Tightening the kingpin will make your trucks more stable at high speeds.
Wrap Up
Bushings are a small but important part of your skateboard. They play a crucial role in how your board rides and responds to your input.
Bushings come in different shapes and sizes, so it’s important to choose the right ones for your skating style. Too soft a bushing will make your board feel sloppy while too hard will make it difficult to turn.
Bushings also wear down over time, so it’s important to keep an eye on them and replace them when they start to show signs of wear and tear.
