Not getting the performance you want out of your skateboard? Chances are that there’s something wrong with it. The good news is that in most cases, you don’t necessarily have to replace parts of your skateboard. Usually, a little cleaning, or a little tightening will help do the trick, and your skateboard will feel brand new once more.
In this article, we’ll talk about troubleshooting common skateboard problems. Why do you want to do this? For one, you’ll save a lot of money doing the simple stuff yourself rather than having a pro repairman do it for you, or even replace parts that still work perfectly well.
If you’re ready to solve the common problems with your skateboard, then read on.
1. Skateboard wheels don’t spin freely. This sounds like a case of dirty skateboard bearings. You see, the bearings help your wheels turn smoothly. However, dirt accumulates in your bearings over time, making for a rough ride.
Usually, all you need to do is clean your bearings. Just pull them out of your wheels and apply a cleaner, and re-lubricate. However, if your bearings are around 1-2 years old, then, chances are that the bearings have already worn down. In that case, no amount of cleaning will make them spin freely anymore. You’ll, then, have to buy a fresh set of bearings.
2. Wheel bite. A wheel bite occurs when your wheels grind against your deck, either because of a hard landing, or if you make a difficult turn on your board. Wheel bites can be a serious matter if you ride often. They could cause your wheels to suddenly stop turning and throw you off your board.
To prevent a wheel bite, you can either use smaller wheels or put risers on your trucks. Doing either of these options provide more clearance for your wheels to move, and thus prevent them from grinding against the board.
3. Something feels ‘loose’ with your skateboard wheels. If you feel that something’s about to come loose off your skateboard, or if riding your board feels rickety, then something probably is indeed coming loose. It’s, therefore, important that you check the screws and the nuts on your board before riding it. If there are loose nuts and screws, tighten them first. It can be pretty embarrassing-and downright dangerous-to ride a board that’s falling apart.
Learning how to troubleshoot common skateboard problems helps you save money by doing easy repairs yourself. However, if you are not confident about your repair skills, it would be a better idea to leave it to the hands of an expert skateboard repairman. It costs money, but not as much as you would spend on new parts if you break them due to your unsuccessful attempt at repairing your board.
More importantly, check your board regularly. Have a close look at every nook and cranny before riding it. Doing so would ensure that your board is in good shape and would last longer. Some people call it preventive maintenance, and you’ll be doing yourself and your board a favor by doing it.