Do you need bushings for a skateboard? (Installation Guide)

Are you looking to upgrade your skateboard setup? If so, one of the most important items to consider is bushings.

Bushings are small cylindrical rubbery parts that fit between the hanger and the baseplate of your trucks, providing necessary cushioning and stability.

Not only do they affect how well you can turn on your board, but they also play a huge role in determining how long it will last.

In this guide, we’ll explain what types of bushings are available and provide insight into which ones are best suited for different riding styles.

So read on to learn everything you need to know about buying bushings for your skateboard.

Different types of bushings used on Skateboards:

There are several different types of bushings available for skateboards, each with its unique characteristics.

From barrel bushing to cup cone bushing, understanding the different types of bushings can help you choose the right one for your board and ensure a smoother ride.

Let’s take a closer look at the different types of bushings available on the market today. 

Barrel Bushing – Barrel bushings are one of the most popular types of skateboard bushings. They are cylindrical and provide a consistent rebound when pushed down, meaning they offer great stability and control when turning or carving. Barrel bushings also tend to last longer than other types since they won’t wear down as quickly.

Cup Cone Bushing – Cup cone bushings are similar to barrel bushings but have an extra layer that provides more cushioning and support while still maintaining stability and control. They work best for heavier skateboarders who need more cushioning from their board without sacrificing performance.

Flat Washer Bushing – Flat washer bushing provides less rebound than barrel or cup cone bushings but offers more support and stability when pushing down on the board. This type of bushing works best for lighter riders who need extra support while riding but don’t want too much rebound from their board.

Urethane Bushing – Urethane bushing offers maximum dampening and shock absorption, making them a great choice for beginner skaters who aren’t used to riding boards with stiffer bushes. These also offer excellent durability, so they’re an ideal option if you plan on taking your board out frequently or doing tricks that require lots of jumps or turns. 

Do you need bushings for a skateboard?

If you’re a skater and you want to customize your board, bushings are a great addition.

Bushings are the small rubber pieces that go inside trucks on skateboards. They provide cushioning when turning and help determine how loose or tight the truck turns.

For this reason, bushings can be an important factor in determining rideability and maneuverability on a skateboard.

Depending on your skating style, different hardnesses of bushings may be used to get your desired amount of turn.

Although they may not seem like much, if you want to improve the overall performance of your skateboard, trying out different types of bushings is certainly worth the investment.

Do bushings make a difference skateboard?

Bushings make a huge difference for skateboarding.

They are the small cylindrical shock absorbers that fit between the truck and the board, providing cushioning and flex to absorb impact, as well as allowing the rider to turn more efficiently.

Bushings come in a variety of sizes and materials, which can drastically affect how your board rides. Different durometers (hardnesses) will provide different amounts of responsiveness and stability while turning.

Softer bushings are preferred by most street riders because they make it easier to perform flip tricks, while harder bushings suit those who prefer speed and stability on ramps or vert.

They also affect overall deck size. Depending on the size of the bushings you choose, they can make your deck feel wider or narrower than normal.

This means that if you’re using large soft bushings with a narrow deck, it might feel like you’re riding a much wider board without having to invest in a new one.

And conversely, smaller hard bushings could make your wide deck feel very tight and responsive underfoot without sacrificing too much stability.

How do bushings affect the ride of a skateboard?

Bushings play a crucial role in the overall ride quality of a skateboard. They are small, round pieces of rubber or urethane installed between the board’s truck and its baseplate. When compressed, bushings offer cushioning and resistance to allow for smoother turning and control over the board’s movements.

The stiffness of bushings can be adjusted by tightening or loosening them, depending on your riding style. A softer bushing will give you more flex and responsiveness when doing tricks, while a harder setting will provide better stability at higher speeds. By adjusting the bushings appropriately, the rider can customize their skateboard to meet their style and needs.

The impact that bushings have on the ride quality of a skateboard cannot be understated. Different types of bushing materials provide varying levels of dampening – some are designed to absorb vibrations while others resist it – which affects how your board responds when you turn or maneuver it in any direction.

Depending on the type of terrain being ridden, certain types of bushings may be beneficial over others as they give greater stability or control in specific conditions. Soft bushings are best suited for trick-based skateboarding, while harder settings are better for carving at high speeds.

By fine-tuning your board’s bushing settings to match both your size and skill level, you can achieve a much smoother ride with increased precision and control when performing tricks or cruising around town.

How do you choose the right bushings for your skateboard?

The bushings in your skateboard trucks are essential components that allow you to control your board in a variety of ways. High-quality bushings can make all the difference in how your board rides and performs, so it’s important to understand how to choose the right ones. Here are tips for finding the perfect bushings for your skateboard.

Know Your Weight Range – Different types of bushings are designed for different weight ranges, so it’s important to know your own weight before choosing a set. Generally speaking, lighter riders should opt for softer bushings while heavier riders should look for harder options. Knowing this information ahead of time can help you narrow down your choices quickly.

Consider Your Riding Style – Different riding styles require different types of bushings as well. For example, if you do a lot of high-speed downhill riding, you’ll want stiffer bushings that will keep your board stable even at high speeds. On the other hand, if you do more tricks or cruise around town then softer bushings might be better suited to give you greater maneuverability when turning or performing tricks.

Look For Durable Materials – Quality materials will ensure that your bushings last longer and provide consistent performance throughout their lifespan. Look for bushing sets made from durable polyurethane material with reinforcing inserts like nylon or Delrin which can add extra strength and stability without sacrificing flexibility or durability.

Consider Bushing Shapes – There are two main shapes when it comes to skateboard bushings – conical (cone-shaped) and barrel (cylindrical). Conical is typically better suited for technical street skating while the barrel is better suited for cruising and carving thanks to its larger contact area with the hanger on each truck axle which provides greater stability at higher speeds with less effort from the rider’s feet.

Don’t Be Afraid To Experiment – With so many different types and styles of skateboard bushings available today, there’s no reason not to experiment a bit until you find something that works best for you! Keep in mind that some combinations might work better than others depending on how much weight they need to support and how hard they need to work during certain maneuvers – but don’t be afraid to try something new now and then.

How do you install bushings on a skateboard? (In 5 Steps)

Step 1: Gather Your Tools 

Before you begin, it’s important to make sure you have all the tools that you need. You will need a skate tool, a Phillips screwdriver, and some lubrication (WD40 is a great option). Once you have everything ready, it’s time to move on to the next step. 

Step 2: Take Off Your Wheels

To access the bushings, you will need to remove your wheels from your skateboard. This is easily done with a skate tool; simply loosen each nut until it comes off. Then slide each wheel off its axle and place them aside for now. Now would also be a good time to clean up any dust or debris that has built up around your axles.

Step 3: Remove Old Bushings & Install New Ones

Once the wheels are removed, use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the old bushings from their housings at both ends of each truck axle. Slide in your new bushings until they fit snugly into their housings and secure them with screws as necessary. Make sure both bushings are identical; if not, they could affect how smoothly your board rides.

Step 4: Lubricate Axles & Bearings

For optimal performance, make sure that you lubricate both your axles and bearings with WD40 or another lubricant before replacing your wheels onto your board. This will help ensure that everything runs smoothly and reduce friction between components for a better riding experience overall.

Step 5: Test It Out

With all of that done, it’s time for the final step – testing out how well it works! Put on your safety gear and take it out for a spin! If everything feels smooth and responsive, then congrats – you just successfully installed some new bushings on your skateboard.

Final Verdict

The answer is generally yes. Bushings are essential parts of a skateboard, acting as the cushion between the deck and the truck, allowing smooth turns and maneuvers to be executed.

However, what type of bushing you should buy depends on your weight, riding style, and preference.

If you are new to skateboarding, it may be best to start with softer bushings until you get used to your board’s responsiveness.

Ultimately though, deciding which bushings would suit your skateboarding style best involves trial and error.