Why does my skateboard squeak and How do I fix it?

Are you an avid skateboarder who’s been taking the streets by storm?

If so, you may have recently noticed a strange noise coming from your skateboard. You look around and notice that it seems to be coming from your wheels, but why is it happening in the first place?

It could be annoying or even embarrassing if other people are around while this is going on. So why does my skateboard squeak and how can I fix it?

Let’s explore some of these questions in depth.

What causes a skateboard to squeak?

There are a few common causes of skateboard squeaking:

Speed Wobble:

Speed-wobble is a common issue experienced by skateboarders, causing an uncomfortable vibration when riding at high speeds.

As awkward as this issue may seem, it can be easily explained by basic physics: excessive speed causes the rider’s center of mass to shift away from the board’s axis of rotation, resulting in vibrations that cause a distinct squeaking noise.

While every skateboard may react differently depending on its design, a change in riding technique or deck angle can reduce the effects of speed-wobble and make for a more enjoyable ride.

Therefore, if troubling speed-wobble is bringing down your spirits or spoiling your rides, consider making simple proactive adjustments to prevent this annoying issue from occurring.

Loose Bolts:

Riding out with your skateboard, gliding across the pavement when all of a sudden it begins to make an irritating squeaking noise?

Chances are your skateboard has loose bolts. This noise arises from vibrations in the wheel because all of its components aren’t tightly secured together.

Luckily, this problem can easily be solved either by self-adjusting the nuts and bolts yourself or taking it to be professionally serviced.

You should regularly check your board as part of your maintenance regimen to ensure that all parts are fastened securely together so you never have to suffer through this annoying sound again.

Worn Bushings:

Is the sound of a squeaky skateboard ruining your ride? The culprit is likely worn bushings. Bushings are two pieces that sit between the kingpin and baseplate of a truck.

The top piece binds to the kingpin, while the bottom piece binds to the baseplate. The bushing is held in place by a nut and washer, which can both become loose over time due to shock and corrosion resulting from grinding or impact.

As the bushing wears down, the nut and washer will become even looser and thus emit a distinct squeaking noise when in motion.

This problem can easily be solved with some fresh bushings, nuts and washers.

Dry Bearings:

Skateboard bearings can be durable when taken care of, but age, wear, and dust can cause them to become dry.

When bearings are dry, they can emit an unpleasant squeaking noise when put under pressure – like when you skate over rough surfaces.

This is caused by the metal parts grinding together instead of the frictionless movement of clean and lubricated bearings.

Further, without proper lubrication, the bearings will not roll smoothly and it may cause the wheel wobbling or stick.

Bent Axles:

Skateboarders everywhere have experienced the dreaded squeak of a bent axle.

It’s an almost unmistakable sound stopping a session mid-tricks – the wheel just won’t roll properly and everyone can hear it coming from miles away.

Though there are several potential causes for this annoying problem, it is usually caused by going over large drops or too much stress being placed on one side of the axle. Besides, it can also be caused by riding with a wheel that is too tight.

For these cases, the axle needs to be replaced as it cannot be straightened back into shape.

Dirty Griptape:

Dirty griptape is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to that dreaded squeaky sound on a skateboard.

As your feet make contact with your board, dirt and moisture builds up in between you and the deck making for an irritatingly loud noise. In addition to this, dirt and debris can also get lodged in the griptape which causes friction when you ride.

Paving Stones:

Anyone who has ever skateboarded knows the unique sound that a skateboard makes when it rides over paving stones. It’s a squeaky noise that is instantly recognizable, but have you ever wondered why this happens?’

The phenomenon is thought to be caused by vibrations in the metal trucks of the skateboard, which causes the rough edges of the paved surface to interact and make them friction against one another

The sound occurs when there is no other source of sound present. Paving stones are responsible for giving us this classic skater sound – just like they’ve been adapting our roads and streets since ancient times.

How do I fix it:

Squeaky skateboards can be a nuisance, but the good news is that they don’t have to stay that way. To fix a squeaky skateboard, start by examining the moving parts of your skateboard, such as the trucks and wheels. If you notice any dryness or dirt on either of these components, lubricate them with some silicone-based lubricant or a specialized skateboard-bearing lube. Once this is done, reassemble the parts and make sure that they are properly tightened; if not, use a wrench to tighten them. 

If you find that your squeaking persists after applying lubrication and tightening up the loose parts, it’s possible that your bushings are worn out and need replacing. Bushings are small cylindrical parts located inside the truck of your skateboard which act as shock absorbers when you turn or shift your weight while riding. Replacing these bushings can help reduce any excess friction that could be causing your squeaking sound. You can purchase replacement bushings from most local skate shops or online retailers.

Once you’ve replaced any worn out bushings and tightened up all loose components, check for any dust or dirt buildup in between your wheels and bearings; clean these out using some rubbing alcohol if needed before reassembling everything together once more. Finally, double-check to make sure that all nuts and bolts are properly tightened down one last time to ensure smooth silent operation of your skateboard for many hours of enjoyable riding ahead!

Final Verdict:

It can be a challenge trying to figure out why your skateboard is squeaking. From loose bolts and worn bushings, to dry bearings and bent axles, there are several potential issues that could be causing the sound.

Fortunately, with a bit of patience and knowledge about skateboards, you should be able to diagnose the problem and get back out on the streets in no time.

It’s also important to keep up with your maintenance regimen to ensure that all parts are fastened securely together so you never have to suffer through this annoying sound again. With a bit of effort, you can be sure that your skateboard will stay squeak-free and ready for any tricks.