Why is my skateboard so loud? [Descriptive Guide]

Most people are well aware of the loud sound that a skateboard makes as it zooms around town. With the grinding and squealing of the wheels echoing off buildings, it’s easy to understand why skateboarders get complaints from their neighbors.

So what’s behind this loud sound? Skateboarding relies on friction in order to move, making the noise largely caused by a thin layer of dust generated at the points where the wheel meets the pavement.

To decrease noise levels, cleaning your bearings and lubricating them can help reduce some of that screeching. Switching out hard polyurethane wheels for softer ones also helps to soften that ear-piercing sound we often hear from skateboards.

Therefore, In this article, we will discuss how to keep the noise levels of your skateboard down.

Should a skateboard be loud?

Whether or not a skateboard should be loud is really up to personal preference. On one hand, some skateboarders enjoy the sound of their board on the pavement, as it can be almost like a type of music that’s unique to each rider.

Being able to hear your own wheels gives you a certain feeling of accomplishment and can provide an extra layer of satisfaction after completing tricks. On the other hand, having a loud skateboard can be distracting and annoying for those around you, especially if you’re skating in public places.

Noise levels vary depending on what kind of wheels are being used. Generally speaking, softer wheels will make less noise than harder ones since they don’t come into contact with the ground with as much force.

That said, regardless of wheel hardness there are still ways to reduce the volume of your skateboard by simply adjusting your riding style or equipment (e.g., adding risers). Wearing protective gear like elbow pads and knee pads can also help muffle sound while skating. There are even special decibel-reducing accessories available on the market that claim to lower sound by up to 20%.

Ultimately, whether or not a skateboard should loud depend on where and how it’s being used. Skating in parks or empty streets late at night? Go ahead and let your wheels roar! If you’re riding around in public places then it might be wise to tone it down so as not to disturb others.

Why is my skateboard being noisy and creaky? Causes

Have you ever been riding your skateboard and noticed it making strange noises? Whether it’s a creaking, whining, or buzzing sound, it can be annoying and off-putting. But what could be causing the noise of your skateboard? Let’s dive into the 5 most common causes of noisy skateboards. 

➤ Loose Bolts or Nuts – The most common cause of noise on a skateboard is loose nuts and bolts. If you look at the baseplate of your truck, there will be several screws holding it together. Check each one to make sure they are tight and secure. You don’t want them to be too loose, but also not too tight as this can damage the metal threads in the long run.

➤ Worn Bushings – Most trucks come with two bushings that help with turning and absorbing shock from impacts on the road or when doing tricks. Over time these may wear out and become loose which will create a rattling or creaking noise when riding over bumps or rough surfaces. Replacing these bushings is relatively easy if you have the right tools – so try changing them first if you suspect this is the source of your noisy problems.

➤ Loose Bearings – Another common source of noise is loose bearings in your wheels. These can become worn over time due to friction from skating, causing them to vibrate which creates a buzzing sound while riding your board. To fix this, tighten up all four bearings on each wheel as well as check for any dirt/debris that may be causing extra friction between them and the axle nut.

➤ Old Grip Tape – Grip tape is essential for helping keep your feet firmly planted on top of your board while riding but over time it can start to wear out leading to a squeaky noise when pressing down with pressure from either foot (this often happens when pushing off). To fix this issue just replace any old grip tape with new high-quality stuff! You’ll thank yourself later 😉  

➤ Wheel Alignment Issues – Lastly, wheel alignment issues can cause an uneven distribution of weight across all four wheels resulting in weird noises being created from friction against the ground surface (eek!). Make sure all four wheels are evenly spaced out between each other by adjusting their position slightly until they are aligned properly before going out for a ride again.

How do I make my skateboard not loud? (Methods to fix)

If you’ve ever been in the middle of a skate session and heard an annoying rattling sound coming from your board, you know how disruptive it can be. Not only is it embarrassing, but it can also make riding more difficult. Fortunately, there are several ways to reduce this noise and make your skateboard a bit quieter. Let’s take a look at five of them. 

Tighten All Bolts – The first thing you should do is check all the bolts on your board to make sure they are tight enough. Even if one bolt is loose, it can create a lot of noise as the wheel moves around. It’s important to note that you don’t want to tighten them too much – just enough so that they don’t move when you ride or shake your board. 

Change Bearings – If you haven’t changed your bearings in a while, then you may want to consider doing so as worn-out bearings tend to be quite noisy. New bearings will help keep things quiet while giving you better performance overall. 

Put On Some Risers – Risers are small pieces of plastic or wood that go between the baseplate and deck of your board in order to raise it off the ground slightly (usually 1/8-1/4 inch). This helps keep the wheels from rubbing against the deck and making noise while also reducing wear and tear on both parts over time. 

Add Spacers To Keep Wheels From Rattling – You can buy spacers for your wheels which will keep them from wobbling around and creating noise when riding over bumps or cracks in the pavement. They come in different sizes and thicknesses depending on how much clearance you need between the wheel and deck for a given setup, so make sure you get ones that fit correctly for your board before installing them. 

Lubricate Axles And Bearings – If all else fails, lubricating your axles and bearings may help reduce some of the rattling noises associated with riding a skateboard too fast or over rough surfaces like gravel or dirt roads (something we never recommend). Use silicone-based lubricants as they won’t harm any rubber components on your board, although they do require frequent reapplication as they tend to wear off quickly with use due to heat generated by friction between parts during rides.

Conclusion

After months of waking up to the sound of my skateboard rushing out of my room every morning before school, I have finally come to the conclusion that it is simply louder than any other board out there.

From its vibrant and eye-catching color scheme to its playful wheels, it seems my skateboard was born to stand out and make noise in more ways than one.

This board has been a treasured part of my life and although I’m getting used to the loud noises, I’m sure it will continue to be a source of pride no matter how much racket it makes.