Common Skateboard Problems and How to Solve Them
Skateboarding is an exhilarating sport, but like any activity, it comes with its fair share of problems—whether they’re related to the skateboard itself or the challenges of riding. For both beginners and seasoned skaters, it’s crucial to know how to identify and solve these common skateboard problems to maintain performance, safety, and enjoyment. This guide will walk you through the most common issues skateboarders face and provide practical solutions to keep your skateboard in top condition.
1. Worn-Out or Flat-Spotted Wheels
The Problem:
Over time, your skateboard wheels will wear down, especially if you skate on rough surfaces or do a lot of powerslides. Flat spots—areas of your wheels that have become squared off—are another common issue. Flat-spotted wheels can cause your board to ride unevenly, resulting in a bumpy, shaky ride.
The Solution:
- Check for flat spots regularly: If you notice your ride becoming less smooth or you hear an uneven rumbling sound, inspect your wheels. Spin them slowly to check for flat areas.
- Rotate your wheels: To extend the life of your wheels, rotate them periodically. Swap the front wheels with the back and change sides (left to right). This helps the wheels wear more evenly.
- Replace damaged wheels: If your wheels have significant wear or flat spots, it's best to replace them. Choose the right wheel hardness (durometer) and size for your skating style to avoid future issues.
Prevention Tip:
Avoid excessive powerslides or sliding on rough surfaces, as these are the most common causes of flat spots.
2. Loose or Tight Trucks
The Problem:
Loose or tight trucks can affect your skateboard’s handling and performance. Loose trucks may cause the board to wobble at high speeds, while tight trucks make it difficult to turn smoothly.
The Solution:
- Adjust truck tightness: Use a skate tool or wrench to tighten or loosen the kingpin nut on each truck. For tighter trucks, turn the nut clockwise, and for looser trucks, turn it counterclockwise.
- Find the right balance: Skateboarders have different preferences when it comes to truck tightness. If you’re doing technical tricks, you may prefer tighter trucks for more control. If you’re cruising or carving, looser trucks provide better turning ability.
Prevention Tip:
Check the tightness of your trucks regularly, especially after hard impacts from tricks or drops, which can cause the trucks to loosen over time.
3. Deck Delamination or Cracking
The Problem:
Over time, skateboards are prone to delamination, which is when the layers of wood in the deck begin to separate. Additionally, cracks in the deck can develop from hard landings, exposure to moisture, or regular wear and tear.
The Solution:
- Inspect your deck regularly: Look for signs of separation between the layers of wood, which can lead to structural weakness.
- Fix minor delamination: If the delamination is minor, you can fix it using wood glue and clamps. Apply the glue between the separating layers, clamp them tightly together, and let the glue dry for 24 hours.
- Replace severely cracked decks: If the deck has large cracks, especially near the trucks, it’s time to replace it. Continuing to ride on a cracked deck can lead to more significant damage or a sudden break, which could cause injury.
Prevention Tip:
Avoid leaving your skateboard in damp or wet conditions, as moisture can weaken the wood and accelerate delamination.
4. Bearing Wear or Failure
The Problem:
Skateboard bearings can become dirty, rusted, or worn out over time. This leads to reduced speed, uneven rotation, or even complete bearing failure, where the wheels stop spinning freely.
The Solution:
- Clean your bearings: Regularly clean your bearings to remove dirt and grime that can build up. Remove the wheels, pop out the bearings, and clean them using a solvent like isopropyl alcohol. Dry the bearings completely before re-lubricating them with bearing oil.
- Replace damaged bearings: If your bearings are rusted or no longer spin smoothly after cleaning, it’s time to replace them. Look for high-quality bearings with a good ABEC rating for improved speed and performance.
Prevention Tip:
Avoid riding through water, puddles, or dirt, as these conditions can lead to bearing contamination. Keep your skateboard dry and store it in a clean, dry environment.
5. Grip Tape Peeling
The Problem:
Over time, grip tape can start to peel around the edges of the deck, especially if it’s been exposed to moisture or excessive wear.
The Solution:
- Smooth down peeling edges: If the grip tape is only peeling slightly at the edges, use a hair dryer to heat the adhesive and then press it back down firmly. You can use a hard object, like a screwdriver handle, to smooth it out.
- Replace the grip tape: If the peeling is extensive or the grip tape has lost its effectiveness, it’s best to replace it. Use a razor blade or box cutter to remove the old grip tape and apply a fresh sheet.
Prevention Tip:
To avoid grip tape peeling, avoid skating in wet conditions and don’t leave your board exposed to the elements.
6. Wheel Bite
The Problem:
Wheel bite occurs when your wheels touch the deck during sharp turns, causing the board to suddenly stop and potentially throwing you off.
The Solution:
- Adjust your trucks: Tighten your trucks slightly to reduce the likelihood of wheel bite.
- Add riser pads: Installing riser pads between the trucks and the deck will lift the board higher, giving you more clearance to prevent wheel bite.
- Choose smaller wheels: If you’re frequently experiencing wheel bite, consider switching to smaller wheels, which will reduce the chance of contact with the deck.
Prevention Tip:
Be mindful of your wheel size and truck tightness when setting up your skateboard. Smaller wheels and tighter trucks can help prevent wheel bite.
7. Trucks Coming Loose
The Problem:
Skateboard trucks can come loose over time, especially after repeated impact from tricks or rough landings. This can cause a lack of stability and make the board feel wobbly.
The Solution:
- Tighten the hardware: Use a skate tool or wrench to tighten the bolts that attach the trucks to the deck. Make sure the nuts are secure but avoid over-tightening, which could damage the deck or the hardware.
- Use thread locker: If your trucks frequently come loose, consider applying a small amount of thread locker (like Loctite) to the threads of the hardware. This will help keep the nuts in place without needing constant adjustment.
Prevention Tip:
Regularly check the tightness of your hardware, especially after hard tricks or impacts.
8. Squeaky Trucks
The Problem:
Squeaky trucks can be an annoying issue that many skaters encounter. The noise is often caused by friction between the metal parts of the trucks or the bushings.
The Solution:
- Lubricate the pivot cup: The pivot cup is the part of the truck that sits in the baseplate, and it’s often the source of the squeaking. Apply a small amount of silicone-based lubricant or grease to the pivot cup to reduce friction and stop the squeaking.
- Check the bushings: Over time, bushings can wear out or harden, which can also cause squeaking. If this is the case, consider replacing them with new bushings that match your preferred hardness level.
Prevention Tip:
Keep your trucks well-maintained by regularly lubricating the pivot cup and checking for worn bushings.
9. Deck Razortail
The Problem:
Razortail occurs when the edges of your deck become thin and sharp from repeated dragging against the ground, usually from performing tricks like ollies or kickflips. A razortail weakens the deck and makes it more prone to cracking.
The Solution:
- Sand down the edges: If the razortail isn’t severe, you can use sandpaper to smooth down the sharp edge. This won’t reverse the damage, but it can prevent further splitting.
- Replace the deck: If the razortail is extensive, it’s time to replace the deck. Once the edges become too thin, the structural integrity of the deck is compromised.
Prevention Tip:
Try to avoid dragging your tail excessively when stopping or performing tricks. Using proper foot positioning can help reduce wear on the tail.
10. Loose or Stripped Hardware
The Problem:
Skateboard hardware can become loose or stripped over time, making it difficult to keep the trucks securely attached to the deck.
The Solution:
- Tighten the hardware: Regularly check the tightness of your hardware using a skate tool. Make sure the nuts are securely fastened, but avoid overtightening.
- Replace stripped hardware: If your hardware is stripped (meaning the threads are worn out), you’ll need to replace it. Purchase a new hardware set, which typically includes bolts and nuts, and make sure they fit your trucks and deck correctly.
Prevention Tip:
To prevent hardware from becoming stripped, avoid overtightening the nuts and check your hardware regularly.
Conclusion
Skateboarding is full of challenges, but by understanding and addressing common problems, you can keep your board in top condition and enjoy a smoother ride. Whether it’s fixing worn-out wheels, adjusting your trucks, or maintaining your bearings, regular skateboard maintenance ensures that you’ll get the best performance and longevity from your setup. With these solutions, you’ll be well-equipped to handle any issues that come your way, keeping you shredding for longer.
