Cleaning your skateboard trucks is an important part of maintaining them. Here are the steps to do so:
1. Remove the trucks from the skateboard.
2. Using a cloth and some rubbing alcohol, wipe the hanger and baseplate to remove any dirt and dust.
3. Wipe the kingpin nut and truck bushings with the cloth and rubbing alcohol.
4. If you’ve been skating in wet conditions, you’ll need to remove the truck bushings and soak them in rubbing alcohol for a few minutes to remove all of the water.
5. Once the bushings are dry, place them back into the truck and torque the kingpin nut to factory spec.
6. Place the trucks back onto the skateboard and you’re all done.
Do I need to clean my skateboard?
Yes, it is important to regularly clean your skateboard. This is because dirt and grime can build up over time and make the metal parts rust, which can eventually decrease the lifespan of your skateboard.
It is recommended to clean your skateboard by wiping it down with a damp cloth and applying a thin layer of lubricant over the metal. This will help keep the metal parts rust-free and will make sure it operates smoothly.
You should also consider regularly wiping down the board with a mild soap or cleaner to remove any dirt, moisture or grime that may have accumulated. Additionally, you should regularly inspect the trucks and wheels for signs of wear and tear, and make sure the wheel bearings are kept oiled for maximum performance and durability.
Taking the time to properly clean and maintain your skateboard will help you get the most out of your riding experience.
Can skateboard trucks get wet?
Yes, skateboard trucks can get wet, but it is not recommended. The metal of the trucks can be damaged by salt water and other types of corrosion, and the extra weight of the wet trucks can reduce their performance.
In addition, when wet, it is more likely to cause your skateboard to slip out from underneath you while riding. It is best to keep the trucks and skateboard dry when possible. If your trucks do get wet, make sure to wipe them down to get rid of excess moisture and apply lubricant to them to ensure performance.
Is it bad if my skateboard squeaks?
No, it usually isn’t bad if your skateboard squeaks. Usually, squeaking is the result of a dry bearing, or a bearing that needs lubrication. It could also be due to an axle that isn’t tight enough, or a cracked wheel.
In any case, you should investigate the cause of the squeaking before it becomes a bigger issue. If you find that the squeaking is coming from the bearings, you can easily lubricate them using a bearing lubricant, available at many sporting goods stores.
Alternatively, you can also adjust the components of your skateboard to make sure that no part is rubbing against another. Checking the axles, wheels, and risers are all important steps to minimizing the squeaking noise.
It is always important to make sure that your skateboard is in good condition, so if you find that the squeaking isn’t going away with a simple lubricant, then you may need to take it to a shop for more serious repairs.
Is it OK to put WD40 on skateboard trucks?
No, it is not recommended to put WD40 on skateboard trucks. WD40 can cause the trucks to become slick, leading to a loss of grip on the board and reduce stability, making it more difficult to ride. WD40 is also not intended to be used on metal parts, which is what most skateboard trucks are made of.
Additionally, using WD40 on skateboard trucks will corrode the metal, leading to weakened functionality and possible injury. There are better products available specifically designed for skateboard trucks.
Specialized lubricants, such as a high-grade bearing grease, are designed specifically for skateboard trucks and are the best choice to keep trucks lubricated and functional.
Should you grease skateboard bushings?
Yes, you should grease skateboard bushings to help with shock absorption, reduce friction and increase stability. Bushings are small, donut-shaped urethane discs located on the truck of the skateboard.
Greasing skateboard bushings does several things. First, it helps to reduce the friction between the bushings and the truck, making it easier to turn your board. Second, it helps to absorb any shock from jumping and other tricks, which can save your board from damage.
Lastly, it can help make your board more stable by allowing it to turn smoother and more easily.
When greasing your bushings, you should use grease that is specifically designed for skateboard bushings. In addition, you should remove the bushings from your board and clean out any dirt, dust or other debris that may have accumulated.
Finally, you should examine your bushings to check for signs of wear and tear before greasing.
In summary, you should grease skateboard bushings to help reduce friction, absorb shock and increase stability. This can help maintain the integrity of your board and help you to have a better skateboarding experience.
Can you use WD40 on skate trucks?
No, you should not use WD-40 on skate trucks. The lubricant may cause skate truck parts to become sticky and act as a poor lubricant over time. The best lubricant to use on skate trucks is specialized skateboard bearing lube/grease.
It’s designed to provide a longer lasting lubricating film to reduce friction and is ideal for skateboard trucks and bearings. You can find it at your local skate shop, skateboard distributor, or online.
It should be applied to the truck axles and kingpins as well as the interior of the bearing which helps redistribute the load from the bearings so they spin more freely.
Can I put WD40 on my skateboard bearings?
No, WD40 is not recommended for skateboard bearings. While it can help to lubricate them and keep them running faster and smoother, this product is designed for rust protection solutions, not lubrication.
WD40 will also evaporate quickly and collect dust and dirt, which will cause your bearings to wear out faster. Instead, use a skateboard bearing oil designed specifically for skateboards. These products are designed to help keep your bearings running smoother and longer.
They also contain special additives that add extra lubrication, helping to keep out the dirt and dust that can make bearings gritty and loud.
How do you restore rusty bearings?
Restoring rusty bearings can be a time-consuming, but rewarding task. To start, the bearings must be cleaned and any rust removed. Start by submerging the bearing in a solution of equal parts white vinegar and hot water for a few hours, or until the rust is dissolved away.
After the rust has been removed, scrub the bearings using steel wool and a brush. This will remove any remaining rust and dirt particles. Once the bearings have been scrubbed clean they need to be lubricated.
Apply a small amount of suitable lubricant, such as motor oil, to the inside of the bearing, then replace any circlip or oil seal that were removed. Finally, reassemble the bearing, replacing any seal and spacers, and you are good to go.
Taking the time to properly restore rusty bearings can help to extend the lifespan of the item they are being used to repair.
How do I get dirt off my skateboard?
You can get dirt off your skateboard by first giving the skateboard a thorough cleaning. To do this, you can use a bucket of warm soapy water and a clean cloth or sponge. Using the cloth or sponge, gently scrub the board from top to bottom.
Rinse the skateboard off with cold water and allow it to dry completely. After it has dried, you can use a combination of baking soda, white vinegar, and water to eliminate any stubborn dirt and grime.
Mix equal parts of baking soda and white vinegar together in a bowl and add a little bit of water. Dip a cloth or sponge into the solution and gently scrub the skateboard. Once you have scrubbed the dirt away, rinse off the skateboard with cold water and allow it to dry completely.
Is it okay to wash your skateboard?
Yes, it is generally okay to wash your skateboard. Washing your skateboard is a great way to make sure it looks great and is in good condition. Doing so can also help to prevent dirt from accumulating and make the bottom smoother, which can help your skateboard last longer.
When washing your skateboard, you’ll want to use a mild soap and warm water. Start by rinsing the skateboard with a strong stream of water, then use a sponge or cloth to scrub any stubborn dirt or grime with the mild soap solution.
After thoroughly washing it, make sure to rinse the soap off with a strong stream of water.
You should avoid power washing your skateboard, as this can damage some of the components over time. You should also avoid using any harsh chemicals, abrasives, or solvents when washing your skateboard.
Overall, it is okay to wash your skateboard as long as you do so in a gentle manner. Doing so can help to give your skateboard a longer lifespan and make it look nice, too.
Can you clean your skateboard with water?
Yes, you can clean your skateboard with water. Start by rinsing it off with lukewarm water to remove any dirt and debris that may be stuck to the board. Then, use a damp cloth to scrub the board to remove any remaining dirt and grime.
As with any cleaning, use a mild soap or detergent. Make sure to rinse the board off afterwards to remove any soap residue. It’s also a good idea to lubricate the bearings and other parts with a light oil, such as WD-40, to help keep your board running smoothly.
What can I clean my griptape with?
In order to clean your griptape, you will want to use a soft cloth and a mild cleaner. You can use either a mild cleaner such as dish soap and warm water, rubbing alcohol, hairspray, white vinegar, or hydrogen peroxide.
Rub the cleaner onto the cloth and then gently scrub over the griptape. Be sure to only use this cleaner in small amounts and be careful not to get it in between the griptape, as it could damage the adhesive.
Once you’re done cleaning, let the board dry completely before riding.
If you’ve been riding for a while, you may notice dirt and debris embedded on the griptape. If this is the case, you can use a soft bristled brush or even a toothbrush to gently scrub away any buildup.
However, be sure to use this method sparingly, as too much scrubbing can cause the griptape to wear away. To prevent future dirt build up, you can also apply a light layer of baby powder to the griptape after every ride.
Can you use an eraser to clean grip tape?
No, using an eraser to clean grip tape is not a good idea. Grip tape is made from a gritty, adhesive material and using an eraser to try and clean it off will not be effective. It is also likely that the eraser will not be able to reach the deepest areas of the grip, where dirt and grime may have accumulated, so you will not be able to get all the dirt off.
Additionally, erasers are not designed to be used as cleaning tools and could cause damage to the grip tape if used incorrectly. The best way to clean grip tape is to wipe it with a slightly damp cloth and then let it air dry.
This should be enough to remove all the dirt build up and keep the grip tape in good condition.
Is grip tape cleaner necessary?
Whether you need grip tape cleaner or not is entirely dependent on the type of skateboard and materials you have. Generally, if you have a plastic skateboard, it is not necessary to use grip tape cleaner as the material does not attract dirt as much and can be cleaned with a wet cloth.
On the other hand, if you have a traditional wood skateboard, it is recommended to use grip tape cleaner, as it can help protect the board against dirt and abrasion while keeping your grip tape looking fresh and new.
Depending on how dirty your grip tape is, there are different cleaning methods you can use. For light cleaning, use a lightly damp cloth and some dish soap to lightly scrub dirt off of the grip tape.
For more stubborn dirt, you can use a degreaser or solvent, such as rubbing alcohol, to loosen and remove the dirt, although you should be sure to use this sparingly and lightly as the solvent may damage the grip tape.
Every once in a while, you should take some time to thoroughly clean your grip tape to ensure that it stays in the best condition possible.
How do I make my griptape more grippy?
Making your griptape more grippy is a simple task. First, make sure your deck is completely clean and dust-free. Then, wet the griptape with either water or rubbing alcohol. This will help the griptape to stick to the deck more firmly.
If you don’t have any rubbing alcohol, you can also spray some WD-40 onto the griptape. This will help the griptape to stay on better too.
Once the griptape is wet, press it down firmly against the deck and let it dry. This will help to strengthen the bond between the griptape and the deck and make the griptape more grippy. You can also use sandpaper to roughen up the surface of the griptape, which will create more grip.
Finally, if you have it, you can also apply a thin layer of anti-slip grip tape to the top of the griptape to make it even more grippy.
How do you clean clear griptape?
To clean clear griptape you will need a few supplies. You will need some purchase pads and rubbing alcohol as well as a small brush and a cotton cloth. Here are the steps to do this:
1. First take a purchase pad and soak it in rubbing alcohol, then scrub the griptape in a circular motion to remove any dirt and debris. Make sure not to scrub too hard as this could damage the griptape.
2. Once you have finished scrubbing, you can now use the brush and the rubbing alcohol to remove any grime and residue.
3. If there is an area that is particularly tricky to get clean, use a cotton cloth dipped in rubbing alcohol and rub the area gently.
4. Once done, allow the griptape to dry before riding.
Following these steps should ensure that your griptape is clean and dry and will improve your riding experience.