How to Make Your Longboard Turn Better

While cruising the streets on your longboard, you find that your toe- and heel-side carves aren't as sharp as they used to be. Much of the turning action on a longboard depends on the bushings, or soft urethane spacers between the metal axles on the underside of the board. Over time, bushings can become dry or cracked, resulting in shallow turns or a stiff riding experience. Replacing your old bushings with a pair of soft, fresh ones will improve your turns and carves considerably.

Things You'll Need

  • 9/16-inch wrench
  • Oil-based lubricant
  • Two sets of soft longboard bushings
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Instructions

    • 1

      Turn your board upside down so that the axles face up. Locate the main axle nut that positioned directly in front of the axle, which holds the entire assembly together. The axle nut threads over a central supporting bolt called the kingpin.

    • 2

      Place your 9/16-inch wrench around the axle nut and rotate it counterclockwise to loosen it. Remove the nut and underlying washer and set them aside.

    • 3

      Lift away the top bushing, remove the axle and lift away the bottom bushing. Apply a drop of oil-based lubricant to the pivot cup, which is where the protruding part of the axle fits.

    • 4

      Fit a fresh bottom bushing in place of the old one. Fit the protruding part of the axle into the lubricated pivot cup and over the bottom bushing. Place the top bushing over the axle and replace the washer. Thread the axle nut onto the kingpin and tighten it with your finger.

    • 5

      Repeat the above steps for the other axle. Tighten both axle nuts until the head of the kingpin is flush with the top of each nut.

    • 6

      Take a short test run on your board. If the axles are too loose, tighten the nut with one-quarter turns of the wrench until you can turn comfortably.