How to Insert Plastic Bushings

The bushings refer to a vital component of the skateboard setup. Each of the metallic skateboarding trucks houses two bushings. The bushings allow your trucks to turn as you navigate across the riding terrain. Bushings often feature a soft plastic, rubber or urethane construction. Soft bushings remain ideal for high-impact tricks, while harder bushings are reserved for technical maneuvers. Your bushings may develop cracks over time. Replace the bushings of your trucks on a regular basis to maintain the performance of your skateboard.

Things You'll Need

  • Skate tool
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Instructions

    • 1

      Rotate your skateboard upside down to view the metallic trucks. Place your skateboard onto a flat work table. Locate the kingpin that runs through the center of the truck. Loosen and remove the kingpin bolt using the appropriate head of the skate tool.

    • 2

      Repeat the process with the opposing truck of your skateboard. Remove the circular washers that rest above the top bushings. Lift your old top bushing off the kingpin. Remove the hangers, or the components that hold the wheels, from the base plates of the trucks. Pull your old bottom bushing off the kingpin.

    • 3

      Insert your new bottom bushings onto the kingpins. Align the hangers back onto the base plates of your skateboard trucks. Insert your new top bushings onto the kingpins. Place the circular washers onto the kingpins to cover the top of the bushings. Tighten the kingpin bolts using the skate tool to finish.