How to Clean Longboard Trucks [Easy Ways}

Maintaining your longboard trucks is crucial for ensuring a smooth ride and extending the life of your board. Over time, dirt, grime, and rust can accumulate, affecting performance and safety. Regular cleaning not only keeps your longboard in top condition but also offers an opportunity to inspect components for wear and tear. Whether you’re a seasoned longboarder or new to the sport, this guide will walk you through the process of cleaning your trucks, ensuring your rides are always smooth and enjoyable.

Key Takeaways

  • Effective Cleaning Solution: Use a mixture of warm water and dish soap, adding vinegar or rubbing alcohol for stubborn grime on longboard trucks.
  • Essential Tools: Employ an old toothbrush for detailed cleaning, a larger brush for broader surfaces, and a wrench for disassembling the trucks.
  • Protective Gear: Wear gloves and safety goggles to protect against harsh chemicals and debris during the cleaning process.
  • Step-by-Step Cleaning Process: Remove trucks, soak in cleaning solution, scrub thoroughly, rinse, and dry completely to prevent rust.
  • Maintenance and Lubrication: Lubricate pivot cups and bushings with silicone-based lubricant and establish a regular cleaning schedule every two weeks.
  • Troubleshooting Tips: Address rust with a wire brush or rust remover and fix loose bearings by adjusting their tightness to maintain optimal performance.
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Understanding Your Longboard Trucks

Components of Longboard Trucks

  • Baseplate: Attaches the truck to the longboard deck.
  • Hanger: The largest part of the truck, where the wheels are mounted.
  • Bushings: Rubber-like rings that provide cushioning and control.

Why Clean Your Trucks?

Dirt and debris can restrict movement, while rust may weaken the metal. Clean trucks mean better performance and longevity.

Pre-Cleaning Preparation

Gathering Your Tools

  • Soft brush
  • Cloth rags
  • Soap and water
  • Lubricant
  • Socket wrench

Disassembling Your Trucks

  1. Use the socket wrench to loosen the nuts on the wheels.
  2. Carefully remove the wheels, bushings, and hanger from the baseplate.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Longboard Trucks

Removing the Trucks

I use a wrench to loosen and remove the trucks from the longboard. I carefully set aside the bolts and any other hardware for reassembly.

Soaking the Trucks

I immerse the trucks in a bucket filled with warm water and dish soap solution. I add vinegar or rubbing alcohol for stubborn grime and let the trucks soak for 15 minutes.

Scrubbing the Trucks

I scrub the trucks with an old toothbrush to remove dirt from crevices. I use a larger brush for broader surfaces to ensure all grime is eliminated.

Rinsing and Drying

After thorough cleaning, I rinse the longboard trucks to remove any remaining cleaning solution.

Ensuring Complete Dryness

I dry the trucks completely to prevent rust and corrosion. I use a clean towel to wipe down each part thoroughly. For hard-to-reach areas, I employ a hair dryer on a low heat setting to ensure no moisture remains.

Reassembling Your Longboard

Lubricating the Trucks

I lubricate the pivot cups and bushings with a silicone-based lubricant. I apply 2-3 drops to each pivot cup and bushing to ensure smooth movement and prevent squeaking.

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Regular Maintenance Tips

Lubrication

Regularly lubricate the bushings and bearings to reduce friction and prevent wear.

Inspection

Frequently inspect your trucks for signs of damage or wear, such as cracks or rust, and replace parts as necessary.

Storage

Store your longboard in a dry, cool place to prevent moisture buildup and rust.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Dealing with Rust

Rust on longboard trucks compromises performance. I remove rust using a wire brush or steel wool. For stubborn rust, I apply a rust remover solution for 10 minutes before scrubbing. After rust removal, I rinse the trucks thoroughly and dry them to prevent further corrosion. I apply a rust-inhibiting spray to protect the metal surfaces.

Fixing Loose Bearings

Loose bearings cause wheel wobble and affect ride quality. I tighten loose bearings by first removing the wheels with a skate tool. I then use the tool to adjust the bearing’s tightness, ensuring smooth rotation without excessive play. After adjustments, I reinstall the wheels securely. Regular checks every month help maintain optimal bearing performance.

Conclusion

Keeping your longboard trucks clean is an essential aspect of longboard maintenance that should not be overlooked. With the right tools and a bit of time, you can significantly enhance your riding experience, ensure safety, and extend the life of your longboard. Remember, a clean longboard is a happy longboard. Happy riding!

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I clean my longboard trucks?

Clean your longboard trucks every two weeks to prevent dirt buildup and maintain optimal performance.

What materials do I need to clean longboard trucks?

You’ll need warm water, dish soap, vinegar or rubbing alcohol, an old toothbrush, a larger brush, a wrench, gloves, and safety goggles.

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How do I start cleaning my longboard trucks?

Remove the trucks using a wrench, soak them in a solution of warm water and dish soap with added vinegar or rubbing alcohol for 15 minutes.

What’s the best way to scrub longboard trucks?

Use an old toothbrush for detailed cleaning in crevices and a larger brush for broader surfaces to remove all dirt effectively.

How should I rinse and dry the longboard trucks after cleaning?

Rinse the trucks thoroughly to remove any cleaning solution, then dry them completely with a clean towel and use a hair dryer on a low heat setting for hard-to-reach areas.

What should I do after cleaning the longboard trucks?

Reassemble the trucks, lubricating the pivot cups and bushings with 2-3 drops of silicone-based lubricant to ensure smooth movement and prevent squeaking.

How can I maintain my longboard trucks?

Establish a cleaning routine every two weeks and inspect the trucks monthly for signs of wear and tear, checking bushings, pivot cups, and kingpins.

How do I deal with rust on longboard trucks?

Use a wire brush or steel wool to remove rust, apply a rust remover solution for stubborn cases, and finish with a rust-inhibiting spray.

What should I do if my longboard bearings are loose?

Remove the wheels with a skate tool, adjust the bearing’s tightness for smooth rotation, and securely reinstall the wheels. Check bearings monthly.

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