As a longboarder, your trucks play an essential role in how your board handles and performs. As such, it’s crucial to keep them clean and maintained to ensure your rides are as smooth and comfortable as possible. Dirty trucks can lead to rust, corrosion, and reduced performance, so cleaning them regularly should be part of your longboarding routine.
In this article, we will discuss how to clean your longboard trucks, what tools and materials you need, and some tips and tricks to keep them clean and maintained for a longer period.
What are Longboard Trucks?
Longboard trucks are the metal components that attach the wheels to the deck. They come in pairs, and each truck is made up of different parts, including the base plate, kingpin, hanger, bushings, and axle. Longboard trucks come in different widths and heights and have various features that can affect your ride quality.
Why Clean Your Longboard Trucks?
If you’re an avid longboarder, you know how important your trucks are, especially if you like to cruise, carve, or do tricks. Clean trucks ensure that your board functions correctly, and you can perform the moves and turns you want without any restrictions. Cleaning your longboard trucks provides the following benefits:
– It prevents rust, corrosion, and debris buildup on your trucks, which can damage their structure and performance.
– It extends the life of your trucks and saves you money in the long run.
– It improves your board’s overall performance and responsiveness.
– It makes your longboarding experience more enjoyable and comfortable.
Tools and Materials Required for Cleaning Longboard Trucks
Cleaning your longboard trucks is a simple and straightforward process that requires a few tools and materials. The following are what you need:
– A soft-bristled brush or an old toothbrush
– A clean microfiber cloth
– A bowl of warm water and mild dish soap
– A clean workspace or mat
– Lubricant or spray-on WD-40
How to Clean Your Longboard Trucks Step by Step
Now that you have all the tools and materials, let’s look at the step-by-step process of cleaning your longboard trucks.
Step 1: Remove Your Longboard Wheels
Take out your longboard wheels by using a skate tool or a wrench to turn the bolts counterclockwise. This step allows you to access your trucks and clean them thoroughly.
Step 2: Prepare Your Cleaning Solution
Fill a bowl with warm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap. Mix well until you get soapy water.
Step 3: Clean the Hanger
Using a soft-bristled brush or an old toothbrush, scrub the hanger thoroughly to remove dirt, grime, and debris buildup. Make sure you clean the surface, as well as the inner part of the hanger.
Step 4: Clean the Kingpin and Baseplate
Use the same brush and soapy water to clean the kingpin and base plate. These parts are susceptible to rust and corrosion, so make sure you clean them thoroughly.
Step 5: Clean the Bushings
Bushings are the rubber components between the truck’s hanger and base plate that control how your board turns and maneuvers. Gently remove them and clean them with the brush and soap solution.
Step 6: Dry and Re-Lubricate Your Trucks
Dry your trucks with a clean microfiber cloth to remove any excess moisture. Lubricate your trucks with spray-on WD-40 or any other lubricant to help restore their smoothness and function.
Step 7: Reinstall Your Wheels
After your trucks are clean, reinstall your wheels and tighten the bolts with a skate tool or a wrench.
How Often Should You Clean Your Longboard Trucks?
The frequency at which you need to clean your longboard trucks depends on how often and where you ride your board. If you ride in damp, dirty, or sandy areas, you may need to clean your trucks more frequently. As a general rule, cleaning your trucks once a month is recommended, but you may need to do it more frequently if you ride your board often.
Tips and Tricks for Maintaining Your Longboard Trucks
Here are some tips and tricks to help you maintain your longboard trucks:
– Always keep your board dry after riding, especially if you rode in wet or damp conditions.
– Regularly inspect your trucks for signs of wear and tear, rust, or corrosion. Replace any damaged or worn-out parts immediately.
– Avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaners that can damage your trucks’ finish or structure.
– Lubricate your trucks regularly with spray-on lubricant like WD-40 to keep them smooth and avoid rust or corrosion.
– Store your board in a cool, dry, and secure place, away from sunlight, moisture, or extreme temperatures.
Conclusion
Longboard trucks play a crucial role in your longboarding experience, and keeping them clean and maintained is essential. Regular cleaning and maintenance help to extend your trucks’ life, improve your board’s performance, and provide a smooth and comfortable ride. By following the steps and tips in this article, you can keep your longboard trucks in top shape and enjoy your longboarding experience for years to come.
