Although skateboard trucks vary in style and design, they share certain universal characteristics. The truck is the T-shaped metal assembly that connects the wheels to the deck. Trucks are composed of many highly specialized parts, including the baseplate, which
is bolted to the underside of the deck with the king pin, and used to hold the hangar in place.
The king pin runs through the center of the truck. Adjusting the axle nut on the end of the king pin can help add control to your steering; tightening it will keep your board on the straight and narrow for downhill skating, whereas loosening the nut lets you nudge into your turns without leaning so far. The kingpin runs through rubber rings called bushings, which provide the flexibility to the truck’s mount. Without the bushings, navigating the board would be nearly impossible.
Because skateboarding is the most widespread of all sports which function in the absence of a regulatory body governing the specifications of the primary equipment, many of the parts can be a formed from a highly varied combination of tolerances and materials.
Your skateboard truck and wheel bearing deck parts support all of your weight and keep your deck connected to your wheels. Any time you grind, you are wearing down your trucks a little bit. Whether you buy the pre-assembled complete skateboards from your local sport supply store, or go to great lengths to obtain special parts for your individual style of trick skating, you will need to maintain your trucks. At some point, you will need to replace them.
High intensity grinders may find themselves replacing their truck on a nearly monthly basis. The hangar is the large metal semi-triangular piece which fixes the axle in place. Your hanger must be the same brand as your baseplate, as these parts are nonstandard and therefore not inter compatible.
Your command and control of the board, especially during turns and tricks, will rely heavily on the quality, durability and flexibility of your truck parts. There are a few subtle but important differences to consider when selecting your skateboard’s truck and wheel bearing deck parts. Typically, you want your trucks to nearly span the width of your board, ending about a quarter inch from the sides of your deck. The height of your trucks is also important. If your wheels are too tall in comparison to your trucks, you run the risk of wheelbite. Wheelbite occurs when your wheel jams up against the underside of your deck during lands or sharp turns and typically results in painful face plants, something you definitely want to avoid.
Another safety precaution that you hardcore thrashers and jump-artists need to keep in mind when assembling your skateboard truck’s wheel bearing parts is the strength and condition of the axles. After hard-core use, the end of the axle can get bent or begin to slip. This causes you to ride off balance stressing your wheels. If the axle slips to the side, your wheel on that side will loosen and the opposing wheel will tighten up.
