Bushings FAQ
Bushings are the small urethane cushions inside your skateboard trucks that control how your board turns and feels. They're inexpensive to replace but have a huge impact on stability, carving, responsiveness, and comfort. Whether you're setting up your first skateboard or fine-tuning your ride, these answers will help you choose and maintain the right bushings.
What are skateboard bushings?
Bushings are the urethane cushions that fit around the kingpin inside each skateboard truck.
They control:
- How easily your board turns
- How stable your skateboard feels
- How quickly the trucks return to center
- Overall ride comfort
Changing your bushings can completely change how your skateboard rides without replacing your trucks.
What do skateboard bushings do?
Bushings compress when you lean, allowing your trucks to turn.
Softer bushings compress more easily, making the board turn quickly.
Harder bushings resist compression, making the board feel more stable.
The right bushings help your trucks respond naturally to your weight and riding style.
What bushing hardness should I choose?
Bushing hardness is measured using the A durometer scale.
General recommendations are:
- 78A–87A: Very soft
- 88A–92A: Medium
- 93A–97A: Hard
- 98A–100A+: Very hard
Lighter riders usually prefer softer bushings, while heavier riders often benefit from harder bushings.
How do I choose bushings for my weight?
Your weight is one of the biggest factors when selecting bushings.
As a general guide:
- Under 100 lbs: 78A–85A
- 100–150 lbs: 85A–90A
- 150–200 lbs: 90A–95A
- Over 200 lbs: 95A–100A+
These are starting points. Personal preference and riding style also play a major role.
Barrel vs. cone bushings
The shape of a bushing affects how your trucks respond.
Barrel/Cylinder Bushings
- Larger contact area
- More stability
- Predictable turning
- Common in most truck setups
Cone/Conical Bushings
- Easier turning
- More responsive
- Deeper carving
- Greater lean
Many trucks come with one barrel and one cone bushing to balance stability and responsiveness.
Double barrel vs. barrel/cone setups
Double Barrel
- Maximum stability
- Consistent turning
- Popular for downhill and heavier riders
Barrel/Cone
- Easier turning
- More lively feel
- Great all-around setup
- Common on complete skateboards
Your riding style determines which combination feels best.
Do all skateboard bushings fit all trucks?
Not always.
While many bushings are interchangeable, some truck brands use slightly different dimensions.
Always check that the bushings you're buying are compatible with your truck brand and model.
How tight should my kingpin nut be?
The kingpin nut should be tight enough to keep the bushings securely in place without crushing them.
A properly adjusted truck should:
- Turn smoothly
- Return to center naturally
- Feel stable
- Not wobble excessively
Avoid over-tightening the kingpin, as this can permanently damage the bushings.
Why do my bushings squeak?
Squeaking is very common.
It usually occurs because the bushings rub against:
- Washers
- Pivot cups
- The hanger
Squeaking doesn't necessarily mean anything is wrong.
Cleaning the trucks or applying a small amount of bushing-safe lubricant to the pivot cup often eliminates the noise.
Why do my trucks feel uneven?
Uneven turning can be caused by:
- Worn bushings
- Uneven kingpin adjustment
- Damaged pivot cups
- Bushings that have become deformed
- Trucks that haven't fully broken in
Inspecting the bushings is usually the first place to start.
How long do skateboard bushings last?
Bushings can last anywhere from several months to several years.
Their lifespan depends on:
- Riding frequency
- Rider weight
- Truck tightness
- Riding style
- Bushing quality
Many skaters replace bushings only when performance noticeably changes.
When should I replace my bushings?
Replace your bushings if you notice:
- Cracks
- Splitting
- Permanent compression
- Uneven turning
- Poor return to center
- Excessive softness
- Pieces breaking off
Fresh bushings can make old trucks feel almost new again.
Can bushings make my skateboard turn better?
Absolutely.
Bushings have a greater impact on turning feel than many skaters realize.
Replacing worn or incorrectly sized bushings often improves:
- Carving
- Stability
- Lean
- Return to center
- Overall control
They're one of the easiest and most affordable performance upgrades available.
Are softer bushings better?
Not necessarily.
Softer bushings provide:
- Easier turning
- More lean
- Better carving
- Responsive steering
Harder bushings provide:
- Greater stability
- Better control at speed
- Reduced wheel bite
- More confidence for heavier riders
The best hardness depends on your weight and skating style.
Can harder bushings prevent wheel bite?
They can help.
Harder bushings resist compression, which limits how far your trucks lean during turns.
While harder bushings can reduce wheel bite, proper wheel size, truck height, and riser pads are often more effective solutions.
Do bushings affect speed?
Indirectly.
Bushings don't make your skateboard faster, but properly matched bushings can improve stability and confidence, making it easier to maintain speed.
Very soft bushings may feel less stable during fast riding, while harder bushings are often preferred for downhill skating.
Can I mix different bushings?
Yes.
Many experienced skaters experiment with different combinations of:
- Barrel and cone bushings
- Different hardnesses
- Different brands
Mixing bushings allows you to fine-tune how your trucks turn and respond.
Do bushings need a break-in period?
Yes.
New bushings often feel slightly stiff at first.
After several skate sessions, they'll begin to conform to your trucks and riding style, resulting in smoother, more predictable turning.
What's the difference between stock and replacement bushings?
Many complete skateboards come with basic stock bushings.
Premium replacement bushings often provide:
- More consistent urethane
- Better rebound
- Longer lifespan
- More precise turning
- Better weight-specific options
For many skaters, upgrading bushings is one of the most noticeable improvements they can make.
Which bushings are best for beginners?
Most beginners do well with medium-hardness bushings that match their weight.
Avoid tightening stock bushings excessively to make the board feel more stable. If your trucks still feel too loose, installing slightly harder bushings is usually a better solution than over-tightening the kingpin.
Properly fitted bushings help beginners build confidence while learning balance, turning, and board control.