Skateboard Truck FAQ

Skateboard trucks are one of the most important parts of your setup. They determine how your board turns, grinds, and feels under your feet. Whether you're choosing your first set of trucks or upgrading your current setup, these answers will help you make an informed decision.

What size trucks fit my skateboard deck?

Truck width should closely match the width of your skateboard deck for the best performance.

Here's a general guide:

Deck Width

Recommended Truck Axle Width

7.75"–8.0"

7.75"–8.0" trucks

8.0"–8.25"

8.0"–8.25" trucks

8.25"–8.5"

8.25"–8.5" trucks

8.5"+

Matching wider trucks

Most truck manufacturers use different model numbers, so always check the manufacturer's sizing chart before purchasing.

Independent vs. Thunder trucks

Both Independent and Thunder produce high-quality skateboard trucks, but they have some distinct differences.

Independent Trucks

  • Excellent stability
  • Deep turning radius
  • Extremely durable
  • Great for transition, bowls, and all-around skating

Thunder Trucks

  • Lighter overall feel
  • Quicker turning response
  • Lower ride height on many models
  • Popular for technical street skating

Neither is objectively better—the right choice depends on your skating style and personal preference.

ACE vs. Venture trucks

ACE and Venture trucks offer very different riding experiences.

ACE Trucks

  • Smooth, surf-like carving
  • Deep turning geometry
  • Great for transition, bowls, and flowing lines

Venture Trucks

  • Stable and predictable
  • Responsive without feeling overly loose
  • Excellent for street skating and technical tricks

If you enjoy carving and expressive turning, ACE is a favorite. If you prefer consistency and control for street skating, Venture is an excellent option.

Slappy vs. Independent trucks

Slappy and Independent trucks are both respected by skateboarders but feel noticeably different.

Slappy Trucks

  • Fast break-in period
  • Excellent grind performance
  • Smooth turning characteristics
  • Increasingly popular among street and transition skaters

Independent Trucks

  • Legendary durability
  • Stable at speed
  • Deep carving
  • Widely considered one of the most versatile truck designs available

Many riders choose between them based on turning feel rather than durability.

Hollow trucks vs. standard trucks

Hollow trucks use hollow axles, hollow kingpins, or both to reduce weight.

Standard Trucks

  • Maximum strength
  • Slightly heavier
  • Excellent durability

Hollow Trucks

  • Lighter setup
  • Easier to flick during flip tricks
  • Slightly higher cost

For most skaters, the weight difference is noticeable but relatively small.

What are forged trucks?

Forged trucks use forged aluminum baseplates instead of traditional cast baseplates.

Benefits include:

  • Increased strength
  • Reduced weight
  • Improved durability
  • More precise manufacturing

Forged trucks are commonly found in premium truck models.

What is truck height?

Truck height is the distance between the axle and the mounting surface of the baseplate.

Truck height affects:

  • Wheel clearance
  • Turning characteristics
  • Flip trick response
  • Compatibility with different wheel sizes

Choosing the correct height helps reduce wheel bite while maintaining your preferred board feel.

Low vs. mid vs. high trucks

Low Trucks

  • Lower center of gravity
  • Better flip trick response
  • Best for smaller wheels (typically 50–53mm)

Mid Trucks

  • Balanced performance
  • Works with most wheel sizes
  • Excellent all-around choice

High Trucks

  • More wheel clearance
  • Better turning leverage
  • Ideal for larger wheels and transition skating

Most skaters are well served by mid-height trucks unless they have a specific preference.

What are bushings?

Bushings are the urethane cushions inside your trucks that control how easily your board turns.

They affect:

  • Turning resistance
  • Stability
  • Return-to-center feel
  • Overall ride comfort

Bushings come in different hardnesses to suit lighter and heavier riders as well as different riding styles.

What is a kingpin?

The kingpin is the large bolt that runs through the center of each skateboard truck.

It holds the bushings together and allows you to adjust truck tightness.

Tightening the kingpin makes your trucks feel stiffer, while loosening it allows easier turning.

Can skateboard trucks rust?

Yes, although aluminum truck hangers themselves won't rust.

Steel components—including axles, kingpins, washers, and mounting hardware—can develop surface rust if exposed to moisture.

Keeping your skateboard dry and storing it indoors helps prevent corrosion.

How tight should my trucks be?

Truck tightness is largely personal preference.

  • Loose trucks turn more easily and are popular with many experienced skaters.
  • Medium trucks provide a balance of stability and maneuverability.
  • Tight trucks offer greater stability and are often preferred by beginners or riders skating at higher speeds.

Your trucks should turn smoothly without feeling unstable.

Why do my trucks squeak?

Squeaking usually comes from the bushings rubbing against the pivot cup or washers.

This is completely normal and doesn't necessarily indicate a problem.

If the noise becomes excessive, cleaning the components or applying a small amount of bushing-safe lubricant to the pivot cup can often eliminate the squeak.

Why does my skateboard turn unevenly?

Uneven turning can result from several causes:

  • Unevenly tightened kingpins
  • Worn bushings
  • Damaged pivot cups
  • Bent axle or hanger
  • Loose mounting hardware

Inspecting each component usually identifies the cause quickly.

Can I replace skateboard axles?

In most cases, no.

Because the axle is permanently pressed into the truck hanger, replacing a damaged axle usually isn't practical.

If an axle becomes bent or damaged, replacing the entire truck is generally the safest and most reliable solution.

How often should bushings be replaced?

Bushings don't have a fixed lifespan.

Replace them if you notice:

  • Cracks
  • Splitting
  • Permanent deformation
  • Loss of rebound
  • Inconsistent turning

Many skaters use the same bushings for several years, while frequent skaters may replace them more often.

Should truck height match wheel size?

Yes.

Choosing the correct truck height helps prevent wheel bite.

General recommendations:

  • 50–53mm wheels: Low or mid trucks
  • 54–56mm wheels: Mid trucks
  • 56mm+ wheels: High trucks or riser pads

Larger wheels require additional clearance to prevent contact with the deck during turns.

What causes speed wobble?

Speed wobble occurs when small steering movements rapidly amplify at higher speeds.

Common causes include:

  • Trucks that are too loose
  • Uneven weight distribution
  • Poor downhill technique
  • Soft bushings
  • Rough road surfaces

Maintaining balanced truck adjustments, using bushings appropriate for your weight, and practicing proper riding posture can greatly reduce the likelihood of speed wobble.

Remember that speed wobble is most common during fast downhill riding and is rarely an issue during everyday street skating or cruising.