How To Loosen Skateboard Wheels?

Skateboard wheels are the important part of a skateboard that provide the friction to grind and slide on different surfaces. The tweaking of the wheels can make skateboarding more enjoyable.

Tightening skateboard wheels is a common practice, but sometimes they need to be loosened because wheels that are too tight can make it difficult to turn and can cause the board to “wheelie.” Loosening them just a little bit can help with both of these problems.

In this article, we will show you how to loosen skateboard wheels and we will also discuss the reasons for loosening the wheels. So, let’s get started.

Why Do Some Skateboarders Prefer Loose Wheels?

The main reason why some skateboarders prefer loose wheels is that it provides them with more control over their board. When the wheels are too tight, it can be difficult to turn and this can lead to the board “wheelie-ing” or popping up off the ground.

Another reason why skateboarders might prefer loose wheels is for grinding. When the wheels are too tight, it can cause the board to slip and not grind as well.

How To Loosen Skateboard Wheels?

Some basic tools that you will need to loosen skateboard wheels are given below:

• Wrenches
• Screw Driver

STEP 1:

Invert your skateboard so that the wheels are towards you. At the end of the kingpin bolt, you’ll see a large-sized nut.

STEP 2:

Turn the kingpin with a wrench to allow it to loosen from the joints. To test the board, loosen only a half or quarter turn at first.

STEP 3:

After loosening the wheels, test the skateboarder’s flexibility by rotating him on his left and right sides. Give a ride to fully comprehend.

STEP 4:

Place your skateboard on a flat, smooth surface for more thorough checking. Try to shift the board left or right by placing your feet on it. Then you’ll know whether you need to tighten or loosen the wheels even further.

STEP 5:

Don’t over-tighten the wheels to the point that they could come loose from the kingpin. Check to see that the nut is attached to the kingpin after each ride or during riding.

Here’s a good video guide to watch:

What Do You Need To Do Before Loosening The Wheels?

If you are new to skateboarding, then there are some things that you need to do before loosening the wheels. You should check the manufacturer’s recommendation for the right tightness of the wheels.

• The trucks’ width, hanger, and baseplate also affect how tight or loose the wheels should be. A good rule of thumb is to start with the loosest setting and then tighten the screws until you get the desired response from the board.
• You should also know that not all skateboard wheels are made the same. Some wheels are harder than others, and some are softer. The hardness of the wheel will affect how tight or loose the wheel should be. A good way to test the hardness of the wheel is to press your thumb into the center of the wheel. If the wheel is too soft, your thumb will leave an indentation. If the wheel is too hard, your thumb will not leave an indentation.
• Finally, you should also check the bearings before loosening the wheels. The bearings are what allow the wheels to spin. If the bearings are not in good condition, the wheels will not spin properly.

Additional Tips and instructions

• To avoid any undesirable problems or mishaps while riding the skateboard, do not loosen the wheel too much. Shake the wheels with your hands to detect whether they are very loose. While skating, you may hear occasional rattling sounds caused by excessively loose wheels.
• If the nuts are excessively tight, use caution when loosening them with your hands. It’s possible that you’ll injure yourself in the process. Use materials like hand gloves to protect yourself, but keep in mind that the gloves should provide enough grip to easily twist the nuts.
• If the wheels are still not running smoothly, check the truck bolts. Because if the bolts are too tight, the wheels will not be able to rotate at full speed. Just as you did with the wheels, adjust the truck bolt. Finally, twist the wheels to make sure they’re spinning freely.
• After you’ve repaired the skateboard, including loosening or tightening the wheels, never use it without first testing it. If not properly checked, this could result in serious accidents and injuries. You are ready to travel if you believe the wheels are turning smoothly and without interruption.

FAQs

Q: How much should you loosen the wheels?

A: The amount that you should loosen the wheels depends on the hardness of the wheel and the response that you want from the board. If you are new to skateboarding, it is best to start with the loosest setting and then tighten the screws until you get the desired response from the board.

Q: How do you know if the wheels are too loose?

A: If the wheels are too loose, you will be able to tell by shaking the board. If the wheels are excessively loose, you will hear a rattling sound.

Q: Why are my skateboard wheels not spinning?

A: One reason why your skateboard wheels may not be spinning is that the bearings are not in good condition. Another reason may be that the truck bolts are too tight. To fix this, adjust the truck bolts and then check to see if the wheels are spinning freely.

Q: How to clean the wheels?

A: To clean the wheels, first, remove them from the skateboard. Then, using a cloth, wipe away any dirt or debris that may be on the surface of the wheels. Next, using a toothbrush, scrub the inside of the wheel to remove any dirt or debris that may be caught in the bearings. Finally, using a cloth, wipe away any remaining dirt or debris.

Conclusion

It is important to know how to properly adjust the wheels on a skateboard. This includes knowing how to loosen or tighten the screws, as well as how to check the bearings and truck bolts. 

Improperly adjusted wheels can cause serious accidents, so it is important to be careful when making any adjustments. Be sure to test the skateboard after making any adjustments to ensure that it is safe to use.

In the guide, we have shown a step-by-step method on how to loosen the wheels of a skateboard. 

We have also included some additional tips and instructions to help you avoid any mishaps while you are skating. Finally, we have answered some frequently asked questions that you may have about skateboard wheels.

We hope that this guide has been helpful and informative. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to help. Thank you for reading!