AYour board could veer due to tight trucks, misaligned wheels, or uneven wear. Check for loose nuts, bad bearings, or a warped deck too!
re you having trouble keeping your skateboard straight? If it’s constantly veering to one side, it can be frustrating and even dangerous. There are a few reasons why this might be happening, but the good news is that it’s usually easy to fix.
Why is My Skateboard Veering? In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the most common causes of skateboard veering and show you how to fix them. So if you’re ready to get your board rolling straight again, keep reading!
Why is My Skateboard Veering, Reason 1: Loose trucks
When your skateboard trucks are loose, the wheels can turn more easily. This can make the skateboard difficult to control and can cause it to veer unexpectedly, especially when you are riding at high speeds or over rough terrain.
There are a few reasons why loose trucks can cause your skateboard to veer:
- When you lean your weight to one side, the trucks will pivot in that direction. If the trucks are loose, they will pivot more easily, causing the skateboard to turn more sharply.
- When you hit a bump or crack in the pavement, the loose trucks can cause the wheels to turn in different directions. This can make the skateboard lose stability and veer off course.
- When you are riding at high speeds, the loose trucks can make the skateboard wobble. This wobbling can make it difficult to control the skateboard and can cause it to veer.
How to Fix Loose Trucks
To fix loose trucks, simply tighten the kingpin nuts. The kingpin nuts are located at the top of the trucks, where the hanger meets the baseplate. To tighten the kingpin nuts, use a 9/16-inch wrench.
Be careful not to over-tighten the kingpin nuts, as this can make the trucks too stiff and difficult to turn. A good rule of thumb is to tighten the nuts until the trucks have a slight amount of give, but not so loose that they wobble.
How to Find the Right Truck Tightness for You
The right truck tightness for you will depend on your personal preference and riding style. Some skaters like to ride with loose trucks for more maneuverability, while others prefer tighter trucks for more stability.
A good way to find the right truck tightness for you is to start with the trucks slightly loose and then tighten them gradually until you find a setting that feels comfortable and controllable. You can also experiment with different truck tightness settings for different types of riding. For example, you might want to ride with tighter trucks when you are skating in a skatepark or when you are riding at high speeds.
Reason 2: Unevenly Worn Wheels
Skateboard veering is a common problem that can be caused by a variety of factors, including unevenly worn wheels. When the wheels are worn down more on one side than the other, they will not roll evenly. This can cause the skateboard to pull to one side, making it difficult to control.
There are a few things that can contribute to unevenly worn wheels, including:
- Riding on rough surfaces: Skating on rough surfaces, such as concrete or asphalt, can cause the wheels to wear down more quickly.
- Slamming on the brakes: Slamming on the brakes can cause the wheels to skid, which can lead to uneven wear.
- Overtightening the trucks: Overtightening the trucks can put too much pressure on the wheels, causing them to wear down more quickly.
If you notice that your skateboard is veering, it is important to check your wheels to see if they are unevenly worn. If they are, you can either rotate the wheels or replace them.
Rotating the Wheels:
If the wheels are only slightly worn, you can rotate them so that the worn sides are facing the inside of the board. To do this, simply remove the wheels and bearings and then put the wheels back on in a different order.
Replacing the Wheels:
If the wheels are severely worn, it is best to replace them. When choosing new wheels, it is important to select the right size and hardness for your riding style. If you are not sure what size and hardness to choose, ask a skate shop employee for help.
Here are some tips to help prevent your skateboard wheels from wearing unevenly:
- Avoid riding on rough surfaces as much as possible.
- Be careful not to slam on the brakes.
- Do not overtighten the trucks.
- Check your wheels regularly for signs of uneven wear.
By following these tips, you can help to keep your skateboard wheels in good condition and prevent them from causing your board to veer.
Reason 3: Warped Deck
Absolutely. A warped skateboard deck can cause the board to veer in one direction or another. This is because a warped deck will not sit flat on the ground. When the deck is warped, it will naturally pull to the side that is lower to the ground. This can make it difficult to control the board and can lead to accidents.
How to Tell if Your Skateboard Deck is Warped
There are a few ways to tell if your skateboard deck is warped. One way is to simply look at the deck from the side. If the deck is not perfectly straight, then it is warped. Another way to tell if your deck is warped is to place it on a flat surface. If the deck does not sit flat on the surface, then it is warped.
What Causes Skateboard Decks to Warp?
There are a few things that can cause skateboard decks to warp. One of the most common causes is water damage. If a skateboard deck gets wet, it can absorb the water and swell. This can cause the deck to warp. Another common cause of warped skateboard decks is heat damage. If a skateboard deck is exposed to too much heat, it can warp.
How to Eix a Warped Skateboard Deck
There is no way to fix a warped skateboard deck. If your deck is warped, you will need to replace it.
How to Prevent Your Skateboard Deck from Warping
There are a few things you can do to prevent your skateboard deck from warping. First, avoid getting your deck wet. If you do get your deck wet, dry it off as soon as possible. Second, avoid exposing your deck to too much heat. If you are going to be skating in hot weather, try to keep your deck in the shade as much as possible. Third, inspect your deck regularly for signs of warping. If you notice that your deck is starting to warp, replace it immediately.
A warped skateboard deck can be a serious hazard. If you suspect that your deck is warped, replace it immediately. There are a few things you can do to prevent your deck from warping, such as avoiding getting it wet and exposing it to too much heat.
Reason 4: Damaged Bearings
Bearings are small, metal balls that sit inside the wheels of your skateboard. They allow the wheels to spin smoothly, which is essential for good control and speed. However, over time, bearings can become damaged, causing them to not spin as smoothly as they should. This can lead to a number of problems, including your skateboard veering.
How do Damaged Bearings Cause a Skateboard to Veer?
When bearings are damaged, they can become pitted or rusty. This can cause them to grind against the inner race of the wheel, which can make it difficult for the wheel to spin. In some cases, a damaged bearing can even seize up completely, causing the wheel to lock up altogether.
When a wheel locks up, it can cause the skateboard to veer sharply in the direction of the locked wheel. This can be very dangerous, especially at high speeds.
How to Identify Damaged Bearings
There are a few signs that your bearings may be damaged. One sign is if your skateboard starts to veer unexpectedly. Another sign is if your wheels start to make a grinding or humming noise. If you notice either of these signs, it’s a good idea to check your bearings for damage.
To check your bearings for damage, simply remove them from the wheels and inspect them visually. Look for any signs of pitting or rust. If you see any damage, the bearings should be replaced immediately.
How to Replace Damaged Bearings
Replacing damaged bearings is a relatively simple process. To replace the bearings in a skateboard wheel, you will need the following tools:
- A skateboard tool
- A bearing puller
- A bearing press
- New bearings
To replace the bearings in a skateboard wheel:
- Remove the wheel from the skateboard.
- Use the skateboard tool to remove the axle nut.
- Use the bearing puller to remove the bearings from the wheel.
- Clean the inside of the wheel with a cloth and degreaser.
- Apply a small amount of grease to the inside of the wheel.
- Use the bearing press to install the new bearings into the wheel.
- Reinstall the axle nut and tighten it with the skateboard tool.
- Repeat steps 1-7 for the other wheel.
If you notice that your skateboard is veering unexpectedly, it’s a good idea to check your bearings for damage. Damaged bearings can cause a number of problems, including your skateboard veering, making it difficult to control. If you find that your bearings are damaged, they should be replaced immediately.
Why is My Skateboard so Wobbly?
Dimensions of the Board
Speed wobbles can also be caused by an inappropriately sized board. It can be tough to choose a board that is the correct shoe size, length for your height, and riding style.
If your skateboard is too short, then you will experience a variety of difficulties, one of which is wobbling because of motion. Speed jerks might also happen if your skateboard is too long as well as your riding position isn’t set appropriately.
Length of the wheelbase
The wheelbase of certain decks can be raised or shortened by moving or repositioning the trucks. Your board will be more difficult to rotate and less likely to wobble if its base is longer.
Weight distribution in the body
When traveling at high speeds, your total weight should be evenly distributed toward the truck directly in the front. If you feel yourself beginning to wobble, lean forward. Approximately 90% of your bodyweight should indeed be positioned in front.
Loose skateboard trucks or faulty bushings
When moving at a high pace, a board may occasionally respond by wobbling back and forth due to faulty trucks or loosened bolts and nuts that seem to be responsive to distribution of weight.
Ankle
The ankle is important in skating and can cause your skateboard to wobble as you speed up. If you aren’t confident on the skateboard or at the speeds you are riding, your ankle will tighten. When this happens, you’ll have a lot of issues, especially if you’re skating fast.
How to Get Rid of Speed Wobbles Skateboard?
If you’re sick of wondering “why is my skateboard so scratchy and unsteady,” this article is for you. The remedy is; Just a little tightening up with any tool that would fit the trucks. After that, use the skateboard for a couple hours and, if necessary, make a few minor changes.
Try fitting firmer bushings to see if the trucks still feel too loose. Additionally, avoid overtightening the trucks to prevent damage and extend their usefulness.
Some individuals find that riding their skateboard with such a loosened truck and bushings gives them a better sense of control. This makes it challenging for beginners to learn to skateboard, thus we do not advise them to try it.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know why is my skateboard veering, we hope you will agree. Just keep in mind that skateboards aren’t ever completely straight. There are many variables at play, but if you’re only riding one board, you can usually solve the problem with a few quick modifications.
Newer skateboards, especially complete ones, frequently feature soft bushings that enable left- or right-handed turning. To solve the problem, simply tighten the kingpin nut and go!
FAQ’s
What’s causing my skateboard to veer to the left?
There are a few reasons your skateboard continually veers to the left or right. The most likely culprits are the truck bushings and hardware. Bushings are your truck’s intricate, spherical plastic pieces that crush down in the directions you turn.
Why is my skateboard drifting?
Cracked or dry bushings are the main reason. The plastic components in the middle of your vehicles are called bushings. They bend and compress when you drive your skateboard, helping your trucks spin smoothly.
How do you know if your skate bushings are bad?
There is no specific period that you should replace your bushings; instead, you should replace them when they begin to show indications of wear and tear and prevent you from skating the way you want to.Â
It is time to replace your bushings when you notice fractures in them, when they have been squished down to virtually nothing, or when they have lost their flexibility.
What should you not do when skateboarding?
It’s crucial to adhere to certain fundamental safety precautions when skating to prevent any potentially harmful mishaps. Following some of the most popular skating advice includes:
1. Always wear a helmet; it’s a legal requirement in most places and one of the best methods to prevent brain injuries.
Wear safety equipment – Skateboarding may be risky, therefore you should always wear safety equipment to lower your chance of injury. This comprises helmets, pads, and elbow- and knee guards.
2. Always be aware of your surroundings when skating; if you spot someone coming up behind you, stop and proceed with care.
3. Always ride on the right side of the road. Skateboarding is not an activity that is permitted on public streets. You’ll stay safe and help prevent any mishaps by doing this.
4. Obey all traffic laws and regulations – When skating, you must always abide by all traffic laws and regulations. This includes halting at stop signs and red lights and following traffic signals.
How do I fix my skateboard drifting?
Drifting fix depends on cause:
Loose trucks? Tighten them slightly for more control.
Worn wheels? Swap for new ones for better grip.
Stance wobbly? Adjust foot placement for balance.
Deck warped? Consider a new one for even riding.
Why does my skateboard move on its own?
Board’s got a mind of its own? Don’t worry, it’s likely a fixable culprit! Here are a few possibilities:
Loose trucks or wobbly wheels:Â Tighten them up for more control.
Uneven wear:Â Swap wheels or rotate them for balanced rolling.
Warped deck:Â Time for a new one! Uneven surface throws off balance.
Riding surface:Â Some slopes can cause natural drifting. Adjust your lines.
How do I fix my skateboard sideways?
Several potential culprits:
Uneven truck tightness:Â Adjust one side slightly tighter to match the other.
Worn wheels:Â Rotate or replace if noticeably uneven wear.
Your stance:Â Check if you’re leaning more heavily to one side while riding.
Bushing mismatch:Â Try reseating them or switching sides for even wear.
Damaged deck:Â Inspect for cracks or warps, replace if needed.
If DIY fixes fail, consult a skate shop for expert diagnosis and repairs
