Ever tightened your skateboard trucks and still found the board feels wrong? The problem might not be the kingpin nut. It could be the bushings: the small urethane cushions inside your trucks. Here's how they work, what soft and hard ratings mean and when to replace them.
What are skateboard bushings?
On a standard street skateboard, each truck normally has two bushings around the kingpin. One sits between the hanger and baseplate (boardside), and the other sits above the hanger, under the kingpin nut (roadside). They compress when you lean, helping the board turn and return towards centre. That affects whether your board feels loose, lively, firm or stable.
Soft vs hard bushings
Most bushings use a Shore A hardness rating, or durometer. Lower numbers generally mean softer urethane that compresses more easily. Higher numbers mean firmer urethane with more resistance. The exact feel depends on the shape, brand, formula and truck design.
| Hardness | Typical feel |
|---|---|
| 78A–87A: soft | Easier lean and turning |
| 88A–92A: medium | Balanced response and support |
| 93A–97A: hard | Firmer, more resistant turns |
| 98A and above: very hard | Stiff response for riders who prefer it |
These are broad starting points, not universal categories. A lighter skater may find firm bushings difficult to turn, while a heavier skater might compress soft ones too easily. Your skating style matters too. A good setup is the one that turns predictably under your weight.
Should beginners choose soft bushings?
Not necessarily. If you're light and your board feels difficult to steer, softer bushings could help. If the board feels wobbly or compresses too far, something firmer may suit you better. Plenty of beginners can start with the bushings supplied with their trucks and make small adjustments before buying replacements.
Cone vs barrel bushings
Cone bushings taper towards one end and tend to allow easier, more responsive turning. Barrel bushings have straighter sides and generally offer more support. A cone above a barrel is a common combination on street trucks. Double-barrel arrangements can feel firmer; double cones can offer more lean. Check the truck manufacturer's recommended sizes and shapes because not every replacement fits every truck.
Can I just tighten the kingpin nut?
Small adjustments can make a real difference, but crushing soft bushings under a very tight nut isn't the same as fitting appropriately firm ones. Excessive compression can deform the urethane. Keep the nut properly engaged and test the board between changes. See FK's truck tightness guide.
When should bushings be replaced?
Look for cracks, splits, chunks missing, permanent flattening or obvious deformation. If the board suddenly turns unevenly or feels sloppy despite reasonable adjustment, inspect the bushings and other truck components. A squeak alone doesn't prove the bushings are broken; pivot cups can make noise too.
How to change skateboard bushings
- Choose replacements compatible with your truck model.
- Use a skate tool to remove the kingpin nut and keep the washers in order.
- Remove the upper bushing and hanger, then the lower bushing.
- Check the kingpin, washers and pivot cup for damage.
- Fit the new bushings in the recommended positions, refit the hanger and washers, and secure the nut.
- Test on level ground, adjusting gradually and checking for wheelbite.
Will harder bushings stop wheelbite?
They might reduce excessive lean, but wheelbite also depends on wheel diameter, truck height and adjustment. Read FK's truck sizing guide and wheel hardness guide.
FAQs
Do new bushings need breaking in?
Some soften or settle slightly after a few sessions.
Can I mix bushing hardnesses?
Sometimes, if the combination fits your trucks and follows the manufacturer's guidance.
Do all bushings fit every truck?
No. Street and longboard bushings and different truck brands may use different heights and shapes.
Three quick checks before buying replacement bushings
- Check the actual problem. If the board feels hard to turn, try a small, safe kingpin adjustment first. If it feels unpredictable, inspect the bushings and pivot cups for damage.
- Check the truck model. Bushings vary in height, profile and washer requirements. Use the manufacturer's fit guide rather than assuming any street or longboard bushing will fit.
- Check your whole setup. Wheelbite depends on more than bushings: wheel diameter, truck height and deck clearance all play a part.
Are harder bushings better for skateparks?
Not automatically. A skater who likes carving around a bowl may prefer more responsive turning, while someone practising technical tricks may favour a firmer feel. The right hardness depends on your weight, trucks and preferences. If your current bushings feel predictable and aren't damaged, you might not need to change anything.
What about British weather?
Rain, dirt and grit can make it harder to spot problems with your skateboard hardware. After a damp session, wipe down your trucks and inspect them for obvious wear. Don't store a wet board in a closed bag for days. If your wheels are gritty too, FK's bearing cleaning guide covers that separately.
The FK takeaway
Don't try to fix the wrong bushings by crushing them with the kingpin nut. Choose a sensible hardness, check the fit, adjust gradually and skate long enough to learn what you like. Browse FK's Trucks collection if you're comparing replacement trucks. Built by misfits. Made for everyone.