How Do Skateboard Trucks Work in 2023?
The trucks are mounted on the deck of the skateboard and act as the point of contact between the board and the ground. The trucks are what allow the skater to turn and steer the board. The trucks are made up of two parts, the hanger, and the baseplate. The hanger is the U-shaped part that the skateboard wheel bolts to. The baseplate is the flat part that mounts to the bottom of the deck.
How Do Skateboard Trucks Work?
The trucks are connected to the board by two screws on each side. The trucks are also connected to the wheels by bearings. The front truck is called the kingpin and it is located in front of the deck. The back truck is located at the rear of the deck. The kingpin is what allows the trucks to turn. Some companies make skateboard trucks out of titanium for a lighter-weight truck. Titanium trucks are also more expensive than aluminum trucks. Truck widths vary from 50 millimeters (2 inches) to 125 millimeters (5 inches).
The Baseplate:
The baseplate is the part of the skateboard truck that attaches to the deck. It also provides the pivot point for the hanger. The baseplates on most trucks are made from aluminum, although some brands use steel or even composites.
The Hanger:
The hanger is the T-shaped part of the truck that the axle passes through. The hanger is what allows the wheels to turn. Most hangers are made from cast aluminum, but some are forged from steel.
The Kingpin
The kingpin is the bolt that holds the hanger to the baseplate. It also acts as the pivot point for the hanger. The kingpin can be either standard or reverse. Standard kingpins are used on most trucks, but some brands offer reverse kingpins for those who prefer them.
The Bushings:
Bushings are the rubber cushions that go between the hanger and the baseplate. They allow the hanger to pivot freely and absorb shock when landing tricks. The hardness of the bushings is measured in durometers, with harder bushings being better for stability and softer bushings being better for maneuverability.
The Wheels:
Skateboard wheels are typically made from polyurethane, although some brands offer wheels made from other materials such as urethane or even plastic. The hardness of the wheels is measured in durometers, with harder wheels being better for speed and softer wheels being better for grip.
The Bearings:
Bearings are the small metal discs that go inside the wheels. They allow the wheels to spin freely. The bearings are rated by their ABEC rating, with higher ratings indicating higher quality.
The Risers
The risers are what separate your board from the ground. They come in different heights, but most standard boards have medium-sized risers. The height of your riser will affect how high your board sits off the ground and how stable it is.
