We all know how the deck, trucks, and wheels work for quality skateboard rides. Perhaps, many of us have also mastered how they should be installed and adjusted. But does our knowledge include the smaller parts like washers?
If this question confuses you, don’t worry. Today, I’ll answer the question “where do the washers go on a skateboard?” In this article, we will not only identify where these parts sit but also why they are necessary.
Table of Contents
Where Should a Washer Sit on a Skateboard?
Skateboard washers look like thin alloy layers seated on a piece of threaded hardware. They aim to keep the truck bolts in place and facilitate the spinning of the bearings.
So, where should a washer sit on a skateboard? It should be on either side of the wheels.
Following the standard installation of a skateboard wheel, this holed disc slides onto the truck axle first before the urethane roller and its bearings. Finally, there should be another washer on top of the bearings before the lock nut is put into place.
Whether we set up a skateboard for beginners or adults, the wheel installation should begin with one inner washer, an inner bearing, the spacer, the wheel, and an outer washer locked by a nut.
Where Do You Find the Washers in an Overall Skateboard Assembly?
If you still have trouble visualizing where a washer is, you can try assembling a skateboard from start to finish. Here’s a bigger picture of how to build a skateboard.
1. Install the trucks
Suppose we already have complete skateboard trucks and wheels set.
Check the deck and ensure there are eight holes through the wooden body and the grip tape.
Position the deck so its top faces up. Then, grab four truck bolts and slide them through the holes.
Align the holes of the truck’s base plate against the bolts (if you have risers, put them on the deck before the base plate).
Place a nut on each of the four bolts and tighten them to secure the truck. Repeat the same process with the other truck.
2. Insert the bearings
This time, make your skateboard stand on its side. Remove an axle nut with a wrench, and take out the speed washer.
Grab a bearing and a wheel. Slide the skateboard bearing on the axle with the shield facing the truck hanger, followed by one urethane wheel.
Align the wheel’s socket against the bearing. Gently press the urethane roller against the wheel core until it snaps in.
Pull the wheel off the axle and slide a new bearing into place. Follow up by putting in a spacer, if any. Next, slide the wheel on the same axle.
Finally, press the wheel against the truck hanger until the new bearing snaps in. Repeat the same process on three more wheels.
3. Put the wheels on
Now that we have the wheels ready with their bearings and optional spacers, it’s time to fasten them on the trucks.
So, as discussed, slide the inner washer on the wheel first. Next, follow up with bearings and another wheel truck washer. Lock all these components with a nut.
Adjust the wheels’ tightness to achieve the perfect riding smoothness. Repeat the same steps with the rest of the wheels.
Technically, skateboard truck washers are not seated directly on the deck, like the trucks or grip tape. But adding them to the overall skateboard structure can make significant positive differences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are washers important on a skateboard?
Do you need washers on skateboard wheels? The best way to preserve skateboard bearings is by allowing them to rotate against a smooth surface.
Specifically, in the case of an inner washer, putting it out of the board and leaving the inner bearing grinding against the truck hanger will decrease the bearing’s lifespan.
So, sliding a washer on either side of the wheel or bearing will protect the latter from unwanted friction. Additionally, it will make skateboard rides smoother.
Friendly note: Be sure to identify the appropriate washer size for your trucks before buying for optimum results.
Do you need washers for skateboard bearings?
You might. Bearings with washers included don’t have to be used with washers.
Otherwise, speed washers and spacers are necessary. These disks will help prevent the wheel cores from grinding against the hanger and axle nuts.
Additionally, adding washers to your trucks can help reduce speed wobbles when skateboarding.
Which way do the trucks go on a skateboard?
Like in our short skateboard assembly tutorial, trucks should sit on the board with the kingpins facing inwards and the hanger outwards.
Are there exceptions? Longboards. Where do trucks go on a longboard? Since this board type may use reverse kingpins, expect such bolts to face outwards after installation.
Conclusion
Mastering skateboard tricks is fun. Changing grip tape or adjusting the trucks enables you to ride safely. And knowing how to deal with small skateboard details like washers makes you better at board maintenance.
These are some of the tiniest components of a skateboard. But as mentioned, adding them to the equation will yield better rides. So, where do the washers go on a skateboard? They’re outside each wheel bearing, reducing speed wobbles and grinds.
It’s time to learn more about these components and become a better skateboarder!
Hi, I am Charles Harris. I opened this site to write as much as I can about my biggest passion – skateboarding!
I started as a clumsy yet passionate rookie 10 years ago to now a still passionate yet much better skateboarder! But I have to tell you, the whole journey has always been fun and rewarding, indeed not without hardship.