Why is my Skateboard so Squeaky?

If you have bought a new skateboard or even if your skateboard is now old and makes some weird sounds and vibrations and squeaks you think why is my skateboard so squeaky? Then, in this article, we will briefly discuss everything about it including the reasons behind it, etc.

skateboard is likely squeaky due to either a lack of lubrication in the bearings or bushings, or because of dirt and debris buildup in these parts. Regular maintenance and cleaning can help reduce the squeakiness.

This noise is sometimes so annoying but, there is nothing to worry about it because there are multiple parts that cause these squeaky sounds like riser pads, torn wheels, etc. But, these noises are produced because of extra pressure applied may also cause friction which produces these kinds of noises.

The Reason My Skateboard Squeak When I Turn?

There are multiple reasons for these squeaky noises that are briefly discussed below:

• Loose Bolts and Nuts
• Bearings
• Uneven Washers
• Broken Riser Pad
• Worn out wheels
• Un lubricated Parts

Axle and Squeaky Trucks

By doing regular maintenance, you may stop those grating noises from coming from each of your skateboard’s components. Regular maintenance also has the extra advantage of allowing it to spin freely, especially when you’re using it, and reducing friction caused by the increased pressure it experiences while you’re using it, which frequently causes skateboard trucks to squeak.

So, now let’s discuss the possible reasons for squeaky sounds in your skateboard:

Bearings

Bearings might be one of the most prominent reasons behind the squeaky noises of your skateboard because as the bearings get rolled they produce friction. So, as mentioned earlier due to friction, your skateboard produces a squeaky sound. So, you need to remove all the bearings out and pop them, spin your bearing, and check whether they need to be maintained or replaced, use lubricants but usually, silicon-based lubricants are recommended as they are perfect for the skateboard.

Skateboard Truck’s Bushing

Sometimes, the truck also squeaks due to bushing, as you know that bushing helps your board to be stabilized and maintained. It helps in preventing direct contact as well as friction. Examine your bushing as they may be damaged because of multiple factors such as temperatures, environmental factors, weather, etc. But, if you don’t have enough budget to replace them then you need to alter them and interchange their places.

Riser Pads

To keep your flooring protected, you must have the proper riser pad. Risers make it easier to turn without coming to a complete stop and assist in evenly distributing weight to prevent wheel bite.Riser pads are especially important if you have trouble lifting heavy objects since they prevent the board from falling to the ground and inflicting harm. The board is kept apart from the vehicle by the riser pads.

If they have rips and cuts, they don’t perform as planned. You risk damaging the skateboard if you don’t frequently check the riser pads. Make sure the screw is properly tight to prevent all the squeaky noises and vibrations.

Wheels

Skateboards with worn or broken wheels frequently experience a problem like squeaky sounds as well as wheel bite. Sharp edges on the wheel, and the grit and rocks in the ground you’re skating on, can all add to the injury. Before completing your journey, you must stop and address any wheel-biting issues. But, Duct tape can be used to quickly fix the problem by covering the issue on your board’s wheels. To avoid incidents of this nature, skateboarders must regularly check their tires for wear and replace them as required.

Your skateboard’s wheels may have some dents as well as a few spots that let you feel a bump while riding. So, you should check out your wheel to avoid many problems.

Pivot Cups and Screws

There are many chances of loose screws as well as pivot cups if your skateboard is making squeaky noises. You need to try tightening all the screws and see if it makes any difference in the noise or not. Meanwhile, you should also check out the pivot cup, sometimes there are some minor gaps in the pivot cups. So, rotate the rubber cup and listen to the sounds.

Lubricating

As mentioned earlier, these noises are being produced because of friction and one of the major reasons behind friction is dry wheels. So, you need to keep them lubricated to avoid friction and eventually these squeaky noises. There are many kinds of lubricants available, and you can select them silicon-based is an ideal one, but if you don’t have it you can also use its alternatives like canola oil, greasy oil, etc. Gritty wheels always shorten the lifespan of your bearings so, as mentioned earlier you should keep cleaning your skateboard bearings frequently and lubricate them with a bearing lubricant. Lubricants will also lengthen the lifetime of your skateboard bearing.

Can dirty pivot cups cause my skateboard to squeak?

Yes, dirty or dry pivot cups can indeed cause your skateboard to squeak. Here’s how:

What Are Pivot Cups?

Pivot cups are small, usually cylindrical pieces of urethane or other materials that fit into the baseplate of your skateboard trucks. They surround the kingpin where the truck’s hanger pivots, allowing for smooth turning and reducing friction.

How Can They Cause Squeaking?

• Friction: When pivot cups become dirty or dry, the movement between the hanger and the baseplate can produce friction. This friction is often the source of the squeaking sound as you turn or lean into your trucks.
• Debris Accumulation: Dust, dirt, or small pebbles can get trapped in the pivot cup. As the skateboard turns, these particles can grind against metal, creating noise.
• Lack of Lubrication: Pivot cups are designed to be somewhat self-lubricating due to the material they’re made from, but over time, they can dry out, leading to increased friction and squeaking.

How to Address Squeaky Pivot Cups:

1. Cleaning:
   • Remove Trucks: Take the trucks off the board to access the pivot cups easily.
   • Extract Pivot Cups: Gently pry out the pivot cups with a small screwdriver or a specialized pivot cup remover if available.
   • Clean Them: Use isopropyl alcohol or soapy water to clean both the pivot cups and the pivot area in the trucks. Be thorough to remove all debris.
2. Lubrication:
   • After cleaning, you can lubricate the pivot cups. Some skateboarders use a light oil or silicone spray, while others prefer to use a dry lubricant like graphite or even surfboard wax/soap for a less messy option.
   • Only a small amount is needed; too much lubricant can attract dirt and lead to more problems.
3. Reinstallation:
   • Replace the pivot cups, ensuring they fit snugly back into place.
   • Reassemble your trucks, tightening everything appropriately.
4. Check for Wear:
   • If the pivot cups are worn or cracked, consider replacing them. Worn pivot cups can’t provide the necessary cushioning for smooth turns, which might exacerbate squeaking.
5. Regular Maintenance:
   • Periodically check and clean your pivot cups, especially if you skate in dirty or sandy environments. This not only prevents squeaking but also ensures optimal performance and longevity of your trucks.

By maintaining clean and properly lubricated pivot cups, you can significantly reduce or eliminate squeaking, leading to a smoother, quieter skateboarding experience.

Can weather affect my skateboard’s squeaking?

Yes, weather can influence your skateboard’s noise:

• Temperature Changes: Cold weather can make materials contract, potentially causing parts to rub together more than usual, leading to squeaks. Warm weather might have the opposite effect, but can still cause squeaking if it leads to lubricant being expelled from bearings.
• Moisture: Riding in wet conditions or storing your skateboard in a damp area can lead to rust or corrosion in metal parts, which can cause squeaking. Ensure your board is dry after use and stored properly.
• Humidity: Humidity can affect the wood deck and make materials expand, sometimes contributing to noise if parts are forced together more tightly.

Are there specific tools needed to fix a squeaky skateboard?

Yes, to effectively fix a squeaky skateboard, you might need several tools. Here’s a list of commonly used tools and materials:

Basic Skateboard Tools:

• Skate Tool: This is the most versatile tool for skateboard maintenance. It typically includes:
  • A socket for the axle nuts (usually 1/2 inch)
  • A socket for the kingpin nut (usually 9/16 inch)
  • Allen wrenches for various bolts
  • A screwdriver for adjusting trucks or removing hardware
• Adjustable Wrench or Crescent Wrench: If you don’t have a skate tool, an adjustable wrench can serve the purpose for tightening or loosening nuts.
• Phillips and Flathead Screwdrivers: For any screws on the board, although many modern boards use Allen bolts.
• Allen Wrench Set: Sometimes, specific sizes are needed that might not be on a standard skate tool.

For Specific Issues:

• Bearing Puller or Small Screwdriver: To remove bearings from wheels without damage.
• Bearing Cleaning Kit: Includes solvents, cleaning tools, and lubricant for bearings. You can also use:
  • Isopropyl Alcohol or Acetone for cleaning bearings
  • Skate-specific bearing lubricant or light oil (like Teflon-based lubricants)
• Pliers: Useful for tightening or removing nuts that are particularly tight or stuck.
• Socket Wrench Set: For more precise control over the tightness of nuts and bolts.

Additional Items:

• Wax or Soap: For lubricating pivot cups or bushings to reduce squeaking.
• Rag or Paper Towels: For cleaning off excess lubricant or wiping down parts.
• Small Brush: To clean out debris from trucks or bearings.

Optional:

• Torque Wrench: If you’re particular about having the exact tightness on your hardware, a torque wrench can help ensure consistent pressure.
• File or Grip Tape Razor: If you need to file down grip tape edges or cut new grip tape.
• Truck Riser Pads or Hardware Replacement Kit: If you’re replacing or adjusting components that might cause squeaking due to wear or improper fit.

Having a skate tool is highly recommended as it consolidates many of these functions into one convenient tool, making maintenance quick and efficient. However, for more thorough repairs or if different sizes are needed, having additional tools as listed above can be very useful. Remember, proper maintenance not only fixes current squeaks but also prevents future ones.

Solutions to Silence Your Skateboard

Here are several solutions to make your skateboard quieter and eliminate those pesky squeaks:

1. Bearing Maintenance

• Cleaning: Remove wheels and take out bearings. Use a bearing cleaning kit or soak them in a solution of isopropyl alcohol or acetone to remove dirt and old lubricant.
• Lubrication: After drying, apply a small amount of skate-specific lubricant or light oil like Teflon-based lubricants. Avoid over-lubricating to prevent dirt attraction.

2. Tighten or Lubricate Trucks

• Adjust Trucks: If your trucks are loose, tighten the kingpin nut but not so much that it restricts truck movement. Conversely, if they’re too tight, slightly loosen for better flow.
• Pivot Cup Maintenance: Clean out the pivot cups and apply a small amount of lubricant like silicone spray, graphite, or even surfboard wax/soap.

3. Hardware Check

• Tighten All Bolts: Use a skate tool or wrench to ensure all hardware, including the bolts that attach trucks to the deck, are tight. This prevents rattling which can sound like squeaking.
• Replace Worn Hardware: If bolts or nuts are stripped or worn, replace them to avoid squeaks from loose parts.

4. Grip Tape

• Trim or Replace: If the edges of the grip tape are worn or peeling, they can catch on your shoes or even on the trucks, causing noise. Trim these edges or replace the grip tape entirely if necessary.

5. Check for Deck Warping

• Inspect Deck: Sometimes, squeaks can come from the deck itself if it’s warped. If you notice any bending or warping, consider replacing the deck.

6. Riser Pads

• Install or Replace: Riser pads can help absorb shock and reduce noise from the board. Ensure they’re properly aligned and if they’re worn, replace them.

7. Wheels and Wheelbite

• Avoid Wheelbite: If your wheels are rubbing against the deck (wheelbite), it can cause a squeaking or grinding noise. Raising the trucks with risers or adjusting the height of the kingpin can help.

8. Protective Measures

• Use Washers: Place washers between the nuts and the truck or between the truck and deck to prevent direct metal-to-wood contact, which can cause squeaking over time.

9. Regular Maintenance Routine

• Routine Check: Incorporate a regular maintenance check into your routine to catch and fix issues before they become squeaky problems. This includes cleaning, tightening, and lubricating as needed.

10. Skate in Clean Areas

• Avoid Dirty Spots: Skateboarding on clean surfaces reduces the amount of dirt and debris that can get into your bearings and trucks, thereby reducing potential squeaks.

11. Quality Components

• Invest in Good Parts: Sometimes the cheapest parts are more prone to squeaking. Quality bearings, trucks, and even decks can make a difference in how quietly your board rides.

By implementing these solutions, you can significantly reduce or eliminate the squeaks from your skateboard, leading to a smoother and more enjoyable riding experience. Regular maintenance is key to keeping your skateboard silent and in top condition.

Conclusion

There are multiple reasons for these squeaky noises that are briefly discussed below: Loose Bolts and Nuts Bearings Uneven Washers Broken Riser Pad Worn wheels Un lubricated Parts Axle and Squeaky Trucks By doing regular maintenance, you may stop those grating noises from coming from each of your skateboard’s components.

So, I hope you like the article and your query has been solved why is my skateboard so squeaky? So, if you want more articles like this, please let us know and appreciate us so we can provide you with more incredible articles like this.

David Walker

I am a passionate skateboarder and founder of the website dedicated to the skateboarding community. With years of experience riding and exploring various skateparks, I have a wealth of knowledge to share with fellow skateboarders. Through this website, my aims to provide a platform for skaters to connect, learn, and share their experiences.