What Are Skateboard Bushings? A Complete Guide for Beginners
If you’ve ever looked closely at your skateboard trucks, you’ll notice two small rubbery cylinders nestled between the metal parts. These are skateboard bushings—and they’re far more important than most beginners realize.
Skateboard bushings are soft urethane cylinders installed in your trucks. They act like suspension, allowing your board to pivot smoothly when you lean and re-center when you stop turning.
Without bushings, your trucks would be stiff, unresponsive, and nearly impossible to ride.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about skateboard bushings—from what they’re made of to how they affect turning, stability, and how to pick the right setup for your weight and style.
What Do Bushings Do on a Skateboard?
Bushings are the flexible parts inside each truck that allow your board to turn. When you shift your weight or lean to one side, the bushings compress, letting your trucks pivot. Once you center your weight again, they rebound, snapping the truck back into alignment.
Bushings Affect:
- How tight or loose your trucks feel
- How sharply your board can carve or turn
- How stable your setup is at high speed
- The responsiveness and rebound of your trucks
Without bushings, your trucks would feel locked in place. The flexibility of bushings is what makes skateboarding feel fluid and controllable—whether you’re cruising, bombing hills, or skating technical street spots.
What Are Skateboard Bushings Made Of?
Bushings are made of urethane, a tough and responsive synthetic rubber that’s also used for skateboard wheels. It’s durable, bouncy, and offers the perfect blend of flex and rebound.
Why Urethane?
- Compresses under pressure for smooth turning
- Snaps back into shape for rebound and control
- Handles wear and tear from long sessions
- Available in different hardness levels for tuning your setup
Some bushings use a proprietary urethane blend for better rebound or unique feel—like Bones Hardcore Bushings, which use a center insert instead of traditional washers.
Bushing Durometer: How Hard Should Your Bushings Be?
Bushing hardness is measured using the A-durometer scale. The higher the number, the harder and stiffer the bushing. The lower the number, the softer and more responsive.
Here’s a quick bushing durometer chart by rider weight:
| Rider Weight | Loose Setup | Tight Setup |
|---|---|---|
| Under 140 lbs | 81A–85A | 86A–90A |
| 140–175 lbs | 86A–90A | 91A–95A |
| 175–200 lbs | 91A–95A | 96A–100A |
| Over 200 lbs | 96A–100A | 100A+ |
Pro Tip:
Heavier riders need harder bushings to avoid wobble at speed.
Lighter riders often prefer softer bushings for more turning control.
But durometer isn’t everything…
Bushing Shapes: What’s the Difference?
The shape of your bushings has just as much impact on feel as hardness. Here’s a breakdown of the most common shapes and what they’re best for:
| Shape | Best For | Feel |
|---|---|---|
| Cone | Carving, cruising | Super responsive, loose |
| Barrel | Speed, downhill | Very stable |
| Cone/Barrel Combo | General skateboarding | Balanced and versatile |
| Double Cone | Easy turning setups | Extremely loose |
| Double Barrel | Longboarding, racing | Maximum stability |
| Stepped | Freeride, carving | Firm, progressive turn |
| Double-Stepped | Tightest possible setup | Very stiff and controlled |
| Hourglass (chubby) | Slalom, sharp carving | High rebound, agile turns |
Want quick turns and flowy carves? Go with cones. Need stability for downhill? Try barrels or stepped bushings.
Hard vs. Soft Bushings: Pros and Cons
Soft Bushings (78A–90A)
✅ Easier to turn
✅ More carve and flow
✅ Better for light riders
❌ Less stable at speed
❌ Can feel too loose for heavier skaters
Hard Bushings (91A–100A+)
✅ Increased stability
✅ Better control at high speed
✅ Ideal for heavier riders and downhill
❌ Less responsive
❌ Requires more effort to turn
Note: Bushings also break in over time. What feels tight now may loosen after a few sessions. Always give new bushings a few rides before making changes.
How Skateboard Bushings Actually Work
When you lean into a turn, your body weight compresses the top bushing (board-side) and shifts the bottom bushing (road-side). This tilts the hanger and lets your truck pivot.
When you straighten out, the urethane rebounds, pulling your truck back to center. This creates a snappy, responsive feel—or a sluggish one, if your bushings are worn out or too soft.
Bushing System Breakdown:
- Top Bushing (Board-Side): Handles turning pressure
- Bottom Bushing (Road-Side): Supports weight and compression
- Pivot Cup: Helps absorb vibration and reduce squeaking
- Washers: Prevent blowout and improve rebound
If your trucks squeak, it’s usually due to dry pivot cups. Rub in a little soap, wax, or even lip balm to fix it.
When to Replace Your Bushings
Bushings don’t last forever. If your board starts feeling sluggish or turning oddly, it might be time for a new set.
Signs You Need New Bushings:
- Visible cracks, splits, or flaking
- Mushy feel or delayed turning
- Squeaking (after break-in period)
- One side leans more than the other
- Over-tightened trucks still feel loose
Quick Fixes:
- Apply soap or wax to stop squeaks
- Replace loose or rattling washers
- Always store your board indoors to avoid heat damage
How to Choose the Right Bushings
It’s not just about weight—riding style and terrain also matter. Here’s a simple guide:
| Riding Style | Recommended Bushing Setup |
|---|---|
| Street Skating | Cone/cone or cone/barrel (loose feel) |
| Park / Vert | Barrel/cone or barrel/barrel (support) |
| Cruising | Cone/cone or hourglass (flowy carve) |
| Downhill | Barrel/barrel or stepped (stability) |
| Freeride | Stepped or double-stepped |
Tips:
- Match durometer to your weight
- Don’t mix brands unless you know what you’re doing
- Want control + carve? Use a harder bottom and softer top bushing
Best Skateboard Bushing Brands
If you’re ready to upgrade your bushings, here are some of the most trusted brands on the market. Each one offers unique performance benefits—whether you’re street skating, cruising, or bombing hills.
Bones Hardcore Bushings
Bones is one of the most popular bushing brands for a reason. Their Hardcore Bushings feature a unique hard plastic insert that replaces traditional washers, offering a crisp, rebound-heavy ride that’s perfect for technical skating.
- No need for top washers
- Super snappy return-to-center
- Ideal for street, park, and responsive carving setups
Great for skaters who want more control without tightening trucks too much.
Independent Bushings
Made by one of the most legendary truck brands in skating, Independent Bushings are specifically designed to pair with Indy trucks—but they work well on most setups. They strike a nice balance between turnability and support.
- Great rebound and control
- Available in soft (90A), medium (92A), and hard (94A)
- Perfect for street and park riders
A top pick if you’re running Independent trucks or want a reliable, familiar feel.
Mini Logo
Looking for an affordable option that still performs well? Mini Logo bushings are budget-friendly, easy to install, and great for beginners or casual riders. They’re consistent and widely available.
- Available in soft, medium, and hard
- Easy upgrade from stock bushings
- Ideal for learning riders and casual setups
A solid choice if you want to upgrade your trucks without breaking the bank.
Riptide & Venom
If you’re riding a cruiser, longboard, or downhill setup, Riptide and Venom offer high-performance bushings with precision urethane formulas. They come in a wide variety of shapes and rebound profiles—ideal for dialing in your setup.
- Premium urethane with smooth compression
- Tons of shape and durometer options
- Great for carving, freeride, and speed
Serious bushings for serious riders—especially downhill or carving-focused skaters.
Pro Tip: Make sure to double-check your truck specs before ordering—some bushings are optimized for specific brands or truck styles (standard vs. reverse kingpin).
Conclusion: Are You Riding the Right Bushings?
Bushings are the unsung heroes of your skateboard setup. They shape how your board turns, how stable it feels, and how it responds to your movement. Choosing the right bushings can seriously improve your ride—whether you’re carving bowls, bombing hills, or skating flatground.
Takeaways:
- Use a bushing durometer matched to your weight
- Pick the right shape for your style (cone vs barrel vs stepped)
- Replace your bushings when they feel worn or squeaky
- Don’t overlook washer setup, pivot cup maintenance, and brand compatibility
Still unsure what to buy? Check out our Skateboard Truck Guide to see how bushings work with different truck setups.
Happy shredding!
What do bushings do on a skateboard?
Bushings allow your skateboard to turn. They compress when you lean and rebound to center your trucks when you straighten up. Without bushings, your board wouldn’t be able to carve or steer.
How do I know if my skateboard bushings are too soft or too hard?
If your board feels unstable or turns too easily, your bushings may be too soft. If it’s hard to turn or feels rigid, they may be too hard. Match your bushing hardness (durometer) to your body weight and riding style.
What durometer bushings should I use?
Use this as a starting point:
– Under 140 lbs: 81A–85A
– 140–175 lbs: 86A–90A
– 175–200 lbs: 91A–95A
– Over 200 lbs: 96A–100A+
Adjust up or down based on whether you want a looser or tighter ride.
Do bushings matter for tricks and street skating?
Yes. Softer bushings allow quicker turns and better flow, which helps with setup tricks. Harder bushings offer more stability for landing tricks and skating rails or gaps.
Can I mix different bushing shapes or brands?
You can, but it’s not always recommended. Different brands have different rebound and compression characteristics. Mixing shapes (like a cone on top and barrel on bottom) is common, but mixing brands is best left to experienced skaters.
Why are my skateboard trucks squeaking when I turn?
It’s usually dry pivot cups causing the squeak. A small amount of soap, wax, or bearing lube in the pivot cup should stop it. If squeaking continues, it might be time to replace your bushings or pivot cups.
How long do skateboard bushings last?
With regular use, bushings typically last 6–12 months. Signs they need replacing include cracking, loss of rebound, squeaking, or a mushy feel when turning.
Should I tighten my trucks or change my bushings?
If your trucks feel too loose or tight even after adjusting the kingpin nut, your bushings may be the issue. Upgrading to a different hardness or shape can fine-tune your ride more effectively than just cranking the trucks.
Are bushings universal for all trucks?
Most bushings fit standard kingpin skateboard trucks, but sizes can vary slightly. Longboard trucks may use larger bushings. Always check your truck’s specifications before buying replacements.
