How to Put Wheels on a Skateboard (Step-by-Step Guide)
If you’re new to skateboarding, or if you just need a refresher, then this is the blog post for you! In this step-by-step guide, we will show you how to put wheels on a skateboard.
We’ll also cover how to loosen skateboard wheels and what size wheel is best for your skateboard. So whether you’re just starting out or you’re looking to upgrade your ride, read on for the info you need!
How To Put Wheels On A Skateboard
When putting wheels on your skateboard you need to know how to loosen your skateboard wheels and how to tighten them. Just remember the phrase, “lefty, loosey, righty, tighty.”
There are a few steps that you should follow when putting on skateboard wheels. First, you’re going to need to make sure that you have the following:
- A skateboard deck
- Skateboard wheels (x4)
- Skateboard trucks (x2)
- Bearings (x8)
- A skate tool (or a screwdriver and adjustable wrench)
Once you have all of those in front of you it’s time to begin putting wheels on your skateboard.
Step 1. Put Bearings In The Wheels
Put two bearings into each wheel. Make sure that the colored shield is facing outwards on both sides of the wheel. Push the bearing in as far as it will go with your hand and then put the wheel onto the truck axle and push hard until it’s perfectly in place.
Once the one bearing is in place do that with the other bearing on that wheel. Then repeat this step for all four wheels.
Step 2. Put The Wheels On The Trucks
If the trucks aren’t already on the skateboard, you’re going to want to get them attached before this step.
Once your trucks are on the board place a wheel on each axle, making sure that the graphic is facing out. Tighten the axle nuts with your hand just enough that the wheel won’t fall off and make sure to do this with all four wheels.
Now, we need to learn how tight skateboard wheels should be.
Step 3. Try Your Board & Adjust Accordingly
Now you need to go outside and test your skateboard. If the wheels and trucks feel too loose, tighten them. If they’re too tight, loosen them a little bit.
The best skateboard setup to start with is to tighten the wheels just enough that they can still move on the axle but just barely. The trucks should be tight enough that you cannot make the wheel touch the bottom of the deck by applying pressure with your hand. Tighten your trucks by tightening the kingpin located over the bushings. Here is a full article explaining exactly how tight skateboard trucks should be.
However, those are just tips. Each skater rides different than the next and has their own preferences.
What Size Wheels Are Best For Your Skateboard?
The size of wheels that are best for your skateboard will depend on whether or not you use riser pads, what type of skateboarding you plan on doing (street, vert, parks, or longboarding), and whether you want speed or comfort.
Typically, regular skateboards use wheels that are between 52mm and 60mm. Whereas longboards and cruisers can go above 70mm.
Wheel Size For The Type of Skateboarding You Want To Do:
- Street – 52mm to 60mm
- Vert – 58mm to 62mm
- Skateparks – 52mm to 56mm
- Longboarding – 60mm+
Pro Tip: On a standard skateboard you will need 1/8″ riser pads for wheels that are 56mm or larger.
The larger the wheel the more speed and comfort you will get on rougher surfaces. However, smaller wheels tend to do much better on slick surfaces like concrete and wood skateparks.
Why Do Some Skateboarders Put Wheels On Backwards?
Some skateboarders put the graphic on the inside of the skateboard. And many people question why they do that.
Unfortunately, this does not affect how your skateboard will ride. The graphic being put on the inside of the skateboard is purely aesthetic. That being said, it looks a bit cleaner.
A lot of skaters also put all of their wheels on backwards other than one of their back wheels. This look was made popular by pro skater, Chris Haslam. He is one of the greatest skateboarders, after all.
What To Do If You Get Wheel Bite
Wheel bite is when your wheels touch the deck, causing the skateboard to stop abruptly. This happens when you turn or lean too much, causing your board to come to a complete halt and fling you forward. Skaters are frequently injured as a result of wheel bite.
The dreaded wheel bite can be remedied in a few different ways:
- Tighten your trucks
- Get yourself some riser pads
- Sand down the wood slightly above the wheels
Read more about how to prevent wheel bite. It can be quite dangerous.
Conclusion
By now you should know how to put wheels on a skateboard, as well as what size is best for your preferred style of riding. You should also know how to tighten and loosen the skateboard wheels as needed. If you’re having trouble with wheel bite, be sure to read our article about how to prevent it.
Remember, this is just a starting point. As you progress in your skateboarding skills, you will undoubtedly find that you want to change the tightness of your wheels and trucks to better suit your own riding style. experimentation is key! So go out there and have some fun!
We hope this guide was helpful! Happy skating!
