I’m stoked to bring you the ultimate guide to fingerboard truck tuning.
Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or just starting out, tuning your trucks is essential to getting the most out of your fingerboarding experience.
In this guide, we’ll break down all the parts of fingerboard trucks and give you step-by-step instructions on how to fine-tune them to your liking.
Get ready to take your fingerboarding skills to the next level!
The Shred Line
Fingerboard Truck Parts Diagram:
Before you start tuning your trucks, you gotta get Shred-ucated on ins and outs of your fingerboard setup.
When you know the different parts of your trucks, you can fine-tune everything to get the most out of your ride.
It’s like having a secret weapon that sets you apart from the average shredder.
So buckle up, because we’re going to take a deep dive into the world of fingerboard trucks.
Baseplate:
The flat metal piece that is mounted to the underside of a fingerboard deck. It serves as the foundation for the rest of the truck, and provides a surface for the kingpin to pass through and connect the other parts of the truck together. The baseplate typically has four screw holes, one in each corner, which are used to attach the truck to the deck.
Hanger:
This is the main part of the truck that connects to the baseplate. It consists of two arms that extend out from the baseplate and hold the axle.
Axle:
The axle is a metal rod that runs through the hanger and holds the wheels in place.
Kingpin:
The kingpin is a large bolt that sticks out of the baseplate and goes through the hole in the hanger, holding the two parts of the truck together. It also allows for adjustments to be made to the tightness or looseness of the truck.
Bushings vs. O-Rings:
Bushings and O-rings go around the kingpin on both sides of the hanger.
Both are used in fingerboard trucks to provide cushioning and adjust the tightness or looseness of the truck.
However, there are some differences between the two.
Bubble Bushings (also called Bubble Bushings):
Small, rubber-like pieces that sit on the kingpin between the baseplate and hanger. They help absorb shock and give the rider more control over the trucks. They come in different shapes and durometers (hardness) to allow for customization.
O-rings,
On the other hand, are thin rubber rings that sit on the kingpin above the hanger. They are used to fine-tune the tightness or looseness of the truck by adjusting the amount of compression on the bushings. O-rings are generally softer than bushings and can provide a smoother ride, but they can also wear out faster than bushings.
In summary, bushings provide the main cushioning and control in fingerboard trucks, while O-rings are used to make fine adjustments to the tightness of the trucks.
Pivot cup:
The pivot cup is a small plastic or metal cup that sits inside the baseplate and holds the hanger in place. It allows the hanger to pivot side to side as the rider turns.
Fingerboard Trucks Tuning Guide
step-by-step guide to help you tune your fingerboard trucks for better performance:
harder bushings are better for stability and speed.
1) Tighten or loosen your kingpin:
Adjusting the kingpin can make a big difference in the feel of your trucks.
Looser trucks will be more turny.
Tighter trucks will be more stable.
Try adjusting your kingpin a little bit at a time until you find the right balance for your style.
How to Tighten or Loosen the Kingpin.
You will need a fingerboard tool or a small adjustable wrench. Here are the steps to follow:
- Flip your fingerboard over so that the bottom is facing up.
- Locate the kingpin, which is the large bolt that runs through the baseplate and hanger of the truck.
- Use your fingerboard tool or wrench to turn the kingpin clockwise to tighten or counterclockwise to loosen.
- Make small adjustments at a time, testing the tightness or looseness of the truck as you go.
- If the truck is too loose, you will need to tighten the kingpin to increase the stability of the board. If it’s too tight, you will need to loosen the kingpin to increase the board’s turning ability.
- Once you have the desired tightness or looseness, test your fingerboard to make sure it feels right for
- your style of riding.
It’s important not to overtighten or loosen the kingpin, as this can damage the truck or cause it to break. Start with small adjustments and test your fingerboard often to find the sweet spot for your riding preferences.
2) Check your Bushings and O-Rings:
Make sure you have the right bushings for your riding style.
Soft Bushings:
Good for more turn and control
Harder Bushings:
are better for stability and speed.
Check out Mr. Pickles Best Fingerboard Bushings and O-Rings Guide
How to Check and Replace Bushings & O-Rings:
- Start by flipping your fingerboard over and inspecting the bushings and O-rings. Look for any cracks, tears, or signs of wear and tear.
- If you notice any damage or wear, it’s time to replace them. Begin by removing the old bushings and O-rings from the kingpin. You can do this by gently pulling them off the kingpin with your fingers.
- Take your new bushings and O-rings and place them onto the kingpin. Make sure they’re centered and aligned properly.
- Once the new bushings and O-rings are in place, it’s time to adjust them to your desired tightness. Use a fingerboard tool or your fingers to tighten or loosen the kingpin nut. Keep adjusting until you find the right balance of stability and flexibility.
- Finally, test out your new bushings and O-rings by riding your fingerboard. Pay attention to how they feel and adjust them as needed.
3) Check your baseplate:
If your trucks are feeling loose and wobbly, your baseplate might becoming lose.
How to tighten the baseplate:
It’s pretty easy once you know how to do it. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Examine the baseplate: Start by visually inspecting the baseplate of your fingerboard. Look for any visible signs of looseness or wobbling.
- Wiggle the trucks: Gently grab hold of the trucks (the metal part attached to the baseplate) and give them a light wiggle. Pay attention to any excessive movement or play.
- Check for stability: Place your fingerboard on a flat surface and press down on one end of the board. Observe if the baseplate remains stable or if it moves or shifts.
- Assess tightness: If you notice any looseness or wobbling, it’s time to tighten the baseplate. Use a fingerboard tool or an appropriately-sized wrench to adjust the tightness.
- Locate the screws: Flip the fingerboard over and identify the screws holding the baseplate in place. There are usually four screws, one at each corner of the baseplate.
- Tighten the screws: Using your fingerboard tool or wrench, gently tighten each screw in a crisscross pattern. Start with a slight turn and gradually increase the tightness until the baseplate feels secure. Be careful not to overtighten, as this can strip the screws or damage the baseplate.
- Test stability: Once you’ve tightened the screws, repeat the stability test by pressing down on the board. Check if the baseplate remains firm and stable without any noticeable movement.
- Fine-tune if needed: If you still notice slight looseness or wobbling, make further adjustments by tightening the screws incrementally. Be mindful not to overtighten, as it may affect the performance and maneuverability of your fingerboard.
- Regular maintenance: It’s a good practice to periodically check the tightness of your fingerboard’s baseplate, as vibrations and impacts during use can cause screws to loosen over time. Make it a habit to ensure the stability of your setup for optimal performance.
That’s it, bro! With a little bit of effort, you can easily check and replace your pivot cups to keep your fingerboard trucks in top shape.
4) Adjust your wheel nuts:
Tightening or loosening your wheel nuts can affect the speed and control of your fingerboard. Experiment with different tightness levels to find what works best for you.
How to Adjust the Wheel Nuts:
- First, take your fingerboard and flip it over so that the wheels are facing up.
- Take a small wrench or pliers and use them to grip the nut on the end of the axle. Be careful not to apply too much pressure or you might damage the nut or the axle.
- Slowly turn the wrench or pliers in a clockwise direction to tighten the nut, or counterclockwise to loosen it. (Righty Tighty, Lefty Loosey!) Remember, only make small adjustments at a time to ensure that you don’t over-tighten or loosen the nut too much.
- Once you’ve made the adjustment, flip your fingerboard back over and give it a test ride. If the wheels feel too loose or too tight, repeat the process and make another small adjustment until you find the sweet spot.
- It’s important to note that over time, your fingerboard’s wheel nuts may become loose or tight again, so be sure to check and adjust them regularly to maintain optimal performance.
5) Try different combinations:
Don’t be afraid to mix and match different parts to find the perfect setup for your fingerboard. Try different bushings, wheels, and trucks until you find what feels right for you.
Remember, tuning your fingerboard trucks is all about finding the right balance between stability and control. It may take some trial and error, but with a little patience and experimentation, you’ll find the perfect setup for your riding style. Keep shredding, dude!
Get Your Shred On!
There is no right or wrong way to do it -> Only your way!!
Play around and experiment with different things to find the perfect ride for you!