Have you ever had a skateboard that wouldn’t turn? It can be frustrating.
But don’t worry – with the help of this blog, you’ll soon know exactly what’s causing your skateboard not to turn and what you can do to fix the issue.
So if you’re having trouble turning your skateboard, read on for advice and tips on how to fix the problem!
Whether it’s a loose wheel, a skater error, or something more serious, this blog has got you covered.
Why is My Skateboard Not Turning?
Why is my skateboard not turning? If your skateboard is not turning, there could be a few reasons.
Below is a quick rundown of what could be the problem.
- Your trucks are too tight.
- Wrong foot placement.
- You have worn-out skateboard wheels.
- Faulty bearings and bushings.
- You’re not leaning correctly.
In any case, checking these areas can help you troubleshoot and fix the issue quickly. Let’s dive into the details!
1. Your Trucks are too Tight
Your skateboard will be too stiff if your skateboard truck is tight. If the truck is too tight, it will cause your skateboard not to turn.
When you turn your skateboard, the truck should move with the wheel.
If the truck is too tight, it won’t move and will cause your board to stick or skid on the ground when turning.
This problem is common among beginner skaters.
2. Wrong Foot Placement
If your foot is not placed in the correct spot on the skateboard, it will also cause your skateboard not to turn.
Many beginner skaters struggle with this problem. You should have one foot at the back of the board and one foot forward.
Skating incorrectly and placing your feet too close to each other or behind the truck will cause a problem with turning.
3. You have Worn Out Wheels
If your skateboard wheel has worn out, it will cause your skateboard not to turn.
Wheels are an essential part of a skateboard and should be replaced regularly if they start to wear down.
When wheels are worn down, they become less responsive and will not turn as easily as new wheels.
4. Faulty Bearings and Bushings
If bearings and bushings are not working correctly, your skateboard will not turn.
Bearings and bushings are the parts that allow the truck to move and turn the skateboard wheel.
Bushings are the small rubber pieces connecting the trucks to the skateboard wheel.
If they are faulty, it will cause your skateboard to skid or stick when turning.
This problem is usually caused by excessive wear or water damage.
5. You’re not Leaning Correctly
When you skate, the weight of your body should be leaning forward towards the skateboard deck.
If you are not doing this, your board will have a harder time turning which will cause it to skid or stick on the ground.
This problem is usually caused by incorrect skating techniques or lack of practice.
I did another article to answer why your skateboard keeps stopping while skating.
If you have this problem, this article will be a great fit for you. Please check it out here!
What to Do to Make the Skateboard Turn
If your skateboard does not turn easily, you can do a few things to make it turn easier.
Below are things to do if your skateboard isn’t turning;
1. Proper Foot Positioning
When skating, it is crucial to position your feet correctly on the skateboard.
Please make sure they are parallel to each other and flat against the board’s surface, with your knees bent and your core muscles for balance.
Place your heels as close to the back of the skateboard as possible so that when you push off with all of your strength, you will have more power behind it.
2. Change Your Wheels
If your skateboard wheel is worn out, it must be replaced.
This can be done at any skate shop or using the appropriate tool to unscrew the wheel from the skateboard truck.
When replacing the skateboard wheel, ensure you get a brand-new one that is the same size and shape as the old one.
3. Change your bushings
If your bushings are worn down, they must also be replaced.
This can be done at any skate shop or using the appropriate tool to unscrew the bushing from the skateboard truck.
When replacing the bushing, ensure you get a brand-new one that is the same size and shape as the old one.
4. Cleaning and Lubricate the wheels
Cleaning and lubricating the wheels is an excellent way to keep them running smoothly.
When cleaning the wheel, be sure to use a skateboard cleaner that is specifically designed for this purpose.
Be careful not to get the cleaner into the bearings or axle of the wheel.
To lubricate the wheel, apply a small amount of lubricant to each bearing and axle.
You can use a WD-40 to clean the wheels and Silicon lubricant to lubricate the bearings after cleaning them.
5. Slightly Loosen the trucks
Truck tightness can prevent your skateboard from turning. You’ll need a skate tool to fix it.
You’ll have loose trucks by loosening. Turn them counterclockwise with a wrench or turning key (in the truck’s hanger).
Be careful not to over-tighten the trucks, as this can damage your skateboard.
A 9/16″ wrench skate tool is used to adjust the kingpin bolt that holds the trucks of a skateboard together.
You may also consider getting new skateboard trucks.
How to inspect your skateboard for problems
Skateboarding is a fun, exhilarating activity that can be dangerous if done incorrectly.
Inspect your skateboard for problems before every use to ensure it’s safe.
Look for cracks or damage in the deck
Any sign of wear and tear on the skateboard’s deck means it is time for a replacement.
Bearing noise, loose screws, and bolts, and rust – are all signs that the deck needs to be replaced.
Even if the skateboard appears in good condition, checking for cracks or damage can never hurt.
This could indicate other potential problems, such as weak trucks (the wheels), bearings, or even the entire skateboard itself.
When making any purchase, always ask about the board’s warranty in case of issues with it later!
Test ride your skateboard
Before you take your skateboard out for a spin, could you test it out first? Push the board around and ensure the trucks turn smoothly (they should not make too much noise).
If everything seems good, give the skateboard a go!
However, if there are any problems with the skateboard – whether before or after you’ve taken it out for a ride – then bring it back to the store immediately, as this could indicate more serious issues.
Examine the wheels and bearings for wear and tear
Be sure to closely inspect the wheels and bearings for any sign of wear and tear.
If the wheels show significant wear, they should be replaced as soon as possible.
Bearing noise, loose screws or bolts, rust – all these could mean that the skateboard’s bearing system needs repair or replacement.
Inspecting the trucks and axles
Once the wheels and bearings are checked, look at the trucks (the metal parts that the skateboard rides on) and axles.
Please ensure they are free of any signs of wear or tear, as this could indicate issues with the skateboard’s axle or truck system.
If you notice anything wrong with your skateboard’s trucks or axles – even if it appears in good condition – then fix it yourself or find an expert.
Testing for loose hardware
Finally, always test for loose hardware. Skateboarders commonly refer to this as “tightening up the truck screws.”
This is done by turning each screw in its corresponding nut – counterclockwise if you’re right-handed – until it’s tight and clicking when you try to turn it again.
If any of your skateboard’s screws are loose, they need to be tightened up as soon as possible.
Do Skateboard Trucks Affect Speed?
Yes, skateboard trucks do affect your skateboard’s speed. The type of truck – “Independent” or “Truckset” – can significantly affect how quickly you can go.
- Independent trucks have skater-mounted kingpins that allow the wheel to turn independently of the truck – meaning you can push and pull more with your feet to go faster. However, Independent trucks are much harder to turn and may not be as responsive when turning on a slope or cruising downhill.
- Truckset boards use bigger kingpins mounted on the trucks, and the wheel is held in place by the kingpin, axle, and skateboard truck. This makes turning much easier – you can easily spin the wheels with your feet to go faster. However, Truckset boards are typically slower than Independent trucks because they require more effort to turn.
Why is My Skateboard Not Turning? FAQs
1. What do I do if my skateboard doesn’t turn?
If your skateboard doesn’t turn, this may mean one of a few things. First, you need to loosen the bolts on the wheels and tighten them again.
This should fix the problem. If that does not work, you may need to replace
the bearings on the skateboard. Lastly, the skateboard trucks may need to be replaced.
2. How do I fix my skateboard not rolling straight?
If your skateboard is not rolling straight, you may need to adjust the kingpin or truck spacers. Changing these will help the skateboard to roll straighter.
3. Why does my skateboard stop when I turn?
When turning, the skateboard may stop due to friction between the bearings and the skateboard deck.
To fix this, you can lubricate the bearing with a light coating of wax or grease.
4. Why Does My Skateboard Turn by Itself?
The kingpin nut is a nut of the kingpin. Your skateboard can turn by itself because of loose kingpin nuts.
When you have a loosened kingpin nut, your skateboard can easily turn over, which may affect riding control.
If your kingpin nut has been stripped or otherwise damaged, check the instructions about how to fix this problem for fixing standard decks and other types of skateboards that use a King Pin Nut.
Why is My Skateboard not Turning? Final Thoughts
Skate kingpin placement, drivetrain type (truckset vs. independent), terrain, riding style, and weight of the skateboarder all affect turn performance.
In short, the answer to “why is my skateboard not turning” may vary depending on the specific cause of the problem.
However, some general tips can be applied to help alleviate turn-related issues.
