Skateboards Bushings Guide

Bushings for skateboards
What do I need for skateboard truck bushings?
Bushings for skateboard trucks
Skateboard truck bushings are rubber rings that are installed around the main pins of your skateboard truck. The bushings are usually made of polyurethane and help to allow your board to turn and pivot smoothly. There should be two bushings on each truck (four total). The top bushing is located on the main pin above the hanger and helps the skateboard truck turn smoothly. The bottom bushing is located on the main pin between the hanger and the base plate and can be tightened or loosened depending on how responsive you want your truck to be.

Stiffer bushings will make the board more durable, which may be an advantage when performing tricks. For easy movement while cruising or driving on the street, looser bushings are a good choice. The looseness of the bushings depends on each rider's preference and the bushings can be easily adjusted to meet your needs.

Skateboard bogie bushings are measured by a durometer or hardness. Most companies use a durometer A scale, which ranges from 1-100 (the higher the number, the harder the bushing). A few companies use Durometer B, which measures 20 points lower and adds 20 points for harder bushings. For example, an 80b durometer has the same hardness as a 100a durometer. These scooter bushings have a wider, more accurate hardness range.
A softer bushing is easier for the hanger to compress, so it is easier to open a softer bushing. Stiffer bushings will result in stiffer turns. Importantly, the tightness of the bushing also affects the turn responsiveness of the skateboard. Softer bushings make it easier for the hanger to compress and therefore easier to open softer bushings. Stiffer bushings result in stiffer turns. Some skateboarders choose different stiffnesses for the top and bottom bushings.

Cone/Barrel Bushings
Tapered/barrel bushings (also known as standard barrel or traditional bushings) are the most common shape of skateboard bushings because they are so versatile. The bottom bushing is barrel-shaped, which allows it to fit securely into the bushing seat, while the tapered top bushing creates a large deck slope, making it easier to carve. Many riders place a stiffer bushing on the bottom to maximize the functionality of traditional bushings.

Double Barrel Bushings
As the name implies, the top and bottom bushings are identical and barrel-shaped. These bushings are also known as downhill bushings because the superior stability they provide makes them an excellent choice for high-speed downhill skating. They don't allow for as much rotation as tapered bushings, but this can be slightly offset by choosing a softer durometer.

Tapered Bushings
This type has two tapered bushings and is also known as super carving bushings because they allow for a greater deck slope. These bushings are used for sharp turns and carving.

Double Stepped Bushings
Stepped bushings are similar to barrels, with the difference being that they have notches on the top and bottom (you may also have heard them referred to as stepped barrels). Cranking both stepped bushings on your truck creates a lot of tilt resistance, but it also creates a lot of bounce. Even if you are using a softer durometer, the double-stepped bushings will make the truck very tight.

Barrel/Step Bushings
Combining a top barrel with a bottom-stepped bushing gives the truck a lot of stability. This is a great option for speedway longboards where stability is more important than sharp turns. This combination of top and bottom bushing shapes will give you tons of bounce.

Skid Plate Bushings Related Parts
Bushings Washers
Bushing washers are round metal washers that mount under the skid plate bushings on every truck and are installed by simply sliding them over the main pins. The purpose of the bushing washer is to prevent the bushing from deforming due to the pressure applied to the truck. When you purchase a skid steer truck, a total of four bushing washers will be included. In most kits, the washers are all the same size, but some manufacturers will include two smaller washers (for the top bushing) and two larger washers (for the bottom bushing). Therefore, the setup around the main pin from top to bottom should be as follows: bottom washer, bottom bushing, bushing seat, top bushing, top washer, and locknut. WOW!
The edges of the bushing washers can be flat or slightly cupped. Flat washers allow the bushings to slide more laterally and allow them to stretch a little more. A cupped washer restricts bushing movement, which further prevents the bushing from distorting or bursting altogether. In other words, flat washers provide low resistance and cupped washers provide higher resistance. The shape of the bushing washer you choose should match the shape of the bushing you are using to work properly. Also, be careful not to pair a cupped bushing washer with a bushing that is too soft, as the edges may cut into the bushing and damage it.
Bushing Seats
Simply put, the bushing seat is the recessed point around the opening of the hanger where the bushing will sit. The main pin passes through the opening and the bushing is then installed around the main pin. The main function of the bushing seat is to support the bushings and prevent them from compressing too much under riding pressure.
There are two main types of bushing seats: open and restrictive. Restrictive bushing seats are more closed and have higher walls so the bushings fit securely in them. Open bushing seats are not as deep, so they compress the bushing seat less and create less resistance. Whichever bushing seat shape you choose, it is important to match your seat to the correct type of bushing. How tight your bushing seat should hold the bushing in place really depends on your personal preference and what style of skateboarding you are playing.