Guide to Replacing Skateboard Trucks

By Steve Cave
Updated on 05/24/19

Replacing skateboard trucks is easy and simple—just follow these step by step instructions on how to remove skateboard trucks.

First, though, you need to collect your tools. You can use a Phillips head screwdriver and a socket wrench, or a skate tool. Some people prefer using a skate tool because they have all the socket sizes you will need and tend to be pretty cool. These instruction photos show the use of a Project brand skateboarding tool.

If you use a skate tool, make sure that it has a detachable Phillips head screwdriver or you will need to get one of your own. Also, make sure that the hardware that you use actually uses Phillips heads screws. Some hardware uses hex head screws, and some don't use screws at all. Take a look at your skateboard's hardware, and see what you need.

Also, throughout these instruction photos, you will notice that we removed the wheels first. You don't need to do that if you don't feel like it—we wanted to wheels out of the way for the photos, so you can see what we did.

01
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Removing the Nuts

Jamie O'Clock

Put the smallest socket of your skateboard tool over one of the nuts on your skateboard trucks. It doesn't matter which one. Then, put the screwdriver into the screw that is inside that nut. You want both hands on either side of the skateboard, as shown in the photo.

Once you have the skate tools in place, hold the screwdriver still while turning the socket wrench, and remove the nuts from the screws. It might feel a little awkward, holding the tools like that, but you should still be able to do it fairly easily.

02
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Take Off Trucks

Jamie O'Clock

Once all the nuts have been removed, simply take the trucks off the screws.

You'll end up with a board that looks like the one in the photo, with 8 screws sticking up. Want to remove the screws as well? No problem—read the next step for a quick and easy way to remove skateboard screws.

03
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Easy Screw Removal

Jamie O'Clock

Removing the skateboard hardware screws is quick and easy—simply place your skateboard, screws down, on a hard flat surface (like a sidewalk or work table). Then, press down hard on the top of the skateboard. Some kids jump on the center of their skateboard for the same effect—and it looks fun. Just don't lose any of the screws!

If the screws aren't popping out easily, or you don't have a flat place to take them all out at once, there is one more secret easy way to take the screws out of your skateboard deck:

04
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Screw Removal Part 2

Jamie O'Clock

You could use a hammer and beat the screws out, but you already have a tool right next to you—your skateboard trucks! Using the flat side of your skateboard trucks, press against the ends of the screws and pop them out. This should work. If your screws still won't come out, try using a hammer, and be sure to not re-use that set of hardware.

05
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Installing the New Trucks

Jamie O'Clock

To replace or install your skateboard trucks back on your deck, or to put new skateboard trucks on your skateboard deck, follow these steps:

  1. First, set the skateboard trucks over the holes in the skateboard deck
  2. Next, using your thumb, push the skateboard screws down through the deck and through the holes in the skateboard trucks.
  3. Using your fingers, put the hardware nuts on the ends of the screws, and turn them until you can't anymore.
  4. Once all the nuts are in place, use your skate tools and tighten the screws the same way you removed them.

You should have your new skateboard trucks freshly installed onto your skateboard deck, and be ready to ride!

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