Next, we will walk through how to put bearings in skateboard wheels. If you have a skate tool with a bearing popper handy, you can use your bodyweight to press the bearings into the wheels until they seat into place. You can also use your trucks by placing the bearing on the truck, putting the wheel on top of the bearing, and pushing down onto the wheel's perimeter until you feel that bearing pop in. Then, rinse and repeat to install bearings on both sides of all four wheels.
With bearings in place, it’s time to get those wheels spinning. Make sure you leave one washer on the inside, slide on the wheel, and add the other washer on the outside. Then you can pop on the nut and use your skate tool to tighten it up. It’s ideal to have a little play with the wheels, so don't tighten everything up too snug. A little wiggle room is great.
Now, it’s time to mount those trucks: A good rule to remember is 'kingpin in’, meaning both truck kingpins should be facing in towards each other. Place your mounting hardware through the top of the deck, then you can flip the deck onto its side and use one hand on the top of the deck to keep the bolts from falling out while you use the other hand to get the trucks aligned on the bottom. You can then use your hands to thread the nuts on so they are holding in place.
Once both trucks are hand tight, you’ll want to grab that screwdriver to hold your Phillips head bolts from the top of the deck while you use the skate tool or allen wrench to tighten from the bottom. Pay close attention here not to suck the bolts too deep into the top of the deck. Do not over tighten.
Almost there! Adjusting the trucks: Figuring out how to tighten or loosen trucks on a skateboard is easy-peasy. You can adjust the tightness of the trucks by tightening or loosening the kingpin with your skate tool. This will affect the turning ability of the skateboard. Be aware that if your trucks are too loose, you run the risk of getting wheel bite — which is when the edge of the board comes in direct contact with the wheel.
Now for the test ride: Take your newly assembled skateboard for a quick test ride to ensure everything is secured and performing to your liking.
Finally, adjust as needed: Adjust the trucks and wheels to make sure your ride is as smooth as possible for you.
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