How to Clean Skateboard Trucks the Right Way (2026)
Clean trucks turn smoothly and stay quiet. Here's a quick wipe-down, a full strip-and-clean, and when to replace bushings and pivot cups.
Why Clean Your Trucks?
Trucks collect dust, sand, grind residue and sometimes rust. Dirty pivots and bushings can make trucks squeak, turn unevenly or feel sticky. Most of the time a quick wipe is enough; occasionally a full strip-and-clean helps, especially after skating wet or sandy spots.
Quick Clean
- Wipe the hanger and baseplate with a damp cloth.
- Brush dirt out from around the bushings and pivot.
- Dry everything with a towel.
Deep Clean
- Remove the wheels.
- Loosen the kingpin nut and lift off the top washer and bushing.
- Remove the hanger and bottom bushing.
- Pull out the pivot cup from the baseplate.
- Clean metal parts with a brush and a mild degreaser; dry thoroughly.
- Wipe bushings and pivot cups with a dry or slightly damp cloth; avoid harsh solvents on urethane.
- Inspect parts: replace cracked bushings or worn pivot cups.
- Add a little dry lubricant (such as skate wax) to the pivot cup if it squeaks.
- Reassemble in reverse order and set your tightness.
Removing Rust
- Take the trucks apart so you can reach every surface.
- Apply a penetrating cleaner (like WD-40) to the rusty metal parts and let it sit a few minutes.
- Scrub with an old toothbrush, then wipe clean.
- For stubborn rust, use fine steel wool sparingly, avoiding axle threads.
- Wipe off all residue and dry thoroughly before reassembling.
Keep cleaners off bushings and pivot cups, and dry the axles well so rust doesn't return.
Damaged Axle Threads
If an axle nut won't thread on, the threads may be damaged. A die or thread chaser in the right size can sometimes restore them; if the axle is badly damaged or bent, replace the truck.
Reassembly Tips
- Tighten axle nuts until the wheel no longer slides side to side, then back off a touch so the bearings spin freely.
- Set the kingpin to your preferred tightness and match both trucks.
- Check that the bushing washers are the right way round; cupped sides usually face the bushings.
Replacement Parts
Bones Hardcore Bushings
Replacement bushings from Bones for smooth, consistent turning.
Check Price on AmazonWhat Not to Do
| Avoid | Why |
|---|---|
| Soaking bushings in solvents | Can damage urethane |
| Oily lubricants on pivots | Attract dirt |
| Leaving trucks wet | Rust on axles and kingpins |
| Over-tightening on reassembly | Crushes bushings |
Related: fix squeaky trucks, truck tightness, clean bearings and best skateboard trucks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I clean rusty skateboard trucks?
Scrub with a wire or stiff brush, wipe dry, and keep the board dry afterward. Heavily rusted axles or kingpins should be replaced.
Should I take my trucks apart to clean them?
Only for a deep clean. A quick wipe is enough most of the time.
Can I get bushings wet?
A damp cloth is fine, but dry them afterward and keep them away from solvents that can damage urethane.
What lubricant should I use on truck pivots?
A small amount of dry lubricant, like wax, can quiet a squeaky pivot. Avoid oily lubes that attract dirt.
How often should I clean trucks?
Wipe them occasionally, and deep clean after wet or sandy sessions or when they squeak.