Wheel Bite: What It Is and How to Fix It (2026)
Wheel bite happens when a wheel rubs the deck mid-turn and stops the board dead. Here's why it happens and the simple fixes.
What Is Wheel Bite?
Wheel bite happens when you lean into a turn or land a trick and a wheel touches the deck. The wheel stops and the board halts suddenly, which can throw you off. You'll often see scuffs on the underside of the deck above the wheels.
Why It Happens
Wheel bite comes down to clearance. When the board leans, the deck moves closer to the wheels. Anything that adds lean or reduces space raises the risk: large or soft wheels, low trucks, loose trucks, soft or worn bushings, and heavier riders or aggressive carving that compresses the bushings further. As a rough guide, small street wheels on standard trucks rarely bite, while larger cruiser wheels often need risers.
Causes and Fixes
| Cause | Fix |
|---|---|
| Wheels too big for the trucks | Add risers or use smaller wheels |
| Loose trucks | Tighten the kingpin nut a little |
| Soft bushings | Try harder bushings |
| Low trucks | Use mid or high trucks with bigger wheels |
| Off-center landings | Land with feet over the bolts |
Fix 1: Risers
Risers lift the deck. 1/8" or 1/4" pads cover most needs. See what risers do.
Independent 1/8" Risers
A single set of Independent Genuine Parts 1/8-inch risers.
Check Price on AmazonFix 2: Tighter Trucks or Harder Bushings
Less lean means less chance of contact. See how tight should trucks be.
Bones Hardcore Bushings
Replacement bushings from Bones in several hardnesses.
Check Price on AmazonFix 3: Wheel Size
Smaller wheels give more clearance. See the wheel size guide.
Fix 4: Truck Height
Mid or high trucks fit larger wheels. See high vs low trucks.
Fix 5: Technique
Lean into turns with your knees and ankles rather than stomping one edge of the deck. On landings, aim to land with your feet over the bolts and your weight centered, which keeps one side from bottoming out.
Shock Pads vs Risers
Risers are hard plastic and mainly add height. Shock pads are softer rubber that absorbs vibration and impact, and adds a little height too. Some skaters use soft pads on cruisers for a smoother ride.
Modifying the Deck
Some decks have wheel wells (shallow cutouts above the wheels) that add clearance. Some riders sand or grind small wells themselves, but removing too much wood weakens the deck, so it's safer to choose a deck with wells or add risers.
Check Your Setup
- Stand on the board and lean hard to each side.
- Look for wheels touching the deck or rub marks underneath.
- Fix with risers, harder bushings or slightly tighter trucks.
- Recheck after changing wheels, trucks or bushings.
Longboards
Many longboards have wheel wells or cutouts to prevent bite. Drop-through decks also reduce it. See types of longboards.
Related: speed wobbles and skateboard maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is wheel bite?
When a wheel touches the underside of the deck during a turn or landing, causing the board to stop suddenly.
How do I fix wheel bite?
Add risers, tighten your trucks, use harder bushings or choose smaller wheels.
Are bigger wheels more likely to wheel bite?
Yes, larger wheels sit closer to the deck when the board leans.
Do low trucks cause wheel bite?
Low trucks with larger wheels can; match truck height to wheel size.
Can landing tricks cause wheel bite?
Yes. Landing off-center compresses one side, which can make a wheel touch the deck.