It’s a common frustration: your longboard seems to have a mind of its own, veering left or right without your input. This can be disconcerting, especially for new riders. While a slight deviation is normal, excessive turning indicates a problem that needs addressing. This guide will walk you through the most common reasons why your longboard might be turning on its own, helping you diagnose and fix the issue.
If your longboard turns unexpectedly while riding, first check your stance and weight distribution. Improper balance can easily cause a board to veer. However, if your stance feels right, there may be an issue with the board’s components. Here’s a comprehensive list of potential causes:
Common Reasons for Unintended Longboard Turns
1. Worn or Misaligned Bushings
Bushings are the small, often colorful, polyurethane pieces nestled within your trucks. They are designed to compress when you lean, allowing the board to turn smoothly. Over time, bushings can become squashed, dried out, or unevenly compressed due to constant pressure and exposure to the elements. This leads to a lopsided steering response, making your board turn more easily in one direction.
Longboard bushings inside trucks
Troubleshooting: Inspect your bushings for cracks, tears, or uneven wear. Try swapping the bushings between trucks to see if the turning direction changes. If you notice wear and tear or deformation, consider replacing them with a new set. Ensure they are the correct durometer (hardness) for your riding style and weight.
2. Trucks That Are Too Loose or Too Tight
The tightness of your trucks has a significant impact on steering. If your trucks are too loose, your board may feel unstable and prone to turning without much effort. Conversely, overly tight trucks can restrict turning and make the board feel stiff, though they can also contribute to uneven pressure and turning. Uneven tightness between the trucks will cause your board to turn.
Troubleshooting: Adjust the kingpin nut on each truck to achieve the desired level of tightness. Ensure both trucks are tightened evenly. A good starting point is to tighten them until the bushings start to compress slightly, then adjust to your preference. Experiment with minor adjustments until you find the sweet spot where your board feels stable yet responsive.
3. Faulty Pivot Cups
Pivot cups are small, often overlooked parts of your trucks, located in the baseplate, where the hanger pivots. These cups cushion the movement of the hanger, allowing for smooth turning. Worn or damaged pivot cups can cause the hanger to move erratically, leading to unpredictable turning.
Troubleshooting: Inspect the pivot cups for cracks, tears, or excessive wear. If they show signs of damage, replace them. This often involves disassembling the trucks, so be sure you’re comfortable with this process or seek assistance from your local skate shop.
4. Low-Quality Decks
While less common in longboarding than skateboarding, a cheap, low-quality deck can still contribute to turning issues. These decks are often made with less durable materials, making them prone to warping or twisting.
Troubleshooting: Place your deck on a flat surface and see if all four wheels make contact with the ground. If one or two wheels are lifted, there’s a high chance the deck is warped. You can also remove the trucks and lay the deck flat to check for twists or bends. If you find a significant warp, it’s time to invest in a higher-quality deck.
5. Unevenly Worn Wheels
Wheels wear unevenly over time, especially if you consistently favor turning in one direction or slide frequently. When one or two wheels wear down more than the others, it can cause your board to pull in that direction.
Worn longboard wheels comparison
Troubleshooting: Visually inspect your wheels for uneven wear. If you notice significant differences in diameter, try rotating your wheels. Move the front left wheel to the rear right, the front right to the rear left, and vice-versa. This can help even out wear and improve performance.
6. Bent Truck Axles
Bent truck axles are not very common but can happen if you take a hard impact or fall on your trucks. Even a slight bend can misalign the wheels and cause the board to turn unexpectedly.
Troubleshooting: Remove your wheels and inspect the axles for any bending. If an axle is bent, you will need to replace the entire truck. Riding with a bent axle can damage your bearings and lead to further issues.
7. Damaged or Dirty Bearings
Bearings are essential for smooth wheel rotation. Over time, they can accumulate dirt, dust, and debris, causing them to bind and reduce their performance. Damaged bearings can also cause wheels to wobble, which can result in the board pulling to one side.
Troubleshooting: Remove your wheels and check the bearings. They should spin freely and smoothly. Clean your bearings regularly with a specialized cleaning solution and lubricate them to ensure smooth rolling. If any of the bearings are damaged, replace them immediately.
8. Riding Style: Leaning and Weight Distribution
Sometimes, the issue isn’t with your board but with your technique. If you consistently lean more to one side while riding, it can gradually compress the bushings on that side, leading to a tendency to turn in that direction.
Troubleshooting: Pay attention to your weight distribution while riding. Try to maintain a balanced stance and avoid leaning excessively to one side. Experiment with different stances and see if that helps.
9. Base Plates and Mounting Issues
The base plates of your trucks connect the trucks to the deck. Damage to the baseplate, particularly around the mounting holes, can lead to misalignment issues.
Longboard baseplate closeup
Troubleshooting: Inspect your base plates for cracks, tears, or deformation, especially around the mounting holes. Remove the trucks and see if the baseplate is twisted or damaged. If you notice damage, it’s time to replace the base plates or the entire truck assembly.
10. Loose Hardware
Loose screws, bolts, and nuts can all contribute to a wobbly and unstable ride. This can create play within your setup and cause your board to drift.
Longboard hardware components
Troubleshooting: Ensure all screws, bolts, and nuts are properly tightened. The kingpin nut should be snug, but not overtightened. Check the axle nuts to make sure your wheels are secure, but can still spin freely. Examine all screws to ensure they are correctly attaching the base plate to the deck. If any of the mounting hardware is damaged or stripped, replace it.
Longboards Are Not Perfectly Straight
It’s essential to remember that no longboard will ever track perfectly straight. Minor deviations are normal and part of the riding experience. However, if you’re experiencing significant turning, use this guide to troubleshoot the potential causes. Addressing these issues will not only improve your board’s performance but also make your rides much safer and more enjoyable.
By methodically checking each component, you can pinpoint the source of the problem and get back to enjoying your longboard. Regular maintenance and a good understanding of your board’s mechanics are key to keeping it rolling smoothly.
