Want to boost your longboard speed? It’s not always about new wheels. This guide explores six effective methods to make your longboard wheels spin faster, improving your ride and performance. From simple adjustments to routine maintenance, we’ve got you covered.
The primary ways to get your longboard wheels spinning faster include:
- Slightly loosen axle nuts.
- Clean the wheel contact surface.
- Clean or replace bearings.
- Rotate your longboard wheels.
- Upgrade to quality bearings.
- Select wheels that match your riding style.
It’s not always necessary to do all of these steps, but often a combination of them provides the best results. These aren’t one-time fixes; they’re part of a regular maintenance routine for optimal longboard performance. Regular upkeep, whether it’s cleaning wheels or lubricating bearings, significantly impacts your enjoyment of the sport.
1. Adjusting Axle Nut Tension
The first and simplest step to take when your longboard wheels are not spinning freely is to check the axle nuts. It’s a quick fix that can often get you back on the board in minutes.
Before making any adjustments, check the wheel spin by hand. Properly adjusted wheels should spin smoothly and gradually slow down. If your wheels stop suddenly, or even reverse after stopping, the axle nuts are likely too tight.
Close-up of a hand adjusting axle nuts on a longboard wheel
Use a skate tool to slightly loosen the axle nuts by turning them counterclockwise. It’s better to make small adjustments incrementally rather than over-loosening. After each adjustment, spin the wheel again. The goal is to loosen the nut just enough so the wheel spins freely without any sudden stops. If the wheel moves loosely on the axle, tighten the nut slightly.
Finding the right tension takes practice, and it’s something you’ll likely do regularly. Always carry a skate tool when you ride to make these quick adjustments on the go.
2. Cleaning Your Longboard Wheels
Regularly cleaning your longboard wheels is important for maintaining speed and a smooth ride. While it might not make a huge difference in performance, removing built-up grime or debris can optimize your wheel’s contact with the ground.
If you notice gum or tar on the contact patch, sometimes you can remove it by gently sliding the longboard back and forth on the pavement. Be careful not to flatten your wheels. For more thorough cleaning, remove the wheels using a skate tool. It’s best to clean all wheels at the same time to maintain consistency.
After removing the wheels, you should also remove the bearings. Avoid using the same cleaning solution for both wheels and bearings. Clean the wheels with warm, soapy water, using dish soap. You may need to scrub them with a wire brush or an old toothbrush. Be careful not to damage the wheel while scrubbing.
Thoroughly dry the wheels before reassembling to prevent rust. Use dry paper towels to remove moisture, and then let them air dry in the sun for a few hours.
While your wheels are off, it’s a great time to rotate them to prolong their life and limit uneven wear. This will help ensure that all wheels wear evenly. Additionally, consider cleaning your bearings at this time, as routine bearing maintenance significantly impacts wheel speed.
3. Cleaning Your Longboard Bearings
Cleaning your longboard bearings is one of the most significant steps to improve your wheel speed. Dirt and grease can accumulate on bearings over time, slowing them down and eventually causing them to seize up. Regular maintenance can dramatically extend the life of your bearings and keep your wheels spinning at their best.
Step-by-step guide to cleaning longboard bearings
To begin, remove the wheels with a skate tool. Make sure to keep track of the washers and axle nuts to avoid losing them. After removing the bearings from the wheels, carefully remove the bearing shields. Be careful not to bend or distort the shields, as this can cause rubbing and slow down your wheels.
Clean the bearings with a non-water-based solvent, such as acetone, mineral spirits, or rubbing alcohol. Let the bearings soak in the solvent for a few minutes or scrub them with a toothbrush. After cleaning, tap them on a paper towel or rag to remove excess cleaner, or use compressed air.
When lubricating the bearings, use a lubricant specifically designed for bearings. Avoid using WD-40, which can wear off quickly and damage your bearings. Use one or two drops of lubricant per bearing and spin them to ensure complete coverage. Inspect the bearings for any damage and replace if necessary. Upgrading your bearings can also significantly improve wheel speed. Finally, reassemble the bearings, shields, and wheels.
4. Rotating Your Longboard Wheels
Regularly rotating your longboard wheels is an effective way to extend their lifespan and prevent uneven wear. If you ride regularly, you might find yourself replacing your wheels every few months. Swapping the wheels around will help them wear evenly.
Image showing the difference between worn and new longboard wheels
To rotate your wheels, swap the right front wheel with the left rear wheel, and the left front wheel with the right rear wheel. This practice will help prevent flat spots, which can make your ride uncomfortable and impact speed. By ensuring that the wheels wear evenly, you can also avoid having 4 different sized wheels, thus maintaining better overall performance.
5. Upgrading to Quality Bearings
If your current bearings don’t seem to spin freely even after cleaning, or if they are squeaking loudly, it’s likely time to replace them. Old bearings will significantly reduce wheel speed, and new bearings can make a considerable difference.
Luckily, all skateboard bearings are standardized in size, so you do not need to worry about choosing the right size. However, the quality of bearings can vary, so it’s important to select bearings from reputable brands known for quality.
Image showcasing popular longboard bearing brands like Bones and Bronson
Upgrading to quality bearings can improve your wheels’ ability to spin and contribute to a smoother and faster ride. You can experiment with different brands of wheels and bearings to find the combination that works best for your riding style.
6. Selecting Wheels that Match Your Style
Finally, if none of the previous steps have given you the desired speed, consider getting new longboard wheels. The best wheel type depends largely on the surface you ride. Harder wheels are faster on smooth surfaces such as skate parks, while softer wheels perform better on rough roads.
Larger wheels will increase your speed, but they can make it harder to perform tricks. Consider the terrain and the type of riding you plan to do when choosing new longboard wheels. Explore various wheel options to discover what works best for your longboarding needs.
By paying attention to these factors, you can find the perfect set of wheels to match your unique riding style and achieve optimum speed and control.
Ultimately, optimizing your longboard wheels for speed involves a combination of maintenance, adjustment, and the right components. By regularly cleaning your wheels and bearings, making small adjustments to your axle nuts, and ensuring you have quality bearings and wheels, you can significantly enhance your ride. Experiment with these tips, and you’ll find the perfect setup to maximize your time on the board.
