Skateboard problems?
Oops, your skateboard isn't working properly: here's how to fix it
Is your board creaking? Are your wheels rolling hard, or is it steering poorly? Don't worry – these are often small issues you can quickly fix yourself. Click below for your problem and follow the steps.
Wheels not running smoothly / skateboard not rolling out?
Video: Freewheeling wheels
This is how you fix it
- Lift the board and give each wheel a spin.
- Do you hear grinding or does it stop early? Loosen the axle nut by ¼ turn each time.
- Sideways play? Tighten the axle nut 1/4 turn each time.
- The bearings need to be broken in . So, make some serious progress!
Does your skateboard look bent when you unpack it?
New trucks are often a bit stiff. This can make your deck look warped when you first take your skateboard out of the box. Don't worry – this is perfectly normal and easily fixed.
Video: New trucks launch
This is how you fix it
- Set up your skateboard and check if all four wheels are touching the ground. Often, only two are diagonally opposite each other at first.
- Stand on your skateboard and move the trucks left and right a few times.
- Place your skateboard back down – now all 4 wheels should be touching the ground.
It's that simple: your skateboard isn't bent—the trucks just needed to be "set." Now you can enjoy skating.
Repairing Grip Tape – Air Bubbles and Loose Edges
Loose grip tape or an air bubble under your tape? No worries – with a hairdryer and a sharp object, you can tighten your grip tape again. Follow the 6 steps in this video and your deck will look perfect again.
Supplies
- Hair dryer
- Sharp object (e.g. a knife or pin)
Video: How to repair grip tape
This is how you fix it
- Grab your supplies: hair dryer and a sharp object.
- Find the spot in the grip tape where the air bubble is.
- Poke a small hole with the sharp object so that the air underneath can escape.
- Check the hole: after heating it up you won't see it anymore.
- Heat the grip tape with a hairdryer until the adhesive softens and becomes active. Work from the center outward, pressing the tape flat each time. Heat it, shape the tape with your hand, heat it again, and press again. Repeat this process until the tape lies perfectly flat.
- Done! You now have a smooth, beautiful grip tape that you'll enjoy skating with.
Adjusting trucks (steering too soft or too tight)
Well-tuned trucks offer a balance between stability and maneuverability. Too loose = wobbly; too tight = heavy steering.
Video: tuning trucks
This is how you fix it
- Start in neutral and test briefly.
- ¼ turn method : Turn the kingpin nut ¼ turn at a time, testing in between.
- Tune into your style : tricks → a little tighter; cruising/carving → a little looser.
Safety
Problem solved? Great. Don't forget your protection. Check out our protective products .