What Is Wheel Bite On A Skateboard? (8 Ways To Fix It)
Wheels determine the speed and direction of the skateboard. However, if the wheels come into contact with the deck or the trucks while turning or carving, it can lead to wheel bite.
What is Wheel bite?
Wheel bite is a term used to describe the contact between the wheels and the deck or trucks of a skateboard. It Happens when the wheels touch the deck or the trucks during a turn or a carve. Wheel bite can cause the rider to suddenly stop or lose control, leading to a sudden fall or accident.
The impact of a wheel bite can be severe and lead to injuries such as sprains, fractures, or dislocations. This article will lead you through the different kinds of wheel bite, their causes, and effective fixes to Overcome this difficulty.
Types of Wheel Bite
There are two types of wheel bite:
Hard Wheel Bite
Hard Wheel Bite occurs when the wheels directly contact the deck or trucks.
Soft Wheel Bite
While Soft Wheel Bite occurs when the wheels compress against the deck or trucks.
To prevent wheel bite, skateboarders need to choose the right size and type of wheels, adjust the trucks, and wax the deck.
How To Test the Wheel Bite at Home?
To test for wheel bite at home, you must simulate the movements of aggressive inline skating. One way to do this is to place the skates on a flat surface and lean forward on the toes to create an angle between the wheels and the ground. Apply weight to one side of the skate, and see if the wheel touches the boot or the frame.
Repeat this process with different angles and weights to determine if a wheel bite occurs. It’s important to note that testing for wheel bite at home is not as accurate as testing during actual skating, as factors such as speed and impact can also contribute to wheel bite
How To Prevent Wheel Bite? (8 Ways To Fix It)
Screw Up the Trucks
One of the most common reasons for wheel bite is loose skateboard trucks. Skateboard trucks are the metal parts that attach the wheels to the deck.
When the trucks are loose, the wheels can tilt inward, leading to contact with the deck and resulting in wheel bite. Therefore, it is essential to tighten the trucks properly to prevent wheel bite.
To tighten the trucks, use a skateboard tool or a wrench to adjust the kingpin nut. Turn the nut clockwise to tighten the trucks and ensure they are secure but not too tight, as this can restrict the board’s turning ability.
Tightening the trucks can help minimize the risk of wheel bite, but it is not a permanent solution.
How to Tighten the Trucks on a Skateboard
You will need a skate tool to tighten the trucks on a skateboard. First set down the board on a flat surface, with trucks on the upside. Next, use the skate tool to turn the kingpin bolt, which is the large bolt in the center of the truck.
Tighten the trucks by rotating the bolt either clockwise or anticlockwise. It is important to tighten the trucks evenly so the skateboard remains balanced.
After tightening the trucks, test the skateboard by standing on it and shifting your weight from side to side. If the skateboard is too stiff or difficult to turn, the trucks may be too tight, and you should loosen them slightly.
How to Loosen Wheels on a Skateboard
Again, you will need the same skate tool to loosen the wheels on a skateboard. The Whole Process is the same. First, you have to place the skateboard on a flat surface with the wheels facing up and then use the skate tool to turn the nut on the end of the axle counter clockwise.
Turn the nut until the wheel spins freely but still feels secure on the axle. Repeat the Process for each wheel. Test the skateboard by standing on it and shifting your weight from side to side. If the skateboard is too wobbly or unstable, you may need to tighten the wheels slightly.
Replace the Bushings
Bushings are the rubbery parts in skateboard trucks that provide cushioning and control during turns. When the bushings are worn out, they can become compressed, causing the trucks to loosen and leading to wheel bite. Replacing the bushings can help prevent wheel bite and ensure better control during skateboarding.
To replace the bushings:
Add Riser Pads
Riser pads are plastic or rubber spacers between the deck and the trucks. They provide additional clearance between the wheels and the deck, preventing wheel bite. Riser pads come in different sizes, and choosing the right size depends on your wheel size and riding style.
When choosing wheels, consider the terrain you will be skating on and your riding style. Smaller wheels are ideal for technical skating on flat surfaces, while larger wheels are better for cruising and downhill skating.
Use Smaller Skateboard Wheels
Another way to put a stop to wheel bite is to use smaller wheels. Smaller wheels have a smaller diameter, which reduces the chance of contact with the deck. Smaller wheels also provide better maneuverability and speed, making them a popular choice for technical skating.
When choosing wheels, consider the terrain you will be skating on and your riding style. Smaller wheels are ideal for technical skating on flat surfaces, while larger wheels are better for cruising and downhill skating.
Waxing a Longboard
Waxing a longboard is applying wax to the deck to reduce friction between the deck and the wheels. The wax also protects the deck from wheel bite, moisture, and dirt, which can cause the deck to become weak and brittle.
You will need a block of wax, a rag, and a heat gun or hair dryer to wax a longboard. First, use a wet cloth to wipe the deck of any dirt. Next, heat the wax block with the heat gun or hair dryer until it melts.
Apply the wax to the deck in a circular motion, covering the entire area where the wheels touch the deck. Once the wax has cooled and hardened, use the rag to buff the wax to a smooth finish. Regular waxing can prolong the deck’s life and provide a smooth riding experience.
Longboard Wheel Cut-outs – Deck with Wheel Wells
A deck with wheel wells is a skateboard deck that has cutouts around the wheelbase. Longboard wheel cut-outs are designed to prevent wheel bite. These are the cuts made on the bottom of the deck around the wheel area to allow the wheels to turn and carve without making contact with the deck. The cutouts’ depth and shape depend on the wheels’ size and shape.
The cut-outs provide additional clearance between the wheels and the deck. However, not all skateboard decks come with wheel wells.
If your deck does not have wheel wells, you can create them using a jigsaw or a router. Measure the size of your wheels and mark the area on the deck where you want to create the cut-outs. Use the jigsaw or router to cut out the wheel wells, ensuring they are the right size and depth.
When choosing a longboard, it is essential to consider the size and shape of the wheel cutouts. If the cut-outs are too shallow, the wheels can still contact the deck, leading to wheel bite.
The deck can weaken if the cut-outs are too deep, leading to cracks or breaks. A longboard with the right size and shape of wheel cut-outs can prevent wheel bite and provide a smooth riding experience.
What is Skate Bites – How to Avoid and Cure!
Skate bites are injuries that occur when the wheels of a skateboard or longboard make contact with the rider’s feet or ankles. Skate bites can be painful and lead to cuts, bruises, or broken bones.
Wear protective gear such as helmets, elbow pads, and knee pads to prevent skate bites. You should also choose the right size and type of skateboard or longboard and adjust the trucks to provide stability.
If you ever experience a skate bite, wash that part of your skin with soap, then apply an antiseptic lotion to stop infection. For severe injuries, seek medical attention immediately.
Key Takeaways
Wheel bite is a common and potentially dangerous issue that skateboarders face. It can result in sudden stops, falls, and injuries, making it essential to prevent it from occurring.
The solutions discussed above, including tightening the trucks, replacing worn-out bushings, adding riser pads, using smaller wheels, choosing a deck with wheel wells, or creating DIY wheel wells, are all effective ways to prevent wheel bite
These solutions can minimize the risk of wheel bite, but they are not foolproof. Skateboarders must also practice caution and wear appropriate safety gear while riding.
