How to Adjust, Maintain, and Upgrade Carver CX Surfskate Trucks
However, there are some important details you should know to get the most out of your trucks. This article will walk you through everything you need to know to adjust, maintain, and upgrade your Carver CX trucks.
Both the old and new versions are still available on Carver’s website, with the older versions being cheaper. The core functionality of both versions remains the same.
If your Carver CX truck breaks due to a defect, Carver will replace it. This warranty offers peace of mind, knowing that your trucks are covered in the event of a failure.
Adjusting Carver CX trucks is a simple process. All you have to do is tighten or loosen the kingpin nut.
Tighten the kingpin nut to stiffen the trucks, or loosen it for a looser, more fluid ride.
For most riders, adjusting the nut to be flush with the top of the kingpin works best for loosening. Be sure to leave some threads showing to prevent the nut from falling off during a ride.
Over-tightening the kingpin nut can put undue pressure on the bushings, potentially deforming them. Ensure the nut is not overly tightened to avoid damage.
Switch Cup Washers for Flat Washers for a Looser Feel
Another simple way to adjust your Carver CX trucks is to replace the top cup washer with a flat washer.
The cup washer holds the bushing in place, thus restricting motion. A flat washer provides a looser feel by allowing more movement. This adjustment is based on personal preference and is worth experimenting with to fine-tune your ride.
Flip the Kingpin for Grinding
If you enjoy grinding on your surfskate, you’ll notice that the kingpin on the CX truck sits higher than the hanger. This can cause the kingpin to make contact with curbs or coping, potentially shearing off the nut.
To fix this, you can flip the kingpin upside down, which lowers it so the hanger sits higher than the kingpin. This reduces the chance of damaging the nut during grinds.
You’ll find detailed instructions for flipping the Carver CX kingpin in this video:
Proper maintenance is essential for prolonging the life of your trucks and ensuring a safe ride. Here are some key Carver CX maintenance tips:
Bushing Sizes
The Carver CX trucks use two different bushing sizes. The boardside bushing is 0.65 inches and the roadside bushing is .56 inches.
Replacing Kingpin and Axle Nuts
The kingpin nuts on Carver CX trucks use nyloc, which wears out over time, especially with frequent adjustments. If your kingpin nut or axle nuts begin to loosen as you ride, it’s time to replace them.
Having spare nuts on hand is a good idea to prevent accidents caused by nuts coming loose during a ride.
The kinpin nuts are 3/8” and the axle nuts are 5/16”.
Upgrading your Carver CX trucks can drastically change their performance. The most common upgrade is changing the bushings.
Carver CX Bushing Upgrades
The stock Carver CX bushings are 89a durometer, designed as a one-size-fits-all option. However, the performance of your trucks is heavily influenced by your weight.
For riders under 175 pounds, the stock bushings may feel stiff. Swapping out the bushings for softer ones can provide a looser, more responsive ride.
You can get RipTide bushings for Carver CX in five durometers: 85a, 87.5a, 90a, 92.5a, and 95a. Use this general weight guideline to choose your durometer:
Customize Your Carver CX by Mixing and Matching Bushings
Customizing your truck setup by mixing different durometers can enhance your ride.
Generally, you want harder bushings in the rear truck and on the board side for stability.
For a more radical front truck feel, consider softer bushings in the front truck and on the roadside.
Upgrade Your Carver CX Pivot Cups to Avoid Squeaking
The pivot cup is the component that enables the hanger to pivot smoothly within the truck. If you experience squeaking from your CX trucks, it’s often caused by dry pivot cups.
Carver uses marine grease to lubricate their pivot cups. And you can do the same if your pivot cup starts squeaking over time. But replacing them with higher-end pivot cups can eliminate squeaking and improve the overall feel.
Riptide pivot cups for Carver CX have a special coating that doesn’t bind to the urethane and acts as a lubricant. This reduces friction and extends the life of the pivot cups.
Maintain Carver CX Surfskate Trucks for Performance and Longevity
Adjusting, maintaining, and upgrading your Carver CX surfskate trucks is essential for maximizing their performance and longevity.
There are plenty of ways to fine-tune your Carver CX. These include simple adjustments like loosening the kingpin nut to more advanced upgrades like replacing bushings and pivot cups.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to customize your Carver CX trucks to match your riding style and weight. This will give you a smooth, responsive ride every time.
Have fun experimenting with your setup and enjoy the ride!
