Whether it’s for maintenance, transporting, or swapping out old pedals for new ones, many bikers frequently have to remove their bike pedals. With the correct equipment and a little bit of experience, removing bike pedals is actually a simple process, despite the fact that it may appear difficult at first. This post will walk you through the steps of removing bike pedals, describe the equipment needed, and offer advice to help you complete the task effectively and safely.
Equipment You’ll Need
It’s crucial to obtain the necessary equipment before you start. To remove the pedals from the majority of contemporary bicycles, one needs a 6mm Allen key (hex wrench) or a 15mm pedal wrench. While the 6mm Allen key is frequently used on pedals with an Allen bolt, the 15mm pedal wrench is a thin, long-handled wrench that fits over the pedal axle. Check your bike’s pedals to see if they have an Allen bolt or a flat axle if you’re unsure which tool you need. Additionally, some pedals can need both tools.
Recognizing the Direction of Pedal Threads
It’s crucial to realize that the thread directions on the left and right sides of bike pedals change while removing them. With a conventional right-hand thread, the right pedal (located on the right side of the bike while seated) loosens by rotating counterclockwise. Because of its reverse left-hand thread, the left pedal (located on the left side of the bike) loosens by rotating clockwise. This distinction is important because improper pedal rotation can damage the threads and make removal challenging.
Step 1: Set Up the Bicycle
Start by putting your bike in a secure place. If you have a bike stand, put it in it; otherwise, just turn the bike over and place it on the handlebars and seat. As you work on the bike, make sure it is stable and won’t roll about. To prevent scratches, you might want to place a towel or other soft surface underneath the bike.
Step 2: Let the pedals loose
Start loosening the pedals with the proper tool. Turn the pedal axle counterclockwise on the right pedal using a 6mm Allen key or a 15mm pedal wrench. To loosen the left pedal, crank the axle clockwise with the same tool. If the pedals are rusty or have been on the bike for a long time, you might need to exert some power to get them off. Exercise patience and make little, deliberate movements.
Try applying some penetrating oil, such as WD-40, around the pedal axle if the pedals are extremely tight or jammed. To remove any rust or dust that might be causing resistance, let it sit for a few minutes. The pedals should begin to come off really easily after the initial strain has been released.
Step 3: Apply Leverage When Necessary
Leverage is a useful tool if the pedals are difficult to remove with just hand pressure. Use a longer pipe or extension to boost your leverage once you’ve fastened the pedal wrench or Allen key to the pedal axle. You will have more force to depress the pedal as a result. To prevent harming the crank arm or the threads, simply apply the force gradually and steadily.
Step 4: Take the pedals off.
You should be able to manually detach the pedals after they are sufficiently loosened. Until the pedal entirely separates from the pedal axle, keep twisting it in the direction that loosens it. While the left pedal will unscrew clockwise, the right pedal will unscrew counterclockwise.
Examine the Threads in Step Five
It’s a good idea to check the threads on the crank arms and the pedals after removing them. Check for wear or damage that might interfere with the new pedals’ installation. Before putting the new pedals in, ensure sure the threads are free of debris and clean off any dirt or grime. Should you observe any stripped or broken threads, it might be time to replace the crankset or repair the damaged threads with a thread repair kit.
Installing the New Pedals in Step Six
Make that the replacement pedals are threaded properly before installing them. Installing the left pedal on the left side (crank arm marked with a “L”) and the right pedal on the right side (crank arm marked with a “R”) is the proper order. Make sure the threads line up correctly by first manually threading each pedal. Use your pedal wrench or Allen key to tighten the pedal even more after it has been hand-tightened, but take care not to overtighten as this could harm the threads.
Check for Tightness in Step Seven
Make sure the new pedals are firmly attached to the bike by giving them one more inspection after installation. Although they shouldn’t be too tight to prevent thread damage, pedals should be secure enough to stay in place when riding. To make sure the pedals travel freely and don’t wobble, test them by gently turning them.
Solving Typical Problems
Try these suggestions if you run into issues when removing the pedals, such jammed pedals or trouble loosening them:
Rusty Pedals: Before attempting removal again, apply penetrating oil to the pedal axle and allow it to set for a few minutes.
Stripped Threads: You might need to replace the impacted parts or use a thread repair kit if the crank arms or pedals have broken threads.
Stubborn Pedals: To more successfully leverage a pedal off the crank arm, try utilizing a pedal puller tool if a pedal is very challenging to remove.
In conclusion
Whether you’re doing regular maintenance, replacing worn-out pedals, or getting your bike ready for transportation, being able to remove bike pedals is a basic yet crucial skill for any biker. You can quickly remove bike pedals without causing damage to your bike by following these instructions and using the right equipment. Before putting your new pedals on, just make sure to pay attention to the thread direction, use adequate leverage if needed, and inspect the threads for damage. You can quickly remove and replace the pedals on your bike with a little care!
