Removing the pedals from a bike is a relatively simple task that can be completed with just a few basic tools. Whether you need to replace worn-out pedals, clean them, or store your bike in a smaller space, knowing how to take them off is essential. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of removing pedals from a bike, ensuring that you complete the task safely and efficiently.
To begin, you will need to gather the necessary tools. You will need a pedal wrench, which is a specialized tool designed to fit the unique shape of pedal spindles. If you do not have a pedal wrench, you can rent one from a local bike shop or purchase one online. Additionally, you will need a lubricant, such as WD-40 or a bike-specific grease, to help loosen the pedals.
Once you have gathered your tools, it is time to begin the removal process. Position your bike upside down on a stable surface, such as a workstand or a flat surface with a blanket or towel to protect the bike from scratches. Lubricate the pedal threads on both sides of the bike with WD-40 or bike grease. Allow the lubricant to penetrate the threads for a few minutes before proceeding. Next, locate the pedal wrench and fit it onto the spindle of the pedal you want to remove. Ensure that the wrench is properly seated on the spindle, as using the wrong size or shape of wrench can damage the pedal or the spindle.
Safety Precautions
Before embarking on the task of removing bike pedals, it is imperative to prioritize safety. Here’s a comprehensive guide to ensure a smooth and accident-free process:
- Secure your bike: Place your bike firmly on a stable surface, such as a bike stand or against a wall, to prevent it from falling and causing injury.
- Wear appropriate clothing: Avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry that could get caught in the bicycle chain or pedals.
- Use the correct tools: Employ a dedicated pedal wrench or a 15mm spanner specifically designed for removing pedals. Avoid using adjustable wrenches as they can damage the pedals.
- Lubricate the threads: Apply a small amount of penetrating oil to the pedal threads before attempting to loosen them. This will help prevent the pedals from seizing and becoming difficult to remove.
- Use a chain whip: If your bike has a single-speed drivetrain, a chain whip is essential for holding the cassette or freewheel while you loosen the pedals. This prevents the cassette from rotating, ensuring maximum leverage and safety.
- Avoid overtightening: When reassembling the pedals, avoid overtightening them. Excessive force can damage the threads and make it difficult to remove the pedals in the future.
Materials
To ensure a successful pedal removal, gather the following materials:
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
| Pedal wrench or 15mm spanner | Specialized tool for removing bike pedals |
| Penetrating oil | Lubricant to loosen seized threads |
| Chain whip (for single-speed bikes) | Tool for holding the cassette while loosening pedals |
Removing the Front Pedal
The pedals on a bike are relatively easy to remove, and doing so can be necessary for repairs or maintenance. If you’re new to bike maintenance, don’t worry, it’s a simple process that can be done with just a few tools. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to remove the pedals from your bike:
Removing the Front Pedal
1. Identify the pedal you want to remove. The front pedal is usually on the left side of the bike.
2. Locate the pedal wrench. This is a specialized tool used to remove pedals. It has a thin, open-ended design that fits around the pedal spindle.
3. Position the pedal wrench on the pedal spindle. The spindle is the metal shaft that connects the pedal to the crank arm.
4. Turn the pedal wrench counterclockwise. Apply firm, steady pressure to loosen the pedal.
5. Continue turning the pedal wrench until the pedal is completely removed from the spindle.
6. Repeat the process to remove the other pedal.
Using a Pedal Wrench
The most common method for removing bike pedals is using a pedal wrench. This specialized tool is designed to fit the specific shape of the pedal spindle, ensuring a secure grip and preventing damage to the pedals or cranks.
Step-by-step Instructions:
1. Identify the Correct Pedal Side
Before attempting to remove the pedals, it’s crucial to determine which side of the bike corresponds to the left-hand and right-hand pedals. Typically, the left-hand pedal has reverse threading, while the right-hand pedal has standard threading.
2. Position the Pedal Wrench
Locate the pedal spindle on the pedal to be removed. Align the pedal wrench over the spindle and ensure it fits snugly. The wrench should be positioned perpendicular to the spindle.
3. Apply Counterclockwise Force
Applying counterclockwise force to the pedal wrench is necessary to loosen the pedal and remove it from the crank arm. For pedals with standard threading, turn the wrench clockwise (towards the front of the bike) to loosen it. For pedals with reverse threading, turn the wrench counterclockwise (towards the rear of the bike). Note that pedals with reverse threading may require extra force to break loose.
| Pedal Type | Threading Direction | Wrench Direction |
|---|---|---|
| Left-Hand (Drive-Side) | Standard | Clockwise |
| Right-Hand (Non-Drive-Side) | Reverse | Counterclockwise |
4. Remove the Pedal
Once the pedal has been loosened, use your fingers to carefully remove it from the crank arm. Be cautious to avoid damaging the threads or bearings. Wiggling the pedal back and forth while pulling it outward can help ease it loose.
Greasing the Pedal Threads
Applying grease to the pedal threads is crucial for protecting them from corrosion and ensuring smooth operation. Here’s a detailed guide to greasing pedal threads:
Materials You’ll Need
| Item |
|---|
| Grease (Bicycle-specific grease recommended) |
| Rag or Paper Towel |
| Pedal Wrench (15mm or adjustable) |
Steps
-
Remove the Pedals: Use a pedal wrench to loosen and remove the pedals from the bike frame.
-
Clean the Threads: Use a rag or paper towel to remove any dirt or grease from the pedal threads on both the pedals and the frame.
-
Apply Grease: Apply a thin layer of grease to the pedal threads using your fingers or a small brush. Avoid over-greasing as excess grease can attract dirt and grime.
-
Use a Specific Type of Grease: Choose a bicycle-specific grease that is designed to withstand high pressure and water exposure. Avoid using automotive or multipurpose greases, as they may not be compatible with bike components.
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Spread the Grease Evenly: Ensure that the grease is evenly distributed along the entire length of the threads. Use a rag to wipe away any excess grease.
-
Reinstall the Pedals: Once the threads are greased, reinstall the pedals onto the bike frame. Tighten them securely using the pedal wrench.
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Test the Pedals: After reinstalling the pedals, rotate them to ensure smooth operation and that there is no excessive play or resistance.
Tightening the Pedal
Step 1: Find the correct tool. You will need a 15mm wrench or hex key to tighten the pedal.
Step 2: Position the wrench. Place the wrench on the flats of the pedal axle, not the rounded edges.
Step 3: Apply pressure. Turn the wrench clockwise to tighten the pedal. Be careful not to overtighten.
Step 4: Check the tightness. Once you have tightened the pedal, try to rotate it by hand. It should be snug but not so tight that you cannot move it.
Step 5: Additional tips:
- If the pedal is stuck, you may need to apply some penetrating oil or lubricant. Allow it to soak in for a few minutes before trying to loosen the pedal.
- If you are still unable to loosen the pedal, you may need to use a pedal extractor tool.
- To prevent the pedal from loosening over time, you can apply a small amount of Loctite or thread sealant to the threads of the pedal axle before tightening.
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
| 15mm wrench | A standard wrench used to tighten or loosen the pedal axle. |
| Hex key | A specialized tool used to tighten or loosen the pedal axle on some bikes. |
| Penetrating oil | A lubricant that helps to loosen stuck pedals. |
| Pedal extractor tool | A specialized tool used to remove stuck or damaged pedals. |
| Loctite | A thread sealant that prevents pedals from loosening over time. |
Handling Reverse Threads
When attempting to loosen the pedals on a bike, you may encounter reverse threads. This means that the pedals are tightened by turning them counterclockwise instead of clockwise. To overcome this, follow these steps:
1. Identify Reverse Threads
Look for an “R” symbol engraved on the pedal. This indicates that it is a reverse-threaded pedal.
2. Use a Pedal Wrench
A pedal wrench is a specialized tool designed to fit the hexagonal shape of the pedal axle. Insert the wrench into the axle and turn it counterclockwise.
3. Apply Force
Apply steady and firm pressure to the wrench. The pedal may require significant force to loosen.
4. Use a Cheater Bar (Optional)
If you struggle to loosen the pedal with a standard wrench, you can use a cheater bar. This is a long metal pipe that can be attached to the wrench to increase leverage.
5. Tap with a Hammer (Optional)
If the pedal is particularly stubborn, you can gently tap it with a hammer while turning the wrench counterclockwise. This can help to break the bond between the threads.
6. Apply Penetrating Oil (Optional)
If all else fails, applying penetrating oil to the threads can help to loosen the pedal. Allow the oil to soak in for several minutes before attempting to turn the wrench.
7. Be Patient and Persistent
Loosening pedals with reverse threads can be challenging. Be patient and persistent, and eventually, you will succeed. Here is a table summarizing the steps for handling reverse threads:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Identify reverse threads |
| 2 | Use a pedal wrench |
| 3 | Apply force |
| 4 | Use a cheater bar (optional) |
| 5 | Tap with a hammer (optional) |
| 6 | Apply penetrating oil (optional) |
| 7 | Be patient and persistent |
Installing the Pedals
9. Tightening the Pedals
**Left Pedal (Reverse Threaded):** Tighten by turning the pedal counterclockwise using a 15mm wrench. Ensure it’s fully seated and secure.
**Right Pedal (Regularly Threaded):** Twist the pedal clockwise using a 15mm wrench. Ensure it’s snug but avoid overtightening to prevent damage.
**Double-Check:** After tightening both pedals, confirm they’re firm by checking if they wobble or rotate easily. They should not move loosely.
Tightening Guide |
|---|
|
Left Pedal (Reverse Threaded): |
|
Right Pedal (Regularly Threaded): |
Troubleshooting and Tips
If you encounter any issues while removing the pedals, here are some troubleshooting tips:
Stuck Pedals
If the pedals are stuck, try applying more force. If that doesn’t work, use a penetrating oil to loosen the threads. Let it sit for a few minutes and then try again.
Damaged Threads
If the threads on the pedals or crank arms are damaged, you may need to replace them. Use a thread repair kit to fix minor damage or have a professional mechanic do it for you.
Stripped Cranks
If the pedal threads have stripped the crank arms, you’ll need to replace the crank arms. Remove the pedals and inspect the crank arms for damage. If they’re stripped, replace them with new ones.
Reverse Threads
Some pedals have reverse threads. This means you will need to turn them clockwise to loosen them.
Tightening Pedals
When tightening the pedals, use a torque wrench to ensure they are properly tightened. The recommended torque value will vary depending on the pedal type, so refer to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Pedal Spindle Grease
Apply a small amount of pedal spindle grease to the threads of the pedals before tightening them. This will help prevent them from seizing in the future.
Using a Pedal Wrench
Always use a dedicated pedal wrench to remove or tighten pedals. Using a regular wrench can damage the pedals or crank arms.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips for taking off pedals:
- Place a rag or piece of cardboard under the crank arms to protect them from scratches.
- Use a penetrating oil or lubricant to loosen up the threads.
- Hold the crank arm with one hand while removing the pedal with the other.
- Be patient and don’t force anything. If you’re struggling, take a break and try again later.
How to Take the Pedals Off of a Bike
Removing the pedals from a bike is a relatively simple task that can be completed with a few basic tools. Here are the steps on how to do it:
1. Gather the necessary tools: You will need a 15mm wrench or pedal wrench and a bike chain whip (optional).
2. Position the bike: Turn the bike upside down so that the pedals are facing up.
3. Locate the pedal spindle: The pedal spindle is the metal shaft that the pedal threads onto.
4. Loosen the spindle bolts: Use the 15mm wrench or pedal wrench to loosen the spindle bolts. There are two bolts, one on each side of the pedal.
5. Remove the pedal: Once the bolts are loose, remove them completely. Then, pull the pedal off of the spindle.
6. Repeat for the other pedal: Repeat the same steps to remove the other pedal.
People Also Ask
How do you remove bike pedals without a wrench?
If you do not have a wrench, you can use a pair of adjustable pliers. Grip the pedal body with the pliers and turn it counterclockwise to loosen it. Once the pedal is loose, remove it by hand.
Why won’t my bike pedals come off?
a. The bolts are too tight.
Use more force to loosen the bolts. If you are using a wrench, try using a longer one for more leverage.
b. The pedals are rusted.
Apply a penetrating lubricant to the bolts and let it sit for a few minutes. This will help to loosen the rust and make it easier to remove the pedals.
c. The pedals are seized.
If the pedals are seized, you may need to use a pedal extractor tool to remove them. This tool is specifically designed to remove seized pedals.
Do bike pedals have reverse threads?
a. Right pedal.
Most right-hand pedals have standard (right-hand) threads. This means that you turn them clockwise to tighten them and counterclockwise to loosen them.
b. Left pedal.
Most left-hand pedals have reverse threads. This means that you turn them counterclockwise to tighten them and clockwise to loosen them.
