Removing Bike Pedals: A Comprehensive Guide
Removing your bike pedals might seem daunting, but it’s a necessary skill for bike maintenance, travel, or upgrading. This guide breaks down the process into easy-to-follow steps, ensuring you can remove your pedals without damaging your bike.
Understanding Pedal Threads
Bike pedals have different threading on the left and right sides. This is crucial to understand before you start. The right pedal (drive side) has a standard right-hand thread, meaning you loosen it by turning it counter-clockwise. The left pedal (non-drive side) has a left-hand thread, meaning you loosen it by turning it clockwise. Remembering this will save you a lot of frustration!
Tools You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather these essential tools:
- Pedal wrench (usually 15mm) or an Allen key (often 6mm or 8mm – check your pedals)
- Gloves (optional, but recommended for grip and cleanliness)
- Rag or paper towels
- Grease (for re-installing the pedals)
Step-by-Step Pedal Removal
- Position the Bike: Place your bike on a stable surface or in a bike stand. This will allow you to apply force without the bike moving.
- Identify the Pedal: Determine which pedal you’re working on (left or right).
- Position the Wrench: Place the wrench or Allen key on the pedal spindle. The ideal position is often with the wrench handle pointing towards the front of the bike, parallel to the crank arm, when the crank arm is at the 3 o’clock or 9 o’clock position.
- Apply Force: This is where many people struggle. Remember the thread direction! For the right pedal, turn the wrench counter-clockwise. For the left pedal, turn the wrench clockwise. Apply steady, firm pressure. If the pedal is stuck, try using a longer wrench or breaker bar for more leverage. Be careful not to slip and injure yourself.
- Loosen and Remove: Once the pedal starts to loosen, continue turning until it’s completely free from the crank arm.
- Repeat: Repeat the process for the other pedal, remembering the opposite thread direction.
Troubleshooting Stubborn Pedals
Sometimes, pedals are incredibly difficult to remove. Here are a few tips to try:
- Use a Breaker Bar: A longer wrench or pipe extension over your wrench handle will provide more leverage.
- Apply Penetrating Oil: Spray penetrating oil (like WD-40 or PB Blaster) at the pedal/crank arm junction and let it sit for 15-30 minutes before trying again.
- Heat the Crank Arm: Use a heat gun or hairdryer to gently heat the crank arm around the pedal spindle. This can help loosen the threads. Be careful not to overheat the metal.
- Ask for Help: If you’ve tried everything and the pedal still won’t budge, consider taking your bike to a local bike shop. They have specialized tools and experience to remove even the most stubborn pedals.
Re-installing Your Pedals
Once you’ve removed your pedals, you’ll likely want to re-install them (or install new ones). Here’s how:
- Clean the Threads: Use a rag to clean the threads on both the pedal spindle and the crank arm.
- Apply Grease: Apply a thin layer of grease to the pedal spindle threads. This will prevent the pedals from seizing in the future.
- Thread by Hand: Start threading the pedals into the crank arms by hand, making sure you’re turning them in the correct direction (clockwise for the right pedal, counter-clockwise for the left pedal).
- Tighten with Wrench: Once you’ve threaded them in as far as you can by hand, use your wrench to tighten them securely. Don’t overtighten!
Important Reminders
- Thread Direction: Always remember the different thread directions for the left and right pedals.
- Grease is Key: Applying grease to the pedal threads is crucial for easy removal in the future.
- Don’t Force It: If a pedal is extremely difficult to remove, don’t force it. You could damage the crank arm or injure yourself.
By following these steps, you can confidently remove and re-install your bike pedals, keeping your bike in top condition.
