If you’re planning to travel with your bicycle, you will have to remove your pedals for basic service. Every cyclist should be able to remove and replace bike pedals, particularly if they’re putting together a new bicycle or choose to ride with clipless pedals. When preparing a bike for shipping, it is frequently essential to remove the bike pedals. It’s also important to remove the pedals from time to time to change or maintain the pedal bearings. Do You know how to remove it? Learn how to remove bike pedals?
In this simple step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to remove the pedals off your bike. Without any ado, let’s dive in!
Difference Between Right And Left Side Pedals
Because the threads on the left and right pedals vary, it is critical to make sure you’re using the proper one for each side of your bicycle. For the sake of clarity, let us state the following:
- The right-hand side of the bicycle, sometimes known as the drive side, is indeed the side bearing the gears.
- The bicycle’s left-hand side, sometimes known as the non-drive side, is the side with no gears.
- Pedals on the right side are usually standard-threaded.
It implies that they tighten by rotating the spindle in the clockwise direction and loosen by rotating it in the counter-clockwise direction. To put it another way, tighten right, loosen left. The pedals on the left side are typically reverse-threaded. It implies that they tighten by rotating the spindle counter-clockwise and loosen by rotating clockwise. To clarify, it is the inverse of the right pedal.
What Tools Will You Require?
- Pedal Wrench: Specific tool for removing pedals
- 8mm or 6mm Allen or Hex Key
- 15mm long wrench
- Oil & lubricant
Rather than a 15mm spanner, a bike pedal wrench has a smaller width to accommodate the typically small gap. Another important consideration is leverage, with bike pedal wrench and hex keys often providing a longer lever for removing jammed pedals.
Several pedals can include a ‘wrench flat.’ It is usually a flat area on the base and top of the spindle on which a wrench may be fitted. Many pedals are fitted with a Hex fitting in the spindle, demanding an 8mm and 6mm Allen Key to detach them.
Methods to Remove Bike Pedals (5 Easy Steps)
Now, we will tell you how to remove the bike pedals. Keep reading!
Pedals in the Right Position
Place the pedals in the appropriate positions. While removing pedals, some individuals find it more practical and effective to prop their bicycles up on a bicycle stand. It also allows the crank to turn more efficiently on its axle.
It is advisable to place the crank arm of the bicycle’s pedal, which you wish to remove for strength and simple accessibility, in the right position.
Remove the Right-Side Pedal
Beginning with the right-side pedal, turn the crank to 3 o’clock, such that it faces forward and parallel to the floor. The back of all pedals will accommodate an Allen key. Instead, a tiny 15mm wrench will be necessary. Sometimes, a specific pedal wrench is essential since an adjustable or regular wrench will be too broad.
When you are employing an Allen key, be sure it’s inserted underneath the crank’s level. Next, spin anticlockwise while pushing downward and forward. You have the right to use appropriate force. If you are using a wrench, attempt to maintain the same angles.
Remove the Left-Side Pedal
Put the crank at the 9 o’clock position on the opposite side, which is the left-side pedal. Repeat the procedure by pressing the Allen key downward and forward as previously. The lest-side pedal will spin clockwise this time. Turn the pedal off after that. Any screws that drop out should be saved because you will require them when installing your new pedals.
Wipe Down The Threads
If you have an old set of pedals or a secondhand bicycle, wipe down the threads on the cranks and pedals completely. Threads can be damaged and worn away over time by sand or dust.
If they appear to be damaged, a tapping gadget from your nearby bike store can rescue the day. It’s usually just a concern if the pedals were hard to remove.
Applying a Lubricant
Put a small layer of oil on the bolts on the pedal spindle after cleaning them. It’s a really important phase. It will not just lessen the likelihood of them rattling while you ride; however, it should also guarantee that in the future, when you need to remove pedals, they will come off easily without so much difficulty.
Related: How to Clean a Bike
Installing pedals having ‘dry’ threads can make them hard to remove at all. If you leave it for a long time, your pedals and cranks may completely fuse.
FAQ’s
Why are my bicycle’s pedals jammed?
Sadly, bicycle pedals might become stuck from time to time. It might be due to natural components like water and dirt. Perhaps there’s a lot of corrosion in the pedals. Or possibly they were simply over-tightened during assembly.
Is there anything I can take rather than a pedal wrench?
If you do not find a pedal wrench, a basic 15 mm open-end wrench will usually work. After that, check the pedal to see whether it does have a wrench flat on the spindle to which your wrench may be attached.
Is it simple to replace the bike pedals?
Luckily, with a few basic tools, you can simply repair your bicycle pedals at ease. When replacing your bicycle pedals, spend extra time properly attaching the new pedals so you won’t have trouble removing them later.
Is it required to use a pedal wrench?
There’s no need for a specific pedal wrench. However, you are unlikely to find one adequate in a hardware shop. Many pedal flats are narrower than the width of a conventional 15mm open-end wrench. It can help if you can get one that is really thin.
Final Words
It’s necessary to remove your bike pedals if they’ve become rusty or loosened. Luckily, with a few basic tools, you can simply remove your bike pedals by yourself. Take your time changing your bicycle pedals so that you do not have trouble removing them next time.
We have done our job! Before riding the trails, give it a quick spin and bounce around to make sure everything is in working order.