As you know, a bicycle is driven by pedals. Due to heavy physical activity and various weather conditions in which they may fail, despite their durability. And if there are backlashes in this part of the vehicle, you begin to hear crunching, knocking or crackling noises coming from this simple mechanism, then you will need to know how to remove the pedals from the bicycle. After all, the time has come to unwind them, remove them and put them in order.
Design
Before proceeding directly to disassembly, you need to understand what tools you will need for the job.
It is worth understanding that pedals are part of a complex structure consisting of various sprockets, connecting rods, a bicycle carriage and the pedal mechanism itself: an axle, a platform, bearings and various accessories. Let's go through each component of this node:
- The basis for the entire structure is the axle, a metal pin that is screwed directly into the connecting rod.
- The place where the sole of your foot fits is the platform.
- The axle and platform are connected by a bearing.
- The hardware consists of a set of nuts and bolts that hold all parts of the pedal.
There is also a division of the platform into 2 main types. The first is the most common pedal. The second type is contact, its design includes a special spike that is attached to the sole of the shoe. There is also a combined type, whose dismantling is the same as removing the contact pedals.
What materials and tools will be needed
Now let's figure out what materials and tools will be needed:
- A small adjustable wrench. Its dimensional versions are undesirable, because it will be difficult to get to the nut.
- Open-end wrench. A 15mm wrench will fit most bikes (but not all).
- Pedal wrenches are supplied for non-standard nuts or in manufacturer kits. You will need one such key.
- Screwdriver.
- If you have a bicycle kit, now is the time to dust it off.
- In order to hold the axle when turning to the side, you will need a puller.
- A set of rags or any rags.
- Waterproof lubricant, because you can’t do without it.
- Solvent or kerosene will be needed to remove dirt.
The process of disassembling the pedals
It all starts with examination and diagnosis. Here is a list of actions and methods for troubleshooting:
- Inspect the structure for cracks and damage.
- there is a place where the pedal axle is attached to the connecting rods. It may loosen over time, or dirt may get in there. The best way to prevent this unit is to remove it from time to time and wipe the axle with the connecting rod. Don't forget to lubricate.
- Check for play - holding the pedal axis motionless, try moving the platform in different directions. If there is play, it is very easy to fix it - you just need to tighten the lock nut under the plug.
But if there is play and the pedal spins very tightly, then don’t be too lazy to go through it completely, it won’t take you much time:
- by removing the axle from the connecting rod. Unscrewing it with an adjustable wrench will not be difficult, since it usually has several edges. The threads on the pedals are different, but there will be no difficulties with them. The right one unscrews counterclockwise, and the left one - vice versa.
- At the end you will find a plug. It needs to be removed with a screwdriver.
- Holding the axle stationary with a puller, unscrew the locknut.
- Remove the lock nut.
- Unscrew the cone.
- Remove the bearings very carefully - the balls may roll in all directions.
- Now you can remove the platform from the axle. All!
Once you have a small pile of pedal components in front of you, you need to arm yourself with a rag and thoroughly wipe everything away from dust and dirt. If you have kerosene on hand, the task will only be simplified. Check the balls - they must be the same size and shape. Next, you need to lubricate everything using waterproof grease and put everything back together in the reverse order. If something has become unusable, it needs to be replaced.
How to disassemble a contact pedal
The design of the contact pedal is a little more complicated than that of a regular pedal, which leads to its tighter movement. The design itself is reliable and does not require frequent reassembly.
For example, let's take the fairly common Shimano M520 pedals, and using their example we will consider the disassembly process. You will need:
- special puller Shimano TL-PD40 (if it is not there, it can be replaced with a rigid clamp);
- wrenches 7 (lock nut), 10 (cones) and 15.
And the disassembly steps themselves are as follows:
- We put the puller on a special place at the base of the platform and begin to unscrew it.
- By unscrewing it, you can remove the pedal axle from its housing.
- Next, you need to unscrew the locknut, which acts as a stopper for the structure, holding the axle with a wrench or a vice.
- We take out all parts of the pedal. Here, too, it is important not to lose the very small bearing balls - there are 12 of them on each side.
That's it, the contact pedal is disassembled. Now you need to wipe it, lubricate it thoroughly, replace worn parts if necessary, and reassemble in reverse order. Make sure that all nuts are well tightened - this will prevent play. The final operation can be considered cleaning off excess lubricant after tightening the nuts.
A few words in conclusion
It is better not to hold out until the moment when the pedal begins to act up and complicate the ride. Inspect this structure, keep an eye on it and avoid excessive contamination, and the pedals will not let you down on your next bike ride.
Today the topic of our lesson will be such a quick and simple process as removing and installing bicycle pedals. With the right tools and some experience, it will only take you a few minutes. Next, as always, you will find instructions that describe in detail all these simple manipulations, revealing some subtleties and designed to protect you from some mistakes and injuries.
Forward…
At first glance, replacing pedals, compared to other bicycle maintenance work, seems very simple and uncomplicated. But then why does this action cause difficulties for some and lead to abrasions and broken joints? So let's take a close look at this “simple” operation and together we will understand some of the subtleties and intricacies.
Step-by-step instructions for removing and installing pedals
Tools needed: pedal wrench (or any 15mm socket wrench) and lubricant.
To make the process easier, we recommend standing on the side of the pedal being removed/installed. In further descriptions of the processes of unscrewing and tightening the pedals, the terms “clockwise” or “anti-clockwise” will be used to refer to those sides as if you were facing the pedal.
Before we continue, let's first decide in which direction the bicycle pedals should be turned. It sounds kind of strange, but here everything is a little different from ordinary screws. To secure the pedal mounted on the crank on the left side of the bicycle, a left-hand thread is cut, so to unscrew it, you need to turn the key clockwise. But to remove the pedal located on the right (from the sprocket side), the key must be turned counterclockwise.
1. Unlike most work related to bicycle maintenance, it is better to remove/install pedals when the bicycle is simply standing on the ground on its two wheels. This is due to the fact that it may be necessary to exert quite a lot of force to loosen the pedals, and with the bike in this position, you will be able to use your weight more efficiently, and therefore make the task easier for yourself.
2. Let's start with the pedal that is mounted on the star side. Rotate the crank so that it is at or near the 3 o'clock position. Some pedals have a 4-sided space for the key on their axis, which makes it easier to position the key; in our case, there are only 2 faces. Ideally, when installing the key, it will be parallel to the connecting rod or slightly higher. Since you will be turning the key counterclockwise, this position will be the most comfortable to use your body weight. Be careful, as when you loosen the pedal, your hand may slip off and get hurt on the crank or chain. Once the pedal is loosened, you can quickly unscrew it, but you should be careful not to lose the washer, if there is one.
3. Now let's move on to the pedal on the left side. Set the connecting rod to the 9 o'clock position. This is again to make better use of your body weight when loosening the fastening. Start turning the key clockwise, applying as much force as possible until the pedal becomes loose. Again, once the pedal is loose, you can quickly unscrew it. If there is a washer, make sure that it does not get lost.
4. Before installing a new pedal, carefully remove dirt from the threaded connections and apply a thin layer of lubricant, which will reduce the likelihood of corrosion of parts and also make it easier to remove the pedal in the future.
5. Always start tightening the pedals by hand without using tools - you can immediately feel if something is wrong and avoid damaging the threads. Tighten the bicycle pedals by hand until you have enough strength, and only then tighten them with a wrench. Double check the tightening force - this is a guarantee that the pedals will not fly off at the right moment, which can lead to serious consequences.
A bicycle is the most popular and convenient form of transport. For some it is relaxation, sport and a great way to attract attention, for example, while performing original tricks on a two-wheeled bike. However, do not forget about timely maintenance and repairs. This is why many cycling enthusiasts are faced with the problem of how to remove the pedal from the bicycle. Having penetrated into the design of the transport, you can learn to carry out repairs yourself without much difficulty. This way you can avoid various unexpected breakdowns.
How to remove the pedal from a bicycle and replace the connecting rod
The pedal is a simple part, but its long life can cause some removal problems. Therefore, many experts recommend systematically servicing the vehicle, despite the fact that many do not attach importance to this issue.
Let's look at when it is necessary to remove the pedals:
- the part is damaged and requires replacement;
- lubricate the elements;
- connecting rod replacement or repair;
- it is necessary to understand the features of the system and understand how it works.
Before removing the pedal from the bicycle, you should prepare the following tools:
- open-end wrench 15;
- adjustable wrench;
- if there is a non-standard solution from the manufacturer in the fastening elements, then the kit usually contains a key for removing the pedal.
Pedals design
All pedals, despite their different features, have a common design:
- Platform - the surface on which the foot rests, which is fixed to the axis.
- Metal axle - a pin made of metal. It is threaded and screws into the connecting rod.
- Bearings - provide torque. Serve as a connecting element between the axle and the platform. There are simple bulk and cartridge bearings, which differ in weight and quality.
- Bolts, nuts.
It should be noted that the design of the pedals is not as simple as it seems at first glance. Therefore, before tackling problems such as how to remove a bicycle pedal axle, you should carefully study the overall design.
Types of pedals
The following types of pedals exist:
- regular (platform);
- contact;
- combined.
Each type of pedal has its own specifics: the first is created for any shoe, the contact type exists for gripping sports shoes, and the third type is universal, which has a platform on one side and a clutch mechanism on the other. The disassembly method also depends on the type of part. The mechanism of conventional pedals is simpler and faster to disassemble.
Removing the pedal from the bicycle: step-by-step instructions
So, let's look at the main steps of how to remove a pedal from a bicycle without a puller:
- Using a screwdriver, remove the plug from the end of the part.
- Unscrew the platform from the connecting rod using adjustable wrench. The right pedal is counterclockwise, the left pedal is clockwise.
- Unscrew the control nut. At the same time, we hold the connecting rod axis using the second key.
- Remove the washer located at the end of the pedal.
- We remove the platform from the axle and at the same time hold the bearings. Dismantling is ready.
For contact pedals the circuit is a little more complicated. Therefore, before removing the pedal from the bicycle, you must have a special device. The connecting rod has a thread into which a puller is screwed and begins to squeeze the connecting rod from the axle. At the end of the work, we put the pedal in place, check the strength of the parts, and install the plug.
Pedal Features
Due to constant mechanical stress on the pedal, problems with the rotation mechanism may occur. To quickly deal with them, you need to heat the connecting rod and axle. As a result, a process of metal deformation will occur. This will help you remove the axle easily.
To extend the service life of the pedal, use chain treatment products. Thanks to the solvent, heavy dirt, for example on bolts, can be cleaned. We use a solvent and a rag (napkin). The solvent in this case can be replaced with kerosene. We should also not forget about the toxicity of these products.
Bicycle "Stealth"
The Stealth brand is the most popular in Russia with its original assembly. It should be noted that the production of bicycles is not inferior to imported analogues. The company produces a wide range of products: children's, teenage, mountain, women's, travel, folding, cargo, double suspension, bicycles for extreme riding, cruisers, twenty-riders and BMX.
The manufacturer attracts with serious equipment and carbon frames (StelsNavigator 890DCarbon). A surprising aspect is the attractive price-quality ratio.
How to remove pedals from a Stealth bike
It is necessary to remove the pedals from a Stealth speed bike in the following situations:
- during scheduled maintenance;
- if there is a crunch or other creaks;
- replacement with new pedals.
For this you will need socket wrench at 8, lubricant and napkin. So, after removing the pedal, you need to take a rag and wipe the threads in the connecting rods. Now you can disassemble the pedal. While holding the axle, use a wrench to loosen the nut at the other end. We remove the axle and carefully remove the bearings. Soak all parts in gasoline for a while and wipe with a napkin.
After completing the preparatory stage, you can proceed to the work itself. It should be borne in mind that there is a significant difference between how to remove pedals from a bicycle with a puller and without it.
So, first generously lubricate the bearings, placing them with balls inside the pedal. Then put on the axle, screw on the cone and control nut. Before finishing work, adjust for easy rotation without play. When you get the desired result, you can screw the pedals to the connecting rods, not forgetting about the lubrication. At this point the work can be considered completed.
Thus, before removing the pedal from the bicycle, it is recommended to study its design, paying special attention to the main elements. It is strongly recommended to read, study the accessories of all parts and familiarize yourself with safety precautions. After all, driving safety and human health depend on proper assembly and technology. It is important to take a responsible approach to the question of how to remove the pedals on a high-speed bicycle, due to the complex design of this vehicle.
The pedal is a simple part, but due to some installation features and a very long service life, not every cyclist is able to independently remove them from his bike. Why do you need to remove the pedals?
- Replace them after damage.
- Pedal lubrication.
- Repair or replacement of connecting rod.
First, let's look at how they work, what types there are, what features should be taken into account, and what tools to prepare before work.
Pedals design
They are not all created equal and it is necessary to know a little about their design. So, the pedal is part of a system that includes a set of sprockets, a carriage, connecting rods and, in fact, a set of an axle, platform, bearings and fittings. Below are more details about this.
Structurally, a bicycle pedal consists of several parts:
- The axle is a metal pin that is screwed into the connecting rod. It is the basis for the rest of the structure.
- The platform is a plane that contacts the foot and is fixed to the axis.
- Bearings are a unit that connects the axis and the platform, ensuring rotation.
- Fittings – bolts and nuts that secure all components of the pedal. They are unscrewed during disassembly.
Contact option from Shimano
Based on the platform, pedals are divided into contact pedals (with mounts for special shoes) and regular ones. The method of removal depends on the type: for contact mechanisms, the fastening scheme is a little more complicated. Combined options, combining, on the one hand, a conventional platform, and on the other, a contact device, are no different from contact ones in terms of dismantling.
Required tools and materials
Before you remove the pedals, you need to prepare the tools and auxiliary materials that you will most likely need.
Materials:
- lubrication – it is recommended to clean and lubricate the removed parts;
- cleaning rags;
- kerosene or solvent - in case the axles do not unscrew or there are large dirty areas.
Tools:
- an adjustable wrench is a universal solution, a small one is desirable, otherwise it will be difficult to get to the nut;
- open-end wrench 15 – suitable for almost all models;
- bicycle kit - as a last resort;
- pedal wrench – supplied by manufacturers for non-standard nuts and simply in kits;
- puller - an addition for contact pedals - a standard tool, often supplied by the manufacturer, used to hold the axle when turning to the side with a key.
The process of removing the pedals
After preparation, you can begin the removal process. For conventional mechanisms it looks like this:
- We move the system to the working side - in the direction of the steering wheel.
- We try to carefully unscrew the pedals from the connecting rod.
- Remove the plug at the end of the platform and open the locknut.
- Unscrew the locknut, holding the axle against the connecting rod using a second wrench.
- Remove the washer (also at the end).
- Unscrew the cone.
- We remove the platform from the axle, holding the bearings (it is better to remove them separately; if they are loose, then put a rag or sheet under them to prevent them from rolling away).
- The pedal has been removed and disassembled!
It is important not to forget that the left and right pedals are unscrewed from the connecting rod in their own direction: on the right axle there is a right-hand thread, on the left there is a left-hand thread.
Contact devices are a little more difficult to disassemble, but they will not cause any problems - when twisting and disassembling, a puller is used, which should hold the axle using a small contact pad.
Some features
Since the system is constantly exposed to the environment against the backdrop of serious mechanical loads, problems may arise when twisting. In this case, two methods are used:
- Soaking the bicycle pedal in kerosene or solvent to remove as much as possible any clogged dirt that is blocking rotation.
- Heating of the connecting rod and axle. A slight deformation helps free the threads and remove the axle.
It is also important to carefully tighten the axle during installation so as not to damage the threads, which is a significant problem in case of subsequent removal.
Conclusion
Removing pedals from a bicycle is quite easy, but you should not forget about the preparation of tools and materials, as well as possible problems. The main thing is to keep the entire system in order, since in case of damage or other problems, the inconvenience of using the bike will be very great.
