How to Take Pedals Off a Bike: A Comprehensive Guide

Learning how to take pedals off a bike is a fundamental skill for any cyclist, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out. Properly removing your pedals is crucial for maintenance, upgrades, or even packing your bike for travel. While it might seem straightforward, the process involves understanding a few key principles to avoid damaging your bike or injuring yourself. This guide will walk you through the necessary steps, tools, and considerations to ensure a smooth and successful pedal removal.

Incorrectly removing bike pedals can lead to stripped threads, which can be a costly and frustrating repair. Understanding the nuances of pedal removal, especially the reverse threading on one side, is essential. This article provides a clear, step-by-step approach to take pedals off a bike with confidence and efficiency.

Understanding Pedal Threading

One of the most important things to remember when learning how to take pedals off a bike is that the left and right pedals have different threading. 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. This reverse threading is designed to prevent the pedals from loosening while you’re riding.

Many pedals are marked with an ‘L’ or ‘R’ to indicate which side they belong on. This is especially helpful when reinstalling the pedals. If you’re unsure, remember that the right pedal is on the same side as the chain and gears.

Tools You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather the necessary tools. Having the right tools will make the process much easier and prevent damage to your bike.

• Pedal Wrench: A pedal wrench is a long-handled wrench specifically designed for removing bike pedals. It’s usually 15mm and provides the leverage needed to loosen stubborn pedals.
• Allen Wrench (Hex Wrench): Some pedals have a hex socket on the inside of the crank arm instead of wrench flats. A standard set of Allen wrenches will suffice. The size is usually 6mm or 8mm, but check your pedals to be sure.
• Grease: Applying grease to the pedal threads before reinstalling them will prevent them from seizing up in the future.
• Work Gloves: Wearing gloves will protect your hands and provide a better grip.
• Rag: A rag will be useful for wiping away excess grease and cleaning the pedals.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Take Pedals Off a Bike

Now that you have the tools and understand the basics, let’s walk through the process of how to take pedals off a bike.

Step 1: Prepare Your Bike

Start by positioning your bike so that you can comfortably access the pedals. You can either place the bike on a repair stand or simply lean it against a wall. Make sure the bike is stable to prevent it from falling over while you’re working on it.

Step 2: Position the Crank Arm

Rotate the crank arm so that the pedal you want to remove is parallel to the ground. This will give you the best leverage when loosening the pedal. For the right pedal (drive side), position the crank arm so it’s pointing forward. For the left pedal (non-drive side), position the crank arm so it’s pointing backward.

Step 3: Loosen the Right Pedal (Drive Side)

Insert the pedal wrench or Allen wrench into the pedal. Remember, the right pedal has a standard right-hand thread, so you’ll need to turn the wrench counter-clockwise to loosen it. It may require some force, especially if the pedals haven’t been removed in a while. If the pedal is stuck, try applying some penetrating oil and letting it sit for a few minutes before trying again. Consider using a longer wrench for more leverage. Be careful not to round off the wrench flats or the hex socket.

Step 4: Loosen the Left Pedal (Non-Drive Side)

Now, move to the left pedal. This pedal has a left-hand thread, so you’ll need to turn the wrench clockwise to loosen it. Again, it may require some force. Ensure you’re turning the wrench in the correct direction to avoid tightening the pedal further. If you’re struggling, apply penetrating oil and use a longer wrench for better leverage.

Step 5: Remove the Pedals Completely

Once you’ve loosened both pedals, you should be able to unscrew them by hand. Continue turning the pedals until they are completely removed from the crank arms. Be careful not to cross-thread the pedals as you remove them.

Tips for Stubborn Pedals

Sometimes, pedals can be very difficult to remove, especially if they haven’t been removed in a long time or if they weren’t properly greased during installation. Here are a few tips for dealing with stubborn pedals:

• Use Penetrating Oil: Apply penetrating oil to the pedal threads and let it sit for several minutes. This will help to loosen any corrosion or rust that may be causing the pedal to stick.
• Use a Longer Wrench: A longer wrench will provide more leverage, making it easier to loosen the pedal. You can also use a cheater bar (a length of pipe) to extend the handle of your wrench.
• Apply Heat: In some cases, applying heat to the crank arm can help to loosen the pedal. Use a heat gun or a propane torch, but be careful not to overheat the crank arm, as this could damage it.
• Ask for Help: If you’re still struggling to remove the pedals, consider taking your bike to a local bike shop. They have the tools and expertise to remove even the most stubborn pedals.

Reinstalling Your Pedals

Once you’ve successfully learned how to take pedals off a bike, you’ll eventually need to reinstall them. Here’s how to do it properly:

Step 1: Clean the Threads

Before reinstalling the pedals, clean the threads on both the pedals and the crank arms. Use a rag to remove any dirt, grease, or debris. This will ensure a smooth and secure fit.

Step 2: Apply Grease

Apply a thin layer of grease to the pedal threads. This will prevent the pedals from seizing up in the future and make them easier to remove next time. Use a high-quality grease specifically designed for bicycle components.

Step 3: Start Threading by Hand

Start threading the pedals into the crank arms by hand. Make sure you’re threading them in the correct direction. The right pedal (drive side) should be threaded in clockwise, and the left pedal (non-drive side) should be threaded in counter-clockwise. Be careful not to cross-thread the pedals. If you feel any resistance, stop and realign the pedal.

Step 4: Tighten with a Wrench

Once you’ve threaded the pedals in as far as you can by hand, use a pedal wrench or Allen wrench to tighten them securely. Don’t overtighten the pedals, as this could damage the threads. A snug fit is sufficient. A torque wrench can be used to tighten to the manufacturer’s recommended torque specification, usually around 30-40 Nm.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When learning how to take pedals off a bike, it’s easy to make mistakes, especially if you’re a beginner. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Forgetting the Reverse Threading: This is the most common mistake. Remember that the left pedal has a left-hand thread, so you’ll need to turn it clockwise to loosen it.
• Using the Wrong Tools: Using the wrong tools can damage the pedals or the crank arms. Always use a pedal wrench or Allen wrench of the correct size.
• Cross-Threading the Pedals: Cross-threading the pedals can damage the threads on both the pedals and the crank arms. Be careful to align the pedals properly before threading them in.
• Overtightening the Pedals: Overtightening the pedals can damage the threads and make them difficult to remove in the future. Tighten the pedals securely, but don’t overtighten them.

Regular Maintenance for Your Bike Pedals

Proper maintenance can significantly extend the life of your bike pedals and make them easier to remove in the future. Here are a few maintenance tips:

• Grease the Threads Regularly: Apply grease to the pedal threads every time you remove and reinstall the pedals. This will prevent them from seizing up.
• Check the Pedals Regularly: Check the pedals regularly for any signs of wear or damage. Replace the pedals if they are worn or damaged.
• Clean the Pedals Regularly: Clean the pedals regularly to remove any dirt, grease, or debris. This will help to keep them functioning properly.

Conclusion

Learning how to take pedals off a bike is a valuable skill that will save you time and money in the long run. By following the steps outlined in this guide and avoiding common mistakes, you can remove and reinstall your pedals with confidence. Remember to use the right tools, understand the threading, and apply grease to the threads regularly. With a little practice, you’ll be able to take pedals off a bike like a pro.

Mastering the process of how to take pedals off a bike not only empowers you to perform essential maintenance but also deepens your understanding of your bicycle’s mechanics. Taking the time to learn these skills ensures that you can keep your bike in top condition, enhancing your riding experience and extending the lifespan of your equipment. Happy cycling!

[See also: Bike Maintenance Tips for Beginners]

[See also: Choosing the Right Bike Pedals]

[See also: How to Clean Your Bike Chain]