For those who’re an avid bicycle owner, you will seemingly have to take away your bicycle pedal crank in some unspecified time in the future, whether or not it is for upkeep, repairs, or upgrades. The pedal crank is the element that connects the pedals to the bike’s body and lets you switch energy out of your legs to the wheels. Eradicating the pedal crank can seem to be a frightening activity, however it’s truly a comparatively simple course of with the suitable instruments and data. Whether or not you are a seasoned bike mechanic or a novice residence fanatic, this information will give you step-by-step directions to securely and successfully take away your bicycle pedal crank.
Earlier than you start, it is essential to assemble the required instruments for the job. You will want a pedal wrench, which is a specialised device designed to suit the distinctive form of pedal cranks. If you do not have a pedal wrench, you should purchase one out of your native bike store or on-line retailer. Moreover, you could want a series whip, which is used to carry the cassette in place when you loosen the crank bolt. After getting your instruments assembled, let’s dive into the method of eradicating your bicycle pedal crank.
Step one is to determine the kind of pedal crank you will have. There are two primary varieties: sq. taper cranks and splined cranks. Sq. taper cranks are the commonest kind, and so they have a square-shaped gap within the heart of the crank arm. Splined cranks, alternatively, have a sequence of splines (enamel) that have interaction with the spindle. As soon as you’ve got recognized the kind of crank you will have, you’ll be able to proceed to take away it. For sq. taper cranks, you will have to insert the pedal wrench into the outlet within the crank arm and switch it counterclockwise to loosen the crank bolt. For splined cranks, you will want to make use of a series whip to carry the cassette in place when you use the pedal wrench to loosen the crank bolt.
Figuring out the Kind of Crank System
Earlier than making an attempt to take away your bicycle pedal crank, it’s essential to determine the kind of crank system put in in your bicycle. Totally different crank techniques make use of various elimination strategies, so correct identification is crucial to forestall injury to parts.
Sq. Taper Crankset
Sq. taper cranksets are a standard kind discovered on entry-level and leisure bicycles. They encompass a crank arm with a square-shaped finish that matches into an identical gap within the backside bracket spindle. To determine a sq. taper crankset, search for a 10-notch nut on the crank arm’s inboard facet, reverse the pedal. This nut secures the crank arm to the spindle.
Professionals: Simple to take away and set up | Reasonably priced
Cons: Can loosen over time | Much less environment friendly energy switch in comparison with different techniques
Crank Removing Method: Requires a crank puller to extract the crank arm from the spindle.
Octalink Crankset
Octalink cranksets are used on higher-end bicycles. They characteristic a splined interface between the crank arm and the underside bracket spindle, offering a safe and extra environment friendly energy switch. Octalink cranksets usually have a single bolt that threads into the spindle to carry the crank arm in place.
Professionals: Robust and sturdy | Environment friendly energy switch | Simple to regulate
Cons: Extra complicated to take away in comparison with sq. taper cranksets | Requires a delegated Octalink device
Crank Removing Method: Requires a selected Octalink elimination device to detach the crank arm from the spindle.
Here’s a desk summarizing the important thing variations between sq. taper and Octalink cranksets:
| Function | Sq. Taper | Octalink |
|---|---|---|
| Crank-Spindle Interface | Sq. taper | Splined |
| Crank Fixation | 10-notch nut | Single bolt |
| Crank Removing Instrument | Crank puller | Octalink elimination device |
| Professionals | Simple elimination | Reasonably priced | Robust | Environment friendly | Adjustable |
| Cons | Can loosen | Much less environment friendly | Advanced elimination | Specialised device required |
Gathering Mandatory Instruments
1. Allen Key or Hex Key
The commonest dimension used for bicycle crank bolts is a 6mm or 8mm Allen key. Guarantee you will have the proper dimension earlier than making an attempt to take away the crank. Smaller or bigger sizes could not match correctly and might trigger injury to the bolt or the crank.
2. Crank Puller
A crank puller is a specialised device designed particularly for eradicating bicycle cranks. It consists of a threaded spindle, two or three arms, and a forcing screw. The arms match onto the crank arms, whereas the spindle threads onto the underside bracket axle. By tightening the forcing screw, the crank puller applies stress to the crank arms, forcing them off the spindle.
Totally different Kinds of Crank Pullers:
| Kind | Description |
|---|---|
| Two-Arm Puller | Has two arms that connect to the crank arms. Appropriate for many single and double cranksets. |
| Three-Arm Puller | Has three arms that present extra stability and leverage. Perfect for eradicating cussed or seized cranks. |
| Sq.-Taper Puller | Particularly designed for square-taper cranksets. Has a wider spindle to suit the square-shaped axle. |
3. Chain Whip or Chain Instrument
A series whip or chain device is used to carry the cassette or chainring in place whereas eradicating the crank. This prevents the cassette or chainring from rotating and lets you apply extra power to the crank puller.
Securing the Bicycle
Earlier than starting any upkeep or restore work in your bicycle, it is essential to safe it firmly to forestall it from toppling over. Here is a step-by-step information on how you can correctly safe your bicycle:
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Select a Steady Base
Choose a flat, steady floor with ample area to work across the bicycle with out obstructions.
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Elevate the Bicycle
Increase the bicycle by putting it on a motorcycle stand or work stand at a cushty working top. Make sure the stand is sturdy and might help the burden of the bicycle.
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Safe the Bicycle Body
Utilizing a motorcycle restore stand, safe the bicycle body by clamping it firmly onto the stand. The clamp ought to be tightened securely, however not excessively, to forestall injury to the body.
Alternatively, if a piece stand just isn’t out there, you’ll be able to safe the bicycle to a sturdy object, comparable to a tree or fence publish, utilizing a motorcycle lock or bungee cords. Ensure the bicycle is steady and can’t transfer or fall over through the restore course of.
Finding the Crank Bolts
Figuring out the bolts that safe the crank arms to the underside bracket spindle is a vital step earlier than making an attempt to take away the crank. Here is an in depth information to find the crank bolts:
Figuring out Crank Bolt Varieties
Crank bolts are available in varied varieties relying on the bicycle mannequin and crankset design. The commonest varieties are:
- Allen Hex Bolt: Requires an Allen key (hex wrench) to tighten or loosen.
- Torx Bolt: Makes use of a star-shaped Torx key to take away.
- Sq. Taper Bolt: Requires a crank puller device to take away.
- Octalink Bolt: A particular bolt with an octagonal recess on the top, requiring a selected Octalink device to take away.
Bolt Location
Find the crank bolts on the inside finish of the crank arms, the place they hook up with the underside bracket spindle. Usually, there are two bolts per crank arm, one on either side.
Outer Bolt
The outer bolt, often positioned in direction of the outer facet of the crank arm, is definitely accessible. It may be eliminated utilizing the suitable device primarily based on its bolt kind.
Interior Bolt
The inside bolt is commonly recessed throughout the crank arm. To take away it, you could have to take away different parts, comparable to a chainring or crank arm cowl, to achieve entry to the bolt head.
Tightening Route
Crank bolts are usually tightened in a clockwise course. To loosen and take away them, flip them counterclockwise.
Crank Bolt Kind Instrument Required Tightening Route Allen Hex Bolt Allen Key Clockwise Torx Bolt Torx Key Clockwise Sq. Taper Bolt Crank Puller Clockwise Octalink Bolt Octalink Instrument Clockwise Eradicating the Crank Bolts
The crank bolts are usually positioned on the within of the crank arms, close to the underside bracket. They’re often hidden behind a plastic or metallic cowl. To take away the crank bolts, you will have a 5mm Allen key or a Torx wrench.
1. Use the Allen key or Torx wrench to loosen the crank bolts. Don’t take away them fully at this stage.
2. As soon as the crank bolts are unfastened, use your fingers to softly pry the crank arms away from the underside bracket. You might want to make use of a bit of power, however watch out to not injury the crank arms or the underside bracket.
3. As soon as the crank arms are free, take away the crank bolts fully.
4. Examine the crank bolts and the threads on the crank arms for any injury. If there’s any injury, you will have to exchange the crank bolts or the crank arms.
5. To reinstall the crank bolts, observe these steps in reverse order:
Step Directions 1 Apply a small quantity of grease to the threads of the crank bolts. 2 Insert the crank bolts into the crank arms. 3 Tighten the crank bolts utilizing the Allen key or Torx wrench. Don’t overtighten the bolts. 4 Change the plastic or metallic cowl over the crank bolts. Disengaging the Crank from the Backside Bracket
To take away the crank from the underside bracket, you will have to:
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Determine the kind of crankset you will have. There are two primary sorts of cranksets: sq. taper and splined. Sq. taper cranksets are extra widespread on older bikes, whereas splined cranksets are extra widespread on newer bikes.
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Collect the required instruments. You will want a crank puller, which is a device that’s particularly designed to take away cranks. You should purchase a crank puller at most bike retailers.
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Take away the crank bolt. The crank bolt is positioned on the finish of the crank arm. Use a 6mm Allen key to loosen the crank bolt.
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Connect the crank puller to the crank arm. The crank puller can have two arms that match across the crank arm. Tighten the screws on the crank puller to safe it in place.
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Tighten the crank puller bolt. The crank puller bolt is positioned on the heart of the crank puller. Use a 6mm Allen key to tighten the crank puller bolt. As you tighten the bolt, the crank arm will begin to come unfastened from the underside bracket.
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Take away the crank arm. As soon as the crank arm is unfastened, you’ll be able to take away it from the underside bracket. Grip the crank arm along with your hand and pull it straight out. If the crank arm is caught, you could want to make use of a rubber mallet to faucet it unfastened.
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Repeat steps 3-6 for the opposite crank arm.
Separating the Cranks
That is the place you’ll bodily separate the cranks from the bicycle body. You will want a crank puller for this step. A crank puller is a device particularly designed to take away cranks from bicycles. You will need to use the proper dimension crank puller in your bike. For those who use the mistaken dimension, you may injury your bike.
Listed below are the steps on how you can use a crank puller:
- Connect the crank puller to the crank arm.
- Insert a wrench into the crank puller and start tightening it.
- Proceed tightening the wrench till the crank arm begins to loosen from the underside bracket.
- As soon as the crank arm is unfastened, you’ll be able to take away the crank puller.
- Repeat these steps for the opposite crank arm.
- As soon as each crank arms are eliminated, the pedals ought to come off simply.
- If the pedals don’t come off simply, you should utilize a pedal wrench to take away them. Pedal wrenches are designed to suit the particular kind of pedals in your bike.
Crank Puller Dimension Backside Bracket Kind 13 mm Hollowtech II 15 mm BB30 16 mm PF30 17 mm BSA 19 mm ISIS Cleansing and Inspecting the Crank Parts
To make sure optimum efficiency and longevity of your bicycle, it is essential to scrub and examine the crank parts frequently. Here is an in depth information that can assist you with this activity:
1. Take away the Pedals:
Utilizing a 15mm pedal wrench or a 6mm Allen key, unscrew the pedals from the crank arms.
2. Detach the Chainring:
Loosen the bolts holding the chainring utilizing a 5mm Allen key or a T25 Torx wrench. Fastidiously take away the chainring.
3. Clear the Crank Arms:
Use a degreaser or delicate detergent to take away any filth or grease from the crank arms. Use a delicate brush or rag to softly scrub away cussed buildup.
4. Examine the Crank Arms:
Search for any indicators of injury, comparable to cracks, dents, or bends. If any injury is discovered, it is really useful to exchange the crank arm.
5. Take away the Crank Bolts:
Utilizing a 6mm Allen key or a T40 Torx wrench, loosen the crank bolts that join the crank arms to the underside bracket.
6. Separate the Crank Arms:
Gently pull the crank arms away from the underside bracket. Use a crank puller if they’re caught.
7. Clear the Backside Bracket:
Use a degreaser or delicate detergent to scrub the threads and the floor of the underside bracket.
8. Examine and Lubricate the Backside Bracket Bearings
Fastidiously look at the underside bracket bearings for any indicators of damage or injury. If essential, take away the underside bracket cups utilizing specialised instruments, clear the bearings totally, apply contemporary grease, and reassemble the underside bracket. Discuss with this desk for particular directions primarily based in your backside bracket kind:
Backside Bracket Kind Instruments Sq. Taper Crank Puller, Backside Bracket Instrument Octalink Crank Puller, Octalink Instrument Hollowtech II Crank Puller, Exterior Backside Bracket Instrument PressFit Press Instrument, Backside Bracket Removing Package Reassembling the Crank System
Now that the crank has been eliminated, it is time to reassemble the crank system. This course of is the reverse of the elimination course of, however there are some things to bear in mind.
- Make it possible for the crank arms are correctly aligned. The left crank arm ought to be aligned with the left pedal, and the suitable crank arm ought to be aligned with the suitable pedal.
- Tighten the crank bolts to the desired torque. The torque worth for crank bolts varies relying on the kind of crank, so it is essential to seek the advice of the producer’s specs.
- Set up the chainring bolts, once more tightening them to the desired torque.
- Set up the pedals. The pedals ought to be tightened to the desired torque, and they need to be put in within the appropriate orientation. The left pedal has a left-hand thread, and the suitable pedal has a right-hand thread.
- Test the chain pressure. The chain ought to be tight sufficient to forestall it from skipping, however not so tight that it causes extreme put on on the drivetrain parts.
- Test the shifting efficiency. The bike ought to shift easily and quietly by way of all the gears.
- For those who encounter any issues through the reassembly course of, do not hesitate to seek the advice of a professional bicycle mechanic.
Listed below are the steps outlined in a desk for readability:
Step Motion 1 Align crank arms and pedals 2 Tighten crank bolts 3 Set up chainring bolts 4 Set up pedals 5 Test chain pressure 6 Test shifting efficiency 7 Seek the advice of mechanic if wanted Tightening the Crank Bolts to Specification
Tightening the crank bolts to the proper torque is essential for the security and efficiency of your bicycle. Over-tightening can injury the crank bolts, whereas under-tightening could cause the crank to loosen and probably come off whereas driving.
To make sure correct tightening, use a torque wrench and check with the producer’s specs for the really useful torque. Usually, crank bolts are tightened to between 35 and 50 Nm. For those who do not need entry to a torque wrench, use a hex key and tighten the bolts snugly, however keep away from overdoing it.
Listed below are some extra suggestions for tightening crank bolts:
- Clear the threads of the crank bolts and the crank arms earlier than tightening.
- Apply a small quantity of grease to the threads to forestall seizing.
- Tighten the bolts in a star sample to make sure even distribution of power.
- Test the tightness of the bolts frequently, particularly after driving in tough or moist situations.
Beneficial Torque Specs for Crank Bolts
The next desk offers really useful torque specs for crank bolts from varied producers:
Producer Torque (Nm) Shimano 35-50 SRAM 40-50 Campagnolo 35-45 How To Take away Bicycle Pedal Crank
Eradicating a bicycle pedal crank generally is a easy activity with the suitable instruments and a little bit of know-how. Here is a step-by-step information that can assist you take away the crankset out of your bike:
- Collect your instruments: You will want a crank puller, a 5mm Allen key, and a series whip or pedal wrench.
- Take away the pedals: Begin by eradicating the pedals from the crank arms. Use a 15mm wrench or pedal wrench to loosen the pedals and unscrew them.
- Take away the crank arm bolt: Find the crank arm bolt on the within of the crank arm. Use a 5mm Allen key to loosen the bolt however don’t take away it fully.
- Connect the crank puller: Screw the crank puller onto the crank arm bolt. Tighten the crank puller till it’s cosy however don’t overtighten it.
- Take away the crank arm: Flip the crank puller bolt clockwise to take away the crank arm from the underside bracket spindle. Watch out to not injury the crank arm or the underside bracket.
- Repeat for the opposite crank arm: Observe the identical steps to take away the opposite crank arm.
Folks Additionally Ask About How To Take away Bicycle Pedal Crank
How can I take away a crank and not using a crank puller?
If you do not have a crank puller, you’ll be able to strive utilizing a hammer and punch to take away the crank arm. Place the punch in opposition to the crank arm bolt and faucet it with a hammer to loosen the bolt. As soon as the bolt is unfastened, it is best to be capable of take away the crank arm by hand.
What’s a crank puller?
A crank puller is a specialised device designed to take away crank arms from a bicycle backside bracket. It consists of a threaded bolt that screws into the crank arm bolt and a puller arm that’s used to use leverage to take away the crank arm.
How do I take away a seized crank arm?
In case your crank arm is seized, you could want to make use of a penetrating oil to loosen it. Apply the penetrating oil to the crank arm bolt and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Then, strive utilizing a crank puller or a hammer and punch to take away the crank arm.
