Install pedals

Pedals bearing may be serviceable depending upon the manufacturer and model of pedal. Some pedals use adjustable cup type ball bearing system, and may be cleaned, greased, and adjusted. Service tools are proprietary to each brand. Some pedal models are not intended to be serviced, and are simply ridden until the pedal wears out. Pedal bearing service is typically best left to professional mechanics.

Pedal bodies often are made with small screws and bolts. These screws hold together the cage and mounting plates. Occasionally check that these fasteners and the cleats on your riding shoes are tight. Additionally, lubricate the pivot points on clipless type pedal systems. Trade Resources. This helps protect against cuts from chainring teeth. Rotate bike until right pedal is easily accessed. Try different wrench positions until wrench and crank arm form an angle of 90 degrees or less, as seen below.

Correct mechanical advantage is critical on pedals, which are often overly tight. Left: poor mechanical advantage; Right: good mechanical advantage If possible, grab opposite crank for second lever. Turn pedal wrench counter-clockwise to remove right pedal or turn crank so the pedal is pedaling forward. Use care not to abrade skin. Continue to turn wrench counter-clockwise and remove pedal completely from crank.

Begin threading your pedals back on with your fingers only. Cross-threading is a bane on pedals, and a common pitfall for beginners. They should screw on clean and smooth with little or no resistance. Again, twist the drive side — right side — pedal clockwise to tighten. Twist the non-drive side pedal, the left side — counterclockwise to tighten. Make sure they are straight and exactly perpendicular to the crank arm.

Finish tightening the pedals with the pedal wrench or hex tool. Always be sure to double check that the pedals are tight. Losing a pedal is a recipe for crashing and a loose pedal can damage your crank arm threads beyond repair.

Installing pedals is easy when you know what to do. Removing pedals can be a bit more of a challenge but this article should help you. Step 3: Rotate the spanner in the anti-clockwise direction. Step 4: Free the Pedal. Step 5: Turn the bicycle around. Step 6: Rotate the crank arm. Step 7: Position the spanner accordingly. Fortunately, you can easily replace your bike pedals at home using a few simple tools. A pedal that falls off is usually a sign that the pedal and the crank arm threads are severely damaged.

Tip 5: Use the Proper Tools. In Conclusion. Whatever the required tool, a long-handled version of it will mean extra leverage for extra security and easier removal. Most good quality pedal wrenches are 15 mm only. Are bicycle pedals universal?