how to remove bicycle pedals

In this easy-to-follow, step-by-step beginner's guide, we'll show you how to install and remove pedals from your bike.

The key skill of any cyclist is to Know how to remove and change bike pedals, especially when you are far away from home or any cycle shop but you need to change the bike pedals.

In this step-by-step guide, we'll walk you through the tools you need to replace the pedals on your bike, including how to identify the left and right pedals, how to remove old pedals, and of course, how to install new pedals.

Tools Needed to Replace Bicycle Pedals

Most pedals are installed and removed with a 15mm wrench or 8mm hex wrench. In this guide, we have used T-handle hex wrenches and a 440XL high torque combination wrench set to demonstrate the steps to take to replace bicycle pedals.

If your pedals have parallel surfaces on the spindle between the pedal body and the crank, you will need a 15mm wrench.

Any 15mm wrench will work as long as it is not too thick to fit between the handle and the pedal body. You may find it difficult to insert an adjustable wrench there.

Do not be confused by such retaining rings. They will almost always be larger than 15mm and are used to access the inside of the pedal.

Some pedals, such as the more expensive Shimano pedals, have a large lock nut next to flat wrench surfaces. They are used to access the inside of the pedal for service – don't get confused.

Some very old pedals may have a flat 9/16 inch surface. You might not even notice using a 15mm wrench.

If your pedals have a hex on the end of the spindle (as viewed from the inside of the crank), you will need an 8mm hex wrench. Some pedals use a 6mm hex wrench instead, but there are fewer.

A long handle hex wrench is best for removing pedals, and a T-shaped hex wrench with a sliding end is ideal because it allows you to move the long part of the hex wrench to avoid getting caught in the bike sprockets.

Note that you always install or remove pedals from the crank side of the pedal spindle. If your pedals have a bolt, cap, or screw on the outer end of the pedal spindle, they are only used to service the bearings.

Left and Right Pedals Explained – What's the Difference?

The left and right pedals have different threads, so it is important to make sure you are installing the correct pedal on each side of the bike.

Before we proceed, for the avoidance of doubt:

The right or drive side of a bike is the side with gears on it
The left side or non-drive side of the bike is the non-gear side.

Installing the right pedal

Right (master) pedals always have a standard thread.

This means that they tighten when the spindle is turned clockwise and loosen when turned counterclockwise. In other words, right for tightening, left for loosening.

Installing the left pedal

The left pedal (the non-driving side) always has a reverse thread. This means that they tighten when the spindle is turned counterclockwise and loosen when turned clockwise.

How to distinguish between left and right pedals

Fortunately, each pedal will have some sort of markings to indicate which it is right or left.

Often, an L or R will be punched out at the end of the spindle. It is also sometimes stamped on flat surfaces under the pedal wrench or printed on the pedal body.

If your pedal doesn't have this, it might instead have a textured area next to the flat wrench surfaces to indicate it's the left pedal.

Look closely at the threads to determine which pedal is on the left pedal – the thread will slope up to the left.

If your pedal doesn't have that either, you can take a close look at the pedal spindle threads.

The right pedal has a standard thread, and when looking at the thread it appears to be pointing up to the right.

The left pedal has reverse threads, and when looking at the threads, they appear to be tilted up to the left.

How to remove pedals from a bike

STEP 1. HOW TO REMOVE THE RIGHT PEDAL (LEAD) FROM THE BIKE

Rotate the cranks in order that when seen from the drive end of your bike, the suitable crank is roughly towards the entrance wheel (three o'clock place).

If your pedals have flat wrench surfaces, place the wrench on them so that it points towards the rear of the bike.

If your pedals use a hex wrench, place the short end of the hex wrench in the back of the pedal with the long end toward the back of the bike.

With the tool in place, push down firmly on the tool while holding the opposite lever to loosen the pedal. Then you can continue to manually unscrew the pedal.

If your pedals weren't greased during installation, or if they simply haven't been removed for a long time, this can take a lot of effort.

If you are unable to loosen the threads by hand, carefully increase the torque using an old pipe or similar device.

If you do not have one shut at hand, you possibly can strive to insert the wheels of the bike on the ground and, when somebody is holding it regularly, strive to utilize your foot as a substitute to use further stress.

Before doing this, make sure your tool is very securely attached to the flathead or hex head wrench. We also recommend placing a folded towel or old book under the pedal to protect the floor.

STEP 2: HOW TO REMOVE THE LEFT (NON-DRIVE) PEDAL FROM THE BIKE

Looking at the bike from the non-drive side, turn the left handle so that it points to the front wheel (nine o'clock position).

Now, following the identical steps as earlier than, place the instrument in order that it factors in the direction of the again of the bike.

How to change bike pedals

STEP 1. HOW TO INSTALL THE RIGHT PEDAL ON THE BIKE

If you have a used pair of pedals or a used bike, thoroughly clean the threads on both the crank arm and the pedals. Sand or dirt can damage the threads over time and lead to wear.

After cleaning the threads, apply a light coat of grease or anti-seize compound to the pedal shaft threads.

This step is absolutely essential. At best, installing dry threaded pedals can make your pedals very difficult to remove. In the worst case, if left for long enough, your pedals and cranks can stick together forever.

Resist the temptation to use anything other than lubricant or EP additives here – chain lubricant or other oils will not work in the long run.

For some cranks and pedals, a thin pedal washer must be installed on the spindle before installation. If you are unsure, check your bike's manual.

After lightly lubricating the pedal shaft, start by screwing in the shaft by hand. The right pedal is tightened when the axle is turned clockwise.

Continue to twist the pedal by hand until it hits the crank. Once you reach the bottom of the crank, lightly tighten the pedal with a hex wrench or wrench.

The pedals don't have to be very tight – just fit snugly against the handle.

ARE YOU SURE YOU ARE INSTALLING THE CORRECT PEDAL?

You may not be able to manually screw the pedal into the old cranks.

Before you start working on the tools, first double-check that you are setting the correct pedal correctly – the left pedal will not screw into the crank and if forced will cross the threads and damage the bike crank.

Even experienced mechanics make mistakes if they are in a hurry, so make sure you do it right.

Once you are 100 percent sure you are installing the correct pedal, you can try using your wrench or hex wrench to get started.

STEP 2. HOW TO INSTALL THE LEFT PEDAL ON THE BIKE

The process is exactly the same for the left pedal, but since it has a reverse thread, you tighten it by turning it counterclockwise.

Once you've installed the pedals, wipe off any excess grease from the crank and you're ready to ride.

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