How to Remove a Bicycle Pedal

You may have put some hard miles on your current bike pedals and they need replacing, or you have your eye on a new set that will give you better performance. Either way, if you are planning on installing them yourself, you will need to know how to get those old ones off. This task is not difficult in theory, but there are a couple of key facts you should know, and it may take a good deal of strength.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Bicycle pedal wrench or long handled Allen wrench
Liquid wrench lubricant

Step 1

Secure the bike in a bike repair stand or have a helper hold it.

Step 2

Turn the crank arm until the right pedal is easily accessed. Identify whether your pedals are attached in a traditional manner with pedal wrench flats near the crank, or with a hex fitting that is on the back side of the pedal thread. You will need a bicycle pedal wrench for the former, and an Allen wrench with a long handle for the latter.

Step 3

Insert the pedal wrench onto the flat near the right crank arm (or the Allen wrench into the end of the pedal thread) and turn the wrench counter-clockwise to loosen and then remove the right pedal.

Step 4

Keep in mind that the right and left pedals are threaded in an opposite manner on a bike. Go to the left pedal now, insert the wrench, and turn it in a clockwise direction to remove this pedal.

Tips & Warnings

Pedals are often attached very tight and may require that you generate a lot of force with the wrench. Try grabbing hold of the opposite pedal and crank to gain additional leverage, or using some liquid wrench on the threads to loosen them.

Resources

Pedal Wrenches and Related Tools

Article Written By Anthony Smith

Anthony Smith began writing for Demand Studios in May of 2009 and has since written over 1400 articles for them. He also writes for "The College Baseball Newsletter." He attended the University of New Mexico, and has more than 25 years of experience in the business world.

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