How to Remove Flat Pedals
Removing the flat pedals is an easy task that many people do not understand how to perform. There is no need to worry anymore, as this article will highlight more about how to remove flat pedals.
The intention of removing them is to replace them with new ones because, without the pedals, it would not be possible to ride a bike. In extension, we will also learn how to fit the flat ones.
We will mention the materials necessary to accomplish the task and a step-by-step procedure to follow when removing and replacing the pedals.
Read through the article for more information.
How to remove flat pedals
Before we mention the procedure, let us first state the material necessary to do the work. They include:
- An 8mm Allen or 6mm Hex Key.
- Lubricant oil or grease.
- A spanner or a pedal wrench. Select the specialty tool for taking off the pedals.
- A 15mm wrench or spanner.
- A manual or this document, especially if it is your first time performing the task.
Removing the pedals
When it comes to removing the flat pedals, you can do it from either side, the drive and non-drive side. Both have a separate procedure because of the construction of the bike. We shall look at each one of them separately.
Read more: Best Flat Pedals for Road Bike
How to remove them from the non-drive side
Before beginning the task, slide the chain to the largest chainring as this will prevent accidental cuts on the hand by the teeth of this chainring. An accident can happen in case the hand slips or when it is in the wrong position.
The use of Allen Key
In case you are using the Allen Key, there will be a requirement to reach the Hex fitting inside the crank arm.
Place the shortest arm of the Allen Key inside the Hex fitting to enable you to have leverage together with the long arm.
Insert the Allen Key into the position with the crank arm pointing downwards, the way a clock would be pointing at 6 O’clock in the morning. The Allen Key should be at 90⁰ to the crank arm, which is pointing to the left, or the back of the bike, at 3 O’clock.
Hold the flat pedal still and move it in a clockwise direction until it becomes loose. Do not remove the Allen Key in the process until you achieve the target results.
The use of a pedal wrench
If using the pedal wrench, you will need to access the wrench flat area of the spindle from outside the crank arm.
To begin, place the pedal wrench onto the spindle, and the crank arm should be pointing at 9 O’clock time. It means that it should be facing the front of the bicycle.
The pedal wrench should, however, be pointing towards the rear part of the bike at 3 O’clock time.
Hold the pedal still and move down the wrench in a counterclockwise direction until it becomes loose.
Whether using the Allen Key or the pedal wrench, once you loosen it, continue to turn the pedal in a similar direction until it comes out.
How to remove the pedals from the drive side
The use of Allen key
In case you are using the Allen Key to remove the flat pedals, there will be a requirement to reach the Hex fitting inside the crank arm.
Place the shortest arm of the Allen Key inside the Hex fitting to enable you to have leverage with the long arm.
Insert the Allen Key into the position and the crank arm pointing downwards, the way a clock would be pointing at 6 O’clock in the morning. The Allen Key should be at 90⁰ to the crank arm, which is pointing to the left, or the back of the bike, at 3 O’clock.
Hold the flat pedal still and move it in a counterclockwise direction until it becomes loose. Do not remove the Allen Key in the process until you achieve the target results.
The procedure is similar to the one above, only that the Allen Key will move in an anticlockwise direction this time round.
The use of a pedal wrench
If using the pedal wrench, you will need to access the wrench flat area of the spindle from outside the crank arm.
To begin, place the pedal wrench onto the spindle, and the crank arm should be pointing at 9 O’clock time. It means that it should be facing the front of the bicycle.
The pedal wrench should, however, be pointing towards the rear part of the bike at 3 O’clock time.
Hold the pedal still and move down the wrench in a counterclockwise direction until it becomes loose.
There is no change in procedure between the two methods when using the pedal wrench. In both cases, you will need to push it in an anticlockwise direction.
As in the case above, whether using the Allen Key or the pedal wrench, once you loosen it, continue turning the pedal in a similar direction until it comes out.
How to fit new flat pedals
Before replacing the new with the old, clean the bike first to get rid of old lubricant, moisture, grime, and other dirt.
Leave it to dry and apply the lubricant or grease onto the threads of the crank arm.
By use of Allen Key
Insert the pedal into the crank arm. Use the Allen Key from inside to tighten the flat pedal. If doing it from the drive side, turn it in a clockwise direction.
From the non-drive side, it should be in the anticlockwise direction.
Continue turning the Allen Key until the flat pedal becomes tight.
By use of a pedal wrench
Screw the flat pedal into the crank arm using your hand. Continue with the procedure until you feel resistance.
Place the pedal wrench into the position and tighten. Move it clockwise when working from the drive side and anticlockwise from the non-drive side.
Conclusion
Removing the flat pedals is an easy task that requires grasping a few procedures. The first one is to know the type of tool to use and the side from which to work.
Each tool has a specific way of functioning. The bike has a drive and non-drive side. Each of these has a specific direction to turn the tool to remove or replace the flat pedal.
As a rider, you should know when to turn the spanner in the clockwise or anticlockwise direction to perform the task. Remember to clean the bike at any time you perform the maintenance tasks and before replacing the old with new parts.
I wish you the best of luck as you delve into the performance of the task.
