If you’re like most cyclists, you’ll eventually need to remove the crank from your bicycle. Whether you’re replacing the crank, the bottom bracket, or just cleaning and lubricating the components, removing the crank is a relatively simple task that can be completed with a few basic tools. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to remove a bicycle crank, so you can get back to riding in no time.
Before you begin, you’ll need to gather a few tools. You’ll need a 5mm Allen key, a 14mm socket wrench, and a crank puller. If you don’t have a crank puller, you can rent one from your local bike shop. Once you have your tools, you’re ready to get started. First, remove the pedals from the crank arms. To do this, simply insert a 15mm wrench into the pedal and turn it counterclockwise. Once the pedals are removed, you can move on to the next step.
Next, you’ll need to remove the crank arm bolts. To do this, insert a 5mm Allen key into the bolt and turn it counterclockwise. Once the bolts are loosened, you can remove them by hand. With the crank arm bolts removed, you can now pull the crank arms off of the spindle. To do this, simply grip the crank arm with one hand and pull it straight towards you. The crank arm should come off easily. Once the crank arms are removed, you can now remove the crank spindle. To do this, simply insert a 14mm socket wrench into the spindle and turn it counterclockwise. Once the spindle is loosened, you can remove it by hand. With the crank spindle removed, you have now successfully removed the crank from your bicycle.
Removing the Pedals
Before you can remove the crank, you need to remove the pedals. This is a relatively simple process that can be done with a few basic tools.
1. **Identify the type of pedals you have.** There are two main types of pedals: flat pedals and clipless pedals. Flat pedals are the most common type, and they are simply attached to the crank arm with a bolt. Clipless pedals, on the other hand, require a special cleat that is attached to the bottom of your shoe. To remove clipless pedals, you will need to use a special tool called a cleat wrench.
2. **Gather the necessary tools.** To remove flat pedals, you will need a 15mm wrench or a 6mm Allen key. To remove clipless pedals, you will need a cleat wrench.
3. **Remove the pedals.**
For flat pedals:
- Use the wrench or Allen key to loosen the bolt that is holding the pedal in place.
- Once the bolt is loose, simply unscrew it by hand.
- Repeat the process for the other pedal.
For clipless pedals:
- Use the cleat wrench to loosen the bolt that is holding the cleat in place.
- Once the bolt is loose, simply unscrew it by hand.
- Repeat the process for the other cleat.
- Once the cleats are removed, you can simply pull the pedals off of the crank arms.
Removing the Chainring Bolts
To remove the chainring bolts, you will need a chainring bolt wrench or a 5mm Allen key. First, place the wrench or key over the head of the bolt and turn it counterclockwise to loosen it. Once the bolt is loose, you can remove it by hand.
If the chainring bolts are seized, you may need to use a penetrating oil to loosen them. Apply the penetrating oil to the threads of the bolts and let it sit for a few minutes before trying to remove them.
Here is a table of the different types of chainring bolts and the tools you will need to remove them:
| Chainring Bolt Type | Tool |
|---|---|
| Allen bolt | 5mm Allen key |
| Torx bolt | T25 Torx key |
| External Torx bolt | E10 External Torx key |
Lubricating and Inspecting
Before removing the crank, it’s crucial to lubricate and inspect both the crank spindle and the inner surface of the bottom bracket shell. This will not only ease the removal process but also help prevent damage to the components.
Using a thin layer of grease or anti-seize compound, apply it to the crank spindle’s threads, the inner surface of the bottom bracket shell, and any bearing surfaces. This lubrication will reduce friction and allow the crank to slide off smoothly.
Once lubricated, thoroughly inspect the crank and bottom bracket for any visible damage, such as cracks, dents, or excessive wear. If any issues are found, it’s recommended to replace the affected components before proceeding with the removal process to avoid further damage or safety hazards.
Removing the Crank
- Locate the crank bolts or pinch bolts securing the crank to the spindle.
- Using an appropriate wrench or Allen key, carefully loosen the bolts by turning them counterclockwise.
- Once the bolts are loose, gently pull the crank straight off the spindle.
- Inspect the crank and spindle for any damage or wear.
- Apply a small amount of grease or anti-seize compound to the threads of the new crank.
- Align the new crank with the spindle and carefully slide it onto the spindle.
- Tighten the crank bolts securely by turning them clockwise using an appropriate torque wrench or Allen key.
Reinstalling the Crank
Once you have removed the crank, you can reinstall it by following these steps:
- Clean the crank and spindle: Use a cloth or brush to remove any dirt or debris from the crank and spindle.
- Apply grease to the spindle: Apply a thin layer of grease to the spindle to help prevent the crank from seizing.
- Install the crank on the spindle: Slide the crank onto the spindle, making sure that the splines on the crank align with the splines on the spindle.
- Tighten the crank bolts: Use a wrench or allen key to tighten the crank bolts. Be sure to tighten the bolts evenly to prevent the crank from loosening.
- Check the crank for tightness: Once the crank bolts are tightened, check the crank to make sure that it is securely attached to the spindle.
- Install the chainring: If you removed the chainring when you removed the crank, you will need to reinstall it now. Use the chainring bolts to attach the chainring to the crank.
- Tighten the chainring bolts: Use a wrench or allen key to tighten the chainring bolts. Be sure to tighten the bolts evenly to prevent the chainring from loosening.
- Check the chainring for tightness: Once the chainring bolts are tightened, check the chainring to make sure that it is securely attached to the crank.
- Lubricate the chain: Apply a few drops of chain lube to the chain to help keep it running smoothly.
How To Remove Bicycle Crank
Removing the crank arms from your bike is a necessary task for various maintenance and repair purposes. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you safely and correctly remove your bicycle crank:
- Gather necessary tools: You will need an Allen key or socket wrench, a crank puller, and a chain whip or lockring tool.
- Prepare your bike: Shift the bike into the smallest chainring and secure it in a bike stand or upside down on a flat surface.
- Locate the crank bolts: On most bikes, you will find two or three bolts at the center of the crank arms. Use the Allen key or socket wrench to loosen these bolts, but do not remove them completely.
- Attach the crank puller: Connect the crank puller to the crank arm and tighten it securely. Make sure that the puller is properly aligned with the spindle.
- Use the chain whip or lockring tool: Hold the chain whip or lockring tool against the cassette or lockring, depending on your bike’s design. Rotate the crank arm counterclockwise while applying pressure to the tool to break the crank loose from the spindle.
- Remove the bolts and crank: Once the crank is loose, completely remove the bolts and carefully pull the crank arm off the spindle.
- Repeat for the other crank: Follow the same procedure to remove the crank arm on the other side of the bike.
People Also Ask
How do I know if my crank needs to be replaced?
Signs of a potentially damaged or worn-out crank include: visible cracks or deformation, excessive play or creaking noises, and difficulty in shifting gears smoothly.
What causes a crank to loosen?
Cranks can become loose over time due to insufficient tightening during assembly or repeated vibrations and impact while riding. Regular maintenance and proper torqueing of the crank bolts are essential for preventing this.
Can you remove a crank without a crank puller?
It is strongly discouraged to attempt removing a crank without a proper crank puller. Trying to do so can damage the crank, spindle, or other components. A crank puller is designed to apply even force and prevent damage while extracting the crank from the spindle.
