Every cyclist has to deal with a stuck crankset at some point. It’s a frustrating problem, but it’s usually not too difficult to fix. With the right tools and a little patience, you can remove the crankset and get back on the road in no time.
Before you start, you’ll need to gather a few tools. You’ll need a crank puller, a hex wrench, and a chain whip. You may also need a rubber mallet or a hammer and a punch. Once you have your tools, you can start removing the crankset.
First, you’ll need to remove the pedals. To do this, insert the hex wrench into the pedal and turn it counterclockwise. Once the pedals are removed, you can move on to the crankset. Insert the crank puller into the crank arm and tighten it until it’s snug. Then, use the chain whip to hold the chain in place. Finally, use the rubber mallet or a hammer and punch to tap on the crank puller until the crankset comes loose.
Tools and Materials Required
Before embarking on the task of removing cranks from a bike, it is essential to ensure that you have the necessary tools and materials. Here’s a comprehensive list to assist you:
Essential Tools
1. Crank Puller: This specialized tool is designed to safely extract cranks from the bottom bracket. It typically consists of a central bolt that threads into the crank arm, along with two or three arms that engage with the bottom bracket spindle. When the bolt is tightened, it exerts a pulling force that separates the crank from the spindle.
Crank pullers come in various configurations, such as two-arm, three-arm, or universal. The choice depends on the type of crankset you have, so it’s crucial to select the appropriate one for your specific bike.
2. Allen Key Set: An Allen key, also known as a hexagon wrench, is essential for removing the bolt that secures the crank arm to the bottom bracket spindle. The size of the Allen key required varies depending on the crankset, typically ranging from 5mm to 8mm.
3. Pedal Wrench: This tool is specifically designed to remove pedals from bicycle cranks. It typically features a flat head that fits securely into the pedal axle. Using a pedal wrench provides ample leverage, making it easier to loosen and remove pedals before extracting the cranks.
Additional Materials
4. Chain Whip: While not strictly necessary, a chain whip can be helpful in preventing the cassette or freewheel from rotating while you loosen the lockring that secures the crank. It grips the teeth of the cassette or freewheel, providing counterforce during the process.
5. Lockring Tool: This tool is designed to remove the lockring that secures the left crank arm to the bottom bracket spindle. It typically has a thin profile with small teeth that engage with the lockring.
Safety Precautions
Before beginning any work on your bike, ensure your safety with these precautions:
1. Wear appropriate protective gear, including safety glasses and gloves.
2. Secure your bike firmly in a stand or against a wall to prevent it from toppling over and causing injury. To secure your bike firmly, follow these steps:
A. Choose a stable and level surface to place your bike.
B. Select a bike stand that is compatible with your bike’s frame and weight.
C. Position your bike in the stand and adjust the height and angle to provide a stable base.
D. Lock the bike into the stand using the provided mechanisms.
E. If using a wall to support your bike, ensure it is a solid and stable surface.
F. Place a barrier, such as a towel or a piece of cardboard, between the bike and the wall to protect the paint.
3. Use the correct tools for the job. Avoid using tools that are too large or too small, as this can damage your bike or cause injury.
4. Be cautious of sharp edges on the bike or tools.
5. If you are unsure about any part of the process, consult a professional bike mechanic.
Preparing the Cranks
1. Remove the pedals: Using a 15mm wrench or pedal wrench, carefully unthread both pedals from the cranks.
2. Locate the crank bolts: On most bikes, the crank bolts are located on the inside of the crank arms, near the bottom bracket. These bolts typically have a 10mm or 8mm hexagonal head.
3. Breaking the cranks loose: This step requires a bit more force and technique.
- Ensure the bike is stable by placing it in a bike stand or on a flat surface.
- Use a breaker bar or a long-handled wrench.
- Place the wrench on the crank bolt and apply force in the direction that loosens the bolt (usually counterclockwise).
- Simultaneously, hold the opposite crank arm with your non-wrenching hand to prevent it from rotating.
- Apply steady and gradual pressure until the bolt loosens.
Removing the Pedal
To remove a pedal, begin by identifying its type. Pedals are typically either flat or clipless. For flat pedals, skip to step 4. For clipless pedals, follow these additional steps:
- Locate the release lever on the pedal and push it up or down, depending on the model. This may require some force.
- Once the release lever is engaged, twist the pedal counterclockwise to loosen it from the crank arm.
- Using a 15mm wrench, carefully turn the pedal clockwise to remove it completely from the crank arm. Be careful not to overtighten the wrench, as this could strip the threads on the pedal or crank arm.
- Repeat these steps for the other pedal.
Unbolting the Crank Arm from the Pedal
5. **Using a Crank Puller:**
a. **Select the correct puller:** Ensure you have the appropriate crank puller for your specific crankset.
b. **Install the puller:** Thread the puller’s bolt into the end of the crank arm, making sure it engages with the threads securely.
c. **Tighten the puller:** Use a wrench to gradually tighten the puller’s bolt. As you tighten, the puller will begin to apply force to the crank arm, slowly extracting it from the pedal.
d. **Check for binding:** Monitor the crank arm carefully as you tighten the puller. If you notice any binding or excessive resistance, stop tightening and adjust the puller’s alignment or consult a professional.
e. **Remove the arm:** Once the crank arm has been fully extracted, unscrew the puller’s bolt and remove the puller. The crank arm should now be separated from the pedal.
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Removing the Bolt Holding the Crank Arm
Locate the bolt that holds the crank arm to the bike frame. It is typically located on the inside of the crank arm, near the bottom bracket. The bolt may be covered by a cap or plug. If so, remove the cap or plug to expose the bolt.
Determine the type of bolt that is holding the crank arm. Most crank arms are held in place by either a hex bolt or an Allen bolt. If you are not sure what type of bolt it is, consult your bike’s manual or a bike mechanic.
Select the appropriate tool to remove the bolt. If the bolt is a hex bolt, you will need a hex wrench. If the bolt is an Allen bolt, you will need an Allen wrench.
Place the wrench on the bolt and turn it counterclockwise to loosen the bolt. Do not overtighten the bolt, as this can damage the threads.
Once the bolt is loose, remove it completely by hand.
If the bolt is seized or rusted, you may need to use a penetrating oil to loosen it. Apply the penetrating oil to the bolt and let it sit for a few minutes before trying to remove it.
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
| Hex wrench | A wrench with a hexagonal head that is used to remove hex bolts. |
| Allen wrench | A wrench with a hexagonal head that is used to remove Allen bolts. |
Detaching the Crank Arm from the Bottom Bracket
This step requires a special tool known as a crank puller. It is a device that applies pressure to the crank arm to loosen it from the bottom bracket. Follow these steps:
7. Using a Crank Puller
a. **Attach the crank puller:** Screw the crank puller onto the crank arm, ensuring that the threads are properly engaged.
b. **Tighten the puller:** Use a wrench or socket to tighten the crank puller’s bolts or screws. The puller should hold the crank arm firmly.
c. **Apply force:** Gradually increase the force applied to the puller’s arms or handle. This will create pressure that will loosen the crank arm from the bottom bracket.
d. **Remove the crank arm:** Once the crank arm is loose enough, gently pull it off the bottom bracket. Be careful not to damage the threads or the bottom bracket spindle.
| * Use a drive-side crank puller for the right-hand crank arm and a non-drive-side crank puller for the left-hand crank arm. |
e. **Inspect the threads:** Examine the threads on the crank arm and the bottom bracket spindle for any damage or wear. If there are any issues, it is recommended to address them before reassembling the crankset.
Cleaning and Inspecting the Components
Once you have removed the cranks, it is important to clean and inspect them. This will help you identify any potential problems and ensure that they are in good condition before reinstalling them.
Cleaning the Cranks
To clean the cranks, use a mild detergent and a soft brush. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the finish.
Inspecting the Cranks
Once the cranks are clean, inspect them for any signs of damage. This includes checking for cracks, bends, or any other damage that could compromise their strength.
9. Inspecting the Chainring Bolts
The chainring bolts are responsible for securing the chainrings to the cranks. It is important to inspect them for any signs of wear or damage.
Check for the following:
| Item | Signs of Wear or Damage |
|---|---|
| Bolt head | Stripped or damaged threads, rust |
| Bolt shank | Bends, cracks, or other damage |
| Bolt washer | Flattened, cracked, or missing |
If any of the chainring bolts show signs of wear or damage, they should be replaced before reinstalling the cranks.
How To Remove Cranks From Bike
Removing cranks from a bike is a relatively simple process that can be completed with a few basic tools. However, it is important to note that there are two main types of cranks: square taper and splined. The removal process for each type is slightly different.
For square taper cranks:
- Remove the pedals.
- Use a crank puller to remove the cranks. A crank puller is a tool that threads into the crank arm and then uses a bolt to pull the crank off of the spindle.
- Once the cranks are removed, you can then remove the bottom bracket.
For splined cranks:
- Remove the pedals.
- Use a 5mm Allen key to loosen the pinch bolts on the back of the crank arms.
- Once the pinch bolts are loose, you can then use a crank puller to remove the cranks.
- Once the cranks are removed, you can then remove the bottom bracket.
People Also Ask
How do I know what type of cranks I have?
The easiest way to determine what type of cranks you have is to look at the back of the crank arm. If there is a square hole, then you have square taper cranks. If there is a splined hole, then you have splined cranks.
Do I need any special tools to remove cranks?
Yes, you will need a crank puller to remove cranks. Crank pullers are available at most bike shops and online retailers.
Can I remove cranks without a crank puller?
It is possible to remove cranks without a crank puller, but it is more difficult and can damage the cranks or the bottom bracket. If you do not have a crank puller, it is best to take your bike to a bike shop to have the cranks removed.
