5 Easy Steps to Remove a Bike Crank

How to Remove a Bike Crank

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Before you start, gather the necessary tools. You will need an adjustable wrench or a crank puller. If you are using an adjustable wrench, make sure that it is the correct size for the nuts on the crank. If you are using a crank puller, follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to use it. Once you have gathered the necessary tools, you can begin the process of removing the crank from the bike.

Now that you have gathered the necessary tools, you can begin the process of removing the crank from the bike. First, you will need to loosen the nuts on the crank. To do this, use the adjustable wrench or the crank puller. Once the nuts are loose, you can remove the crank from the bike. Be careful not to damage the crank or the bike frame while you are removing it.

Preparation for Crank Removal

Before embarking on the task of removing your bike’s crank, it is essential to prepare adequately to ensure a smooth and successful process. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you get started:

Gather the Necessary Tools:

Tool	Purpose
Allen wrench	Tightens and loosens crank bolts
Chain whip	Prevents the cassette from spinning while loosening the crank bolt
Crank puller	Specifically designed to remove cranks
Rag or towel	Protects the bike frame from scratches and absorbs grease
Torque wrench (optional)	Ensures proper tightening of the crank bolts

Safety Precautions:

* Stay clear of the rotating pedals before and after the crank removal process.
* Wear protective gloves to avoid cuts or grease contamination.
* Secure your bike firmly in a stand or have someone assist you for stability.

Cleaning and Lubrication:

* Thoroughly clean the crankset and surrounding areas to remove any dirt or grease that could interfere with the tools.
* Apply a small amount of penetrating oil or lubricant to the crank bolts and threads to facilitate easier loosening.
* Allow sufficient time for the lubricant to penetrate before proceeding.

Gathering Essential Tools

Before embarking on the task of removing a crank from your bike, it is essential to gather the necessary tools to ensure the process is smooth and safe. Here is a comprehensive list of the indispensable tools you will require:

Wrenches

Two wrenches are necessary for this task: an adjustable wrench and an Allen key wrench. The adjustable wrench is used to loosen the crank bolts, while the Allen key wrench is used to remove the crank arm bolts.

Chain Whip

A chain whip is a specialized tool designed to secure the cassette and prevent it from rotating while you loosen the crank bolts. It is a crucial tool, particularly if your cassette is stuck or difficult to hold in place.

Crank Puller

A crank puller is an indispensable tool for safely removing the crank arms. It consists of a spindle, a bolt, and two arms. The spindle is threaded into the crank arm, and the bolt is used to apply force to the crank puller arms, which ultimately separate the crank arm from the bottom bracket spindle.

Lube or Grease

A small amount of lube or grease can be applied to the threads of the crank bolts to facilitate their removal and prevent them from seizing up in the future.

Tool	Purpose
Adjustable Wrench	Loosen crank bolts
Allen Key Wrench	Remove crank arm bolts
Chain Whip	Secure cassette while loosening crank bolts
Crank Puller	Remove crank arms from bottom bracket spindle
Lube/Grease	Lubricate crank bolts for easy removal and prevention of seizing

Identifying Crank Type

There are two main types of cranks used on bicycles: square taper cranks and cottered cranks.

Square taper cranks

Square taper cranks are the most common type of crank used on bicycles today. They are held in place by a wedge-shaped bolt that fits into a square taper hole in the crank arm. Square taper cranks are relatively easy to remove and install, and they are compatible with a wide range of bottom brackets.

Cottered cranks

Cottered cranks are an older type of crank that is less common than square taper cranks. They are held in place by a cotter pin that fits through a hole in the crank arm and into a slot in the bottom bracket spindle. Cottered cranks are more difficult to remove and install than square taper cranks, and they are not as compatible with a wide range of bottom brackets.

How to identify the type of crank on your bicycle

Identifying crank type on your bicycle
Crank Type	Identifying Features
Square taper	Wedge-shaped bolt that fits into a square taper hole in the crank arm
Cottered	Cotter pin that fits through a hole in the crank arm and into a slot in the bottom bracket spindle

Removing the Left Crank Arm

The left crank arm is attached to the spindle of the bottom bracket with a nut. To remove the left crank arm, you will need a wrench that fits the nut.

Remove the pedal: Use a 15 mm wrench to remove the pedal from the left crank arm.
Loosen the nut: Use a wrench to loosen the nut that attaches the left crank arm to the spindle of the bottom bracket.
Remove the crank arm: Once the nut is loose, you can remove the left crank arm by hand.
Clean the threads: Use a rag to clean the threads on the spindle of the bottom bracket and the left crank arm.
Apply anti-seize: Apply a small amount of anti-seize to the threads on the spindle of the bottom bracket and the left crank arm.
Install the crank arm: Thread the left crank arm onto the spindle of the bottom bracket by hand.
Tighten the nut: Use a wrench to tighten the nut that attaches the left crank arm to the spindle of the bottom bracket.
Install the pedal: Use a 15 mm wrench to install the pedal on the left crank arm.

Table: Parts of Left Crank Arm Removal

Item	Description
Pedals	Drive the bike and are attached to the crank arms.
Crank Arm	Supplies leverage to the BB’s spindle and is attached to the pedals
Left Crank Nut	Attaches the left crank arm to the bottom bracket.
Bottom Bracket	Houses the bearings that allow the spindle to spin freely.
Chainring	Attaches to the crank arms and transfers power to the chain.
BB Spindle	Connects the crank arms and provides support for the bottom bracket.

Removing the Right Crank Arm

Removing the right crank arm typically involves the following steps:

Loosen the crank bolt: Using a 5mm Allen key or Torx wrench, locate the crank bolt on the inside of the right crank arm. Turn the bolt counterclockwise to loosen it but do not remove it completely.
Install the crank puller: Place the crank puller over the crank bolt, ensuring that the arms of the puller are aligned with the splines on the crank arm. Thread the crank bolt back into the crank arm, but only enough to engage the threads.
Tighten the puller bolts: Gradually tighten the bolts on the crank puller, alternating between them to evenly distribute the force. Continue tightening until the crank arm loosens and comes free from the spindle.
Remove the crank puller: Once the crank arm is loose, remove the crank puller by unscrewing the crank bolt and lifting the puller off the crank arm.
Clean and inspect the components: Wipe away any grease or dirt from the crank arm, spindle, and crank puller. Inspect the components for any damage or wear, and replace any worn or damaged parts as necessary.

Removing the Bottom Bracket

The bottom bracket is the part of the bike that holds the cranks in place. To remove the bottom bracket, you will need a bottom bracket tool. There are two types of bottom bracket tools: external and internal.

External bottom bracket tools fit over the outside of the bottom bracket. Internal bottom bracket tools fit inside the bottom bracket. The type of tool you need will depend on the type of bottom bracket you have.

To remove the bottom bracket, follow these steps:

1. Remove the cranks.

To remove the cranks, you will need a crank puller. There are two types of crank pullers: two-arm and three-arm. The type of crank puller you need will depend on the type of cranks you have.

2. Remove the bottom bracket dust caps.

The bottom bracket dust caps are located on the outside of the bottom bracket. They are usually made of plastic or metal. To remove the dust caps, you can use a flathead screwdriver or a pair of pliers.

3. Insert the bottom bracket tool.

Insert the bottom bracket tool into the bottom bracket. The tool should fit snugly into the bottom bracket.

4. Turn the bottom bracket tool.

Turn the bottom bracket tool in the direction that is indicated on the tool. The bottom bracket will begin to loosen.

5. Remove the bottom bracket.

Once the bottom bracket is loose, you can remove it from the frame. Be careful not to drop the bottom bracket.

6. Inspection and Cleaning

Before re-installing the bottom bracket, it is important to inspect and clean the threads of the bracket and the frame. Ensure that the threads are free of any debris, rust, or damage. If necessary, use a thread cleaner or a wire brush to remove any contaminants. Additionally, inspect the bearings within the bottom bracket for any signs of wear or damage. If the bearings are worn or damaged, they should be replaced.

To clean the bottom bracket threads, you can use a brush and a degreaser. To clean the bearings, you can use a bearing cleaning kit.

Cleaning and Inspecting Components

1. Dismantle the Crankarms

Using a crank extractor, unscrew the crank bolts and separate the cranks from the bottom bracket.

2. Remove the Bottom Bracket

Consult your bike’s manufacturer instructions for specific bottom bracket removal procedures. Typically, you’ll need a bottom bracket wrench or tool to loosen and remove the bottom bracket.

3. Inspect the Crankarms

Check the crank arms for any damage, such as cracks, bends, or worn areas. If any damage is found, it’s best to replace the crank arms.

4. Inspect the Bottom Bracket

Inspect the bottom bracket threads, bearings, and seals for any damage or wear. If the bottom bracket is damaged or worn, it should be replaced.

5. Clean the Components

Thoroughly clean all components using a degreaser and a clean cloth or brush. Remove any dirt, grease, or debris from the crank arms, bottom bracket, and surrounding areas.

6. Inspect Bearing Surfaces

Carefully examine the bearing surfaces of the crank arms and bottom bracket. Look for any pitting, corrosion, or excessive wear. If any damage is found, the components should be replaced.

7. Inspect Inner Surfaces of the Crank Arm

Particular attention should be paid to the inner surfaces of the crank arms, where the crank bolts are inserted. These areas are prone to wear and tear and can affect the strength and reliability of the crankset. Check for any signs of stripping, deformation, or excessive play. If the inner surfaces are damaged, it may compromise the integrity of the crank arm and necessitate replacement.

Reinstalling the Bottom Bracket

Now that the crank has been removed, it’s time to reinstall the bottom bracket. To do this, follow these steps:

Apply a thin layer of grease to the threads of the bottom bracket shell.
Screw the bottom bracket cups into the shell by hand, tightening them until they are snug.
Use a bottom bracket tool to further tighten the cups until they are secure.
Clean the threads of the crank and bottom bracket spindle.
Apply a small amount of grease to the threads of the crank.
Screw the crank onto the bottom bracket spindle by hand, tightening it until it is snug.
Use a crank extractor tool to further tighten the crank until it is secure.
Tighten the crank bolt to the specified torque using a torque wrench.

Once the bottom bracket and crank have been reinstalled, you can proceed to reinstalling the pedals and chain. Your bike should now be ready to ride!

Reattaching the Crank Arms

1. Apply a thin layer of grease to the splines of the crank arms and the inside of the bottom bracket axle.

2. Slide the crank arms onto the bottom bracket axle, aligning the splines.

3. Tighten the crank arm bolts using a torque wrench set to the manufacturer’s specifications. The typical torque range for bike crank arm bolts is between 40-50 Nm.

4. Check that the crank arms are fully tightened and rotate smoothly without any play or wobble.

5. Replace the crankset dust caps or seals, if applicable.

Torque Specifications for Crank Arm Bolts:

The following table provides approximate torque specifications for bike crank arm bolts, depending on the bolt size and thread pitch:

Bolt Size and Thread Pitch	Torque (Nm)
M8 x 1.0	40-45
M10 x 1.0	45-50

Always refer to the manufacturer’s specifications for the specific bike and crankset being serviced, as torque values may vary.

Tightening the Crank

Once the new crank is in place, it’s time to tighten it. Use a crank bolt wrench or a 15mm socket wrench to tighten the bolt that holds the crank in place. Be sure to tighten the bolt to the torque specified by the manufacturer. This information can usually be found in the bike’s owner’s manual or on the website of the crank manufacturer.

If you don’t have a torque wrench, you can use the following method to tighten the crank bolt:

Tighten the bolt as much as you can by hand.
Use a wrench to tighten the bolt an additional 1/4 turn.
Check the tightness of the bolt by trying to move the crank. It should not move at all.

If the crank is still loose, tighten the bolt an additional 1/8 turn. Repeat this process until the crank is tight.

Torque Specifications for Crank Bolts

The following table lists the torque specifications for crank bolts for common bike brands:

Brand	Torque (Nm)
Shimano	35-50
SRAM	40-55
Campagnolo	45-60

Be sure to consult the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific torque specification for your bike.

How to Remove a Crank from a Bike

Removing a crank from a bike is a relatively simple task that can be completed with a few basic tools. By following these steps, you can easily remove the crank and perform any necessary repairs or maintenance.

Tools required:

Allen key or hex wrench
Crank puller
Chain whip (optional)

Steps:

1. **Shift the chain to the smallest chainring.** This will provide better access to the crank bolts.
2. **Locate the crank bolts.** There are typically four or five bolts that secure the crank to the bottom bracket spindle.
3. **Remove the crank bolts using an Allen key or hex wrench.** Be sure to apply pressure evenly to avoid stripping the bolts.
4. **Install the crank puller.** The crank puller has two arms that fit into the threads of the crank bolts. Tighten the bolts on the crank puller until they are snug.
5. **Use the chain whip to hold the non-drive side crank arm in place.** This will prevent it from spinning when you remove the drive-side crank arm.
6. **Turn the crank puller bolt clockwise to remove the drive-side crank arm.** Continue turning the bolt until the crank arm is completely removed.
7. **Repeat steps 6 and 7 for the non-drive side crank arm.**