11 Easy Steps: How to Remove Cranks From a Bike

Image of a bike crank
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Eradicating cranks from a motorcycle is usually a daunting activity, nevertheless it’s truly fairly easy with the suitable instruments and somewhat know-how. Whether or not you are changing worn-out cranks or just cleansing them, this information will stroll you thru the method step-by-step. We’ll cowl every thing from selecting the best instruments to tightening the brand new cranks securely. So seize your instruments and let’s get began!

Earlier than you start, it is necessary to collect the mandatory instruments. You will want a crank puller, which is a specialised software designed to take away cranks. You may often hire a crank puller out of your native bike store or buy one on-line. You will additionally want a set of Allen wrenches and a torque wrench. After you have your instruments assembled, you may start the method of eradicating your cranks.

Step one is to take away the pedals out of your bike. To do that, merely use an Allen wrench to loosen the bolts that maintain the pedals in place. As soon as the pedals are eliminated, you should utilize the crank puller to take away the cranks. Place the crank puller over the crank arm and tighten the bolts till the crank arm begins to loosen. As soon as the crank arm is unfastened, you may take away it by hand. Repeat this course of for the opposite crank arm and your cranks will probably be eliminated.

Disassembling the Crank Arms

Step 1: Figuring out the Crank Kind

Earlier than continuing with disassembly, decide the kind of crankset put in on the bicycle. Cranks are generally categorized into two essential sorts: cottered cranks and splined cranks. Cottered cranks make the most of a wedge-shaped cotter pin to safe the crank arm to the spindle, whereas splined cranks make use of a collection of splines and notches to interact the crank arm with the spindle.

To establish the crank sort, examine the world the place the crank arm meets the spindle. Cottered cranks could have a visual cotter pin gap, whereas splined cranks will characteristic a collection of splines or notches on each the spindle and crank arm. Correct identification is essential as disassembly procedures differ relying on the crank sort.

Eradicating the Pedal Spindle

Find and Take away the Pedal Bolt

Start by figuring out the pedal bolt, usually positioned on the finish of the pedal spindle. Utilizing an applicable Allen key or wrench, rigorously loosen and take away the pedal bolt. Guarantee to assist the pedal to stop it from falling to the bottom.

Detach the Pedal from the Crank Arm

As soon as the pedal bolt is eliminated, gently pull the pedal away from the crank arm. If the pedal is caught, use a rubber mallet or a chunk of wooden positioned in opposition to the pedal and faucet it frivolously to launch it. Keep away from hitting the pedal straight, as this might harm the bearings or threads.

Examine and Clear the Spindle and Threads

With the pedal eliminated, totally examine the pedal spindle and threads on the crank arm for any harm or particles. Use a clear material or brush to take away any filth or grease which will have gathered. This ensures correct engagement and easy operation of the brand new pedals.

Desk: Pedal Spindle Elimination Troubleshooting

Difficulty Potential Trigger Answer
Caught pedal Rust, corrosion, or particles Use a penetrating oil and let it sit earlier than trying to loosen the pedal bolt
Stripped pedal threads Extreme drive or utilizing the unsuitable software Exchange the pedal with a brand new one that matches the crank arm threads
Damaged pedal bolt Making use of an excessive amount of drive or a seized bolt Use a bolt extractor to take away the damaged bolt

Figuring out and Eradicating the Crankbolts

Find the Crankbolts

The crankbolts are usually positioned on the middle of the crank arm, the place it connects to the spindle. They might be hidden below a plastic or rubber cap.

Take away the Cap

If there’s a cap overlaying the crankbolts, use a flat-head screwdriver or a small pry software to softly elevate it off. Watch out to not harm the cap or the encompassing space.

Determine the Kind of Crankbolts

There are two essential varieties of crankbolts:

Crankbolt Kind Description
Allen Bolt A hexagonal-shaped bolt that requires an Allen wrench to take away.
Exterior Bolt A round-headed bolt that requires a socket wrench to take away.

Eradicating the Crankbolts

  • Allen Bolts: Insert the right dimension Allen wrench into the bolt and switch it counterclockwise to loosen it.
  • Exterior Bolts: Use a socket wrench with the suitable socket dimension and switch the bolt counterclockwise to loosen it.

Utilizing a Chain Whip to Maintain the Cranks

A sequence whip is a specialised software designed to carry the cranks securely whilst you take away the crank bolts. Here is a step-by-step information on the right way to use a series whip:

Step 1: Place the Chain Whip

Place the chain whip across the largest chainring, with the hook dealing with in the direction of the alternative aspect of the crankset. Rotate the chain whip to make sure it engages securely with the chainring enamel.

Step 2: Lock the Chain Whip

Safe the chain whip in place by tightening the locking screw or lever supplied on the software. Pull the deal with of the chain whip in the direction of you to interact it with the freewheel mechanism or cassette.

Step 3: Align the Chain Whip

Align the chain whip perpendicular to the crank arm you are eradicating. Rotate the chain whip as wanted to ensure it supplies safe leverage in opposition to the freewheel.

Step 4: Maintain the Cranks

Place the crank arm you need to take away in a horizontal place parallel to the bottom. Grip the deal with of the chain whip tightly and apply agency strain. The chain whip will maintain the cranks in place, counteracting the drive you apply to take away the crank bolts.

Making use of a Crank Puller

To take away the cranks utilizing a crank puller, observe these detailed steps:

  1. Determine the kind of crank puller wanted: Decide the spindle interface of your cranks (sq. taper, Octalink, ISIS, or Hollowtech II) to pick out the suitable crank puller.
  2. Examine the crank puller: Be sure that the threads on the crank puller spindle and the bolts are in good situation and freed from any harm.
  3. Thread the puller onto the crank: Unscrew the bolts on the crank puller after which thread the spindle onto the crank arm. Be sure that the spindle is totally engaged.
  4. Tighten the bolts progressively: Tighten the bolts alternately, a couple of turns at a time, till the crank arm begins to loosen from the spindle.
  5. Take away the crank arm: As soon as the crank arm is unfastened, rigorously wiggle it forwards and backwards whereas pulling it in the direction of you to take away it fully from the spindle.

Tightening the Crank Puller Bolts

To make sure a safe match, tighten the crank puller bolts to the really useful torque utilizing a torque wrench. Discuss with the producer’s specs or a good bike restore handbook for the exact torque worth.

Here is a step-by-step information on tightening the crank puller bolts:

  1. Be sure that the crank puller is correctly hooked up to the crank arm and that the bolts are aligned with the threaded holes on the puller.
  2. Use a torque wrench to progressively apply drive to the bolts, alternating between them to make sure even tightening.
  3. Proceed tightening till the really useful torque worth is reached.
  4. Verify the bolts once more after using a brief distance to make sure they’re nonetheless safe.

Notice: Keep away from overtightening the bolts, as this may harm the crank arm or the puller.

Discuss with the desk under for torque suggestions for various crankset sorts:

Crankset Kind Torque (Nm)
Sq. Taper 40-55
Octalink 50-70
ISIS 60-80
Hollowtech II 150-170

Eradicating the Cranks

Eradicating the cranks is a comparatively easy activity that may be accomplished with a couple of primary instruments. Listed below are the steps on the right way to do it:

  1. Collect your instruments. You will want a crank puller, a 5mm Allen key, and a 14mm wrench.
  2. Take away the pedals. Use the 14mm wrench to loosen and take away the pedals.
  3. Loosen the crank bolts. Use the 5mm Allen key to loosen the crank bolts, however don’t take away them fully.
  4. Connect the crank puller. Thread the crank puller onto the crank bolt.
  5. Tighten the crank puller. Use the 14mm wrench to tighten the crank puller till the cranks begin to transfer.
  6. Take away the cranks. As soon as the cranks are unfastened, you may take away them by hand.

Eradicating the Crankset

In case you are additionally eradicating the crankset, you will have to take away the chainring bolts. Use a 5mm Allen key to loosen and take away the chainring bolts. As soon as the chainring bolts are eliminated, you may elevate the crankset off of the bike.

Inspecting the Cranks and Bearings

Earlier than trying to take away the cranks, it is necessary to totally examine them and the bearings for any indicators of harm or put on.

Visible Inspection

Study the cranks for any seen cracks, bends, or different deformations. Verify the bearings for any pitting, rust, or discoloration. If any of those indicators are current, it is best to interchange the cranks and/or bearings earlier than persevering with.

Play Take a look at

Grip the crank arms and attempt to transfer them laterally (side-to-side) and vertically (up-and-down). In case you really feel any extreme play or looseness, it signifies put on within the bearings or different parts. On this case, additional inspection and potential alternative are vital.

Chainring Elimination

Take away the chainrings from the cranks to realize higher entry to the bearings and spindle. Use a chainring bolt removing software to rigorously unscrew the bolts and take away the chainrings.

Bearing Inspection

With the chainrings eliminated, examine the bearings extra carefully. Search for any indicators of pitting, rust, or harm. If the bearings are easy and freed from any seen points, they’ll probably be reused. Nevertheless, if any irregularities are current, alternative is really useful.

Bearing Elimination

If the bearings have to be changed, use a bearing removing software to rigorously extract them from the crank arms. Notice the orientation and place of the bearings for correct reinstallation in a while.

Spindle Inspection

Examine the spindle of the cranks for any indicators of harm, rust, or bending. If the spindle is broken, it needs to be changed together with the cranks.

Clear and Put together

As soon as all parts have been inspected and eliminated, clear the cranks, bearings, and spindle totally. This may assist guarantee correct functioning and forestall corrosion.

Reassembling the Cranks

As soon as the cranks have been eliminated, you can begin reassembling them. Listed below are the steps:

  1. Apply a small quantity of grease or anti-seize compound to the threads of the crank arms.

  2. Thread the crank arms onto the underside bracket spindle. Tighten the crank arms utilizing a 15mm socket wrench, or an 8mm allen key for sq. taper cranks.

  3. Set up the pedals, making use of a skinny layer of grease to the threads. Tighten the pedals utilizing a 15mm wrench.

  4. Tighten or loosen the chain pressure by turning the rear wheel axle bolts. The chain needs to be tight sufficient to stop skipping, however not so tight that it places extreme stress on the drivetrain.

  5. If the cranks got here unfastened throughout using, use a torque wrench to make sure that the crank bolts are tightened to the producer’s specs.

  6. Verify the chainring alignment. They need to be parallel to the body and in keeping with one another.

  7. Recheck all of the bolts and nuts to make sure that they’re tightened securely.

  8. Go for a take a look at experience and examine for any uncommon noises or vibrations.

  9. Desk of Tightening Torques:

    Part Tightening Torque
    Crank Bolts 48-54 Nm (35-40 ft-lbs)
    Pedals 35-40 Nm (26-30 ft-lbs)

Instruments You will Want

Earlier than you begin, collect the next instruments:

  • Chain whip or lockring software
  • Socket wrench or Allen key
  • Crankshaft puller

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Take away the chain

Use a series whip or lockring software to loosen and take away the chain from the chainring.

2. Take away the pedals

Use a socket wrench or Allen key to take away the pedals from the crank arms.

3. Take away the crank bolts

Use a socket wrench or Allen key to take away the crank bolts that safe the cranks to the underside bracket.

4. Set up the crankshaft puller

Thread the crankshaft puller onto the crankshaft and tighten it till it’s comfortable.

5. Take away the cranks

Use the crankshaft puller to rigorously pull the cranks off the crankshaft.

Troubleshooting Frequent Crankshaft Elimination Points

1. Cranks are caught

If the cranks are caught, attempt utilizing a penetrating oil to loosen them. You can too attempt tapping the cranks with a hammer to interrupt them free.

2. Crank bolts are stripped

If the crank bolts are stripped, you may attempt utilizing a pair of pliers to grip the bolts and switch them. You can too attempt utilizing a chisel to take away the bolts.

3. Crankshaft puller isn’t working

If the crankshaft puller isn’t working, be sure that it’s tightened correctly. You can too attempt utilizing a unique crankshaft puller.

4. Crankshaft is broken

If the crankshaft is broken, you will have to interchange it. You may take the bike to a motorcycle store to have the crankshaft changed.

How To Take away Cranks From Bike

To take away the cranks from a motorcycle, you will have a couple of instruments. These instruments embody a crank puller, a 15mm socket wrench, and an 8mm Allen wrench.

First, you will have to take away the pedal from the crank arm. To do that, use the 15mm socket wrench to loosen the bolt that’s holding the pedal in place. As soon as the bolt is unfastened, you may take away the pedal by hand.

Subsequent, you will have to take away the chain from the chainring. To do that, use the 8mm Allen wrench to loosen the bolts which might be holding the chainring in place. As soon as the bolts are unfastened, you may take away the chainring by hand.

Now, you might be able to take away the cranks. To do that, use the crank puller to loosen the crank bolts. As soon as the bolts are unfastened, you may take away the cranks by hand.

Individuals Additionally Ask About How To Take away Cranks From Bike

How do I do know if my bike cranks have to be changed?

There are a couple of indicators that your bike cranks might have to be changed. These indicators embody:

  • The cranks are bent or cracked.
  • The cranks are unfastened or wobbly.
  • The cranks are making noise once you pedal.

How a lot does it price to interchange bike cranks?

The price to interchange bike cranks will fluctuate relying on the kind of cranks you select and the labor prices of your native bike store. Nevertheless, you may anticipate to pay between $50 and $200 for brand spanking new cranks and labor.

Can I exchange bike cranks myself?

Sure, it’s potential to interchange bike cranks your self. Nevertheless, it is very important word that this can be a considerably complicated activity that requires some specialised instruments. In case you are not comfy working in your bike your self, it’s best to take it to an area bike store for service.