Removing cranks from a bike can be a daunting task, but it’s actually quite simple with the right tools and a little know-how. Whether you’re replacing worn-out cranks or simply cleaning them, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right tools to tightening the new cranks securely. So grab your tools and let’s get started!
Before you begin, it’s important to gather the necessary tools. You’ll need a crank puller, which is a specialized tool designed to remove cranks. You can usually rent a crank puller from your local bike shop or purchase one online. You’ll also need a set of Allen wrenches and a torque wrench. Once you have your tools assembled, you can begin the process of removing your cranks.
The first step is to remove the pedals from your bike. To do this, simply use an Allen wrench to loosen the bolts that hold the pedals in place. Once the pedals are removed, you can use the crank puller to remove the cranks. Place the crank puller over the crank arm and tighten the bolts until the crank arm begins to loosen. Once the crank arm is loose, you can remove it by hand. Repeat this process for the other crank arm and your cranks will be removed.
Disassembling the Crank Arms
Step 1: Identifying the Crank Type
Before proceeding with disassembly, determine the type of crankset installed on the bicycle. Cranks are commonly classified into two main types: cottered cranks and splined cranks. Cottered cranks utilize a wedge-shaped cotter pin to secure the crank arm to the spindle, while splined cranks employ a series of splines and notches to engage the crank arm with the spindle.
To identify the crank type, inspect the area where the crank arm meets the spindle. Cottered cranks will have a visible cotter pin hole, whereas splined cranks will feature a series of splines or notches on both the spindle and crank arm. Accurate identification is crucial as disassembly procedures differ depending on the crank type.
Removing the Pedal Spindle
Locate and Remove the Pedal Bolt
Begin by identifying the pedal bolt, typically located at the end of the pedal spindle. Using an appropriate Allen key or wrench, carefully loosen and remove the pedal bolt. Ensure to support the pedal to prevent it from falling to the ground.
Detach the Pedal from the Crank Arm
Once the pedal bolt is removed, gently pull the pedal away from the crank arm. If the pedal is stuck, use a rubber mallet or a piece of wood placed against the pedal and tap it lightly to release it. Avoid hitting the pedal directly, as this could damage the bearings or threads.
Inspect and Clean the Spindle and Threads
With the pedal removed, thoroughly inspect the pedal spindle and threads on the crank arm for any damage or debris. Use a clean cloth or brush to remove any dirt or grease that may have accumulated. This ensures proper engagement and smooth operation of the new pedals.
Table: Pedal Spindle Removal Troubleshooting
| Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Stuck pedal | Rust, corrosion, or debris | Use a penetrating oil and let it sit before attempting to loosen the pedal bolt |
| Stripped pedal threads | Excessive force or using the wrong tool | Replace the pedal with a new one that fits the crank arm threads |
| Broken pedal bolt | Applying too much force or a seized bolt | Use a bolt extractor to remove the broken bolt |
Identifying and Removing the Crankbolts
Locate the Crankbolts
The crankbolts are typically located at the center of the crank arm, where it connects to the spindle. They may be hidden under a plastic or rubber cap.
Remove the Cap
If there is a cap covering the crankbolts, use a flat-head screwdriver or a small pry tool to gently lift it off. Be careful not to damage the cap or the surrounding area.
Identify the Type of Crankbolts
There are two main types of crankbolts:
| Crankbolt Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Allen Bolt | A hexagonal-shaped bolt that requires an Allen wrench to remove. |
| External Bolt | A round-headed bolt that requires a socket wrench to remove. |
Removing the Crankbolts
- Allen Bolts: Insert the correct size Allen wrench into the bolt and turn it counterclockwise to loosen it.
- External Bolts: Use a socket wrench with the appropriate socket size and turn the bolt counterclockwise to loosen it.
Using a Chain Whip to Hold the Cranks
A chain whip is a specialized tool designed to hold the cranks securely while you remove the crank bolts. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use a chain whip:
Step 1: Position the Chain Whip
Place the chain whip around the largest chainring, with the hook facing towards the opposite side of the crankset. Rotate the chain whip to ensure it engages securely with the chainring teeth.
Step 2: Lock the Chain Whip
Secure the chain whip in place by tightening the locking screw or lever provided on the tool. Pull the handle of the chain whip towards you to engage it with the freewheel mechanism or cassette.
Step 3: Align the Chain Whip
Align the chain whip perpendicular to the crank arm you’re removing. Rotate the chain whip as needed to make sure it provides secure leverage against the freewheel.
Step 4: Hold the Cranks
Position the crank arm you want to remove in a horizontal position parallel to the ground. Grip the handle of the chain whip tightly and apply firm pressure. The chain whip will hold the cranks in place, counteracting the force you apply to remove the crank bolts.
Applying a Crank Puller
To remove the cranks using a crank puller, follow these detailed steps:
- Identify the type of crank puller needed: Determine the spindle interface of your cranks (square taper, Octalink, ISIS, or Hollowtech II) to select the appropriate crank puller.
- Inspect the crank puller: Ensure that the threads on the crank puller spindle and the bolts are in good condition and free of any damage.
- Thread the puller onto the crank: Unscrew the bolts on the crank puller and then thread the spindle onto the crank arm. Ensure that the spindle is fully engaged.
- Tighten the bolts gradually: Tighten the bolts alternately, a few turns at a time, until the crank arm starts to loosen from the spindle.
- Remove the crank arm: Once the crank arm is loose, carefully wiggle it back and forth while pulling it towards you to remove it completely from the spindle.
Tightening the Crank Puller Bolts
To ensure a secure fit, tighten the crank puller bolts to the recommended torque using a torque wrench. Refer to the manufacturer’s specifications or a reputable bike repair manual for the precise torque value.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on tightening the crank puller bolts:
- Ensure that the crank puller is properly attached to the crank arm and that the bolts are aligned with the threaded holes on the puller.
- Use a torque wrench to gradually apply force to the bolts, alternating between them to ensure even tightening.
- Continue tightening until the recommended torque value is reached.
- Check the bolts again after riding a short distance to ensure they are still secure.
Note: Avoid overtightening the bolts, as this can damage the crank arm or the puller.
Refer to the table below for torque recommendations for different crankset types:
| Crankset Type | Torque (Nm) |
|---|---|
| Square Taper | 40-55 |
| Octalink | 50-70 |
| ISIS | 60-80 |
| Hollowtech II | 150-170 |
Removing the Cranks
Removing the cranks is a relatively simple task that can be completed with a few basic tools. Here are the steps on how to do it:
- Gather your tools. You will need a crank puller, a 5mm Allen key, and a 14mm wrench.
- Remove the pedals. Use the 14mm wrench to loosen and remove the pedals.
- Loosen the crank bolts. Use the 5mm Allen key to loosen the crank bolts, but do not remove them completely.
- Attach the crank puller. Thread the crank puller onto the crank bolt.
- Tighten the crank puller. Use the 14mm wrench to tighten the crank puller until the cranks start to move.
- Remove the cranks. Once the cranks are loose, you can remove them by hand.
Removing the Crankset
If you are also removing the crankset, you will need to remove the chainring bolts. Use a 5mm Allen key to loosen and remove the chainring bolts. Once the chainring bolts are removed, you can lift the crankset off of the bike.
Inspecting the Cranks and Bearings
Before attempting to remove the cranks, it’s important to thoroughly inspect them and the bearings for any signs of damage or wear.
Visual Inspection
Examine the cranks for any visible cracks, bends, or other deformations. Check the bearings for any pitting, rust, or discoloration. If any of these signs are present, it’s best to replace the cranks and/or bearings before continuing.
Play Test
Grip the crank arms and try to move them laterally (side-to-side) and vertically (up-and-down). If you feel any excessive play or looseness, it indicates wear in the bearings or other components. In this case, further inspection and possible replacement are necessary.
Chainring Removal
Remove the chainrings from the cranks to gain better access to the bearings and spindle. Use a chainring bolt removal tool to carefully unscrew the bolts and remove the chainrings.
Bearing Inspection
With the chainrings removed, inspect the bearings more closely. Look for any signs of pitting, rust, or damage. If the bearings are smooth and free of any visible issues, they can likely be reused. However, if any irregularities are present, replacement is recommended.
Bearing Removal
If the bearings need to be replaced, use a bearing removal tool to carefully extract them from the crank arms. Note the orientation and position of the bearings for proper reinstallation later on.
Spindle Inspection
Inspect the spindle of the cranks for any signs of damage, rust, or bending. If the spindle is damaged, it should be replaced along with the cranks.
Clean and Prepare
Once all components have been inspected and removed, clean the cranks, bearings, and spindle thoroughly. This will help ensure proper functioning and prevent corrosion.
Reassembling the Cranks
Once the cranks have been removed, you can start reassembling them. Here are the steps:
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Apply a small amount of grease or anti-seize compound to the threads of the crank arms.
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Thread the crank arms onto the bottom bracket spindle. Tighten the crank arms using a 15mm socket wrench, or an 8mm allen key for square taper cranks.
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Install the pedals, applying a thin layer of grease to the threads. Tighten the pedals using a 15mm wrench.
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Tighten or loosen the chain tension by turning the rear wheel axle bolts. The chain should be tight enough to prevent skipping, but not so tight that it puts excessive stress on the drivetrain.
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If the cranks came loose during riding, use a torque wrench to ensure that the crank bolts are tightened to the manufacturer’s specifications.
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Check the chainring alignment. They should be parallel to the frame and in line with each other.
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Recheck all the bolts and nuts to ensure that they are tightened securely.
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Go for a test ride and check for any unusual noises or vibrations.
-
Table of Tightening Torques:
Component Tightening Torque Crank Bolts 48-54 Nm (35-40 ft-lbs) Pedals 35-40 Nm (26-30 ft-lbs)
Tools You’ll Need
Before you start, gather the following tools:
- Chain whip or lockring tool
- Socket wrench or Allen key
- Crankshaft puller
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Remove the chain
Use a chain whip or lockring tool to loosen and remove the chain from the chainring.
2. Remove the pedals
Use a socket wrench or Allen key to remove the pedals from the crank arms.
3. Remove the crank bolts
Use a socket wrench or Allen key to remove the crank bolts that secure the cranks to the bottom bracket.
4. Install the crankshaft puller
Thread the crankshaft puller onto the crankshaft and tighten it until it is snug.
5. Remove the cranks
Use the crankshaft puller to carefully pull the cranks off the crankshaft.
Troubleshooting Common Crankshaft Removal Issues
1. Cranks are stuck
If the cranks are stuck, try using a penetrating oil to loosen them. You can also try tapping the cranks with a hammer to break them free.
2. Crank bolts are stripped
If the crank bolts are stripped, you can try using a pair of pliers to grip the bolts and turn them. You can also try using a chisel to remove the bolts.
3. Crankshaft puller is not working
If the crankshaft puller is not working, make sure that it is tightened properly. You can also try using a different crankshaft puller.
4. Crankshaft is damaged
If the crankshaft is damaged, you will need to replace it. You can take the bike to a bike shop to have the crankshaft replaced.
How To Remove Cranks From Bike
To remove the cranks from a bike, you will need a few tools. These tools include a crank puller, a 15mm socket wrench, and an 8mm Allen wrench.
First, you will need to remove the pedal from the crank arm. To do this, use the 15mm socket wrench to loosen the bolt that is holding the pedal in place. Once the bolt is loose, you can remove the pedal by hand.
Next, you will need to remove the chain from the chainring. To do this, use the 8mm Allen wrench to loosen the bolts that are holding the chainring in place. Once the bolts are loose, you can remove the chainring by hand.
Now, you are ready to remove the cranks. To do this, use the crank puller to loosen the crank bolts. Once the bolts are loose, you can remove the cranks by hand.
People Also Ask About How To Remove Cranks From Bike
How do I know if my bike cranks need to be replaced?
There are a few signs that your bike cranks may need to be replaced. These signs include:
- The cranks are bent or cracked.
- The cranks are loose or wobbly.
- The cranks are making noise when you pedal.
How much does it cost to replace bike cranks?
The cost to replace bike cranks will vary depending on the type of cranks you choose and the labor costs of your local bike shop. However, you can expect to pay between $50 and $200 for new cranks and labor.
Can I replace bike cranks myself?
Yes, it is possible to replace bike cranks yourself. However, it is important to note that this is a somewhat complex task that requires some specialized tools. If you are not comfortable working on your bike yourself, it is best to take it to a local bike shop for service.
