Mountain Biking - crank question

Im new to MTBKing so my teminology might suck.

Right now my second chain ring is bent and I need to replace it. I have the parts I just can't figure out how to take the crank off so i can replace it.
Is it just pressed on?
I didn't want to start hitting it with a mallet unless I knew thats what i had to do. I have already taken the screw out.

Thanks fo any help.

welcome to the forums!

you'll need a special tool called a 'crank puller' to get it off.

With some crank designs, the middle and outer chainrings can be removed without removing the crankarm from its axle, with a little manipulation. If yours isn't that type, then pick up a good crankpuller from the bike shop and you'll be liking your newfound powers in no time :)

so there is no way to take it off with out useing the puller tool?

Mine definatly won't come off w/o taking off the crank.

Thanks in advance.

MBG is right, you should be able to replace the middle and outer chainrings (which are generally secured with 4 or 5 M5 allen bolts) without removing the cranks from the bottom bracket spindle.

The cranks are pressed on to the spindle with about 30 lbs-ft of torque. If you want to swing at the crank with a hammer then go ahead, but I'd very strongly recommend buying the $10 crank puller or investigate why you can't remove the chainrings as this is the cheapest and most elegant solution.

The middle chair ring is on the inside of the crank, and it won't slide over the arms of the crank.

Originally posted by mtbker
The middle chair ring is on the inside of the crank, and it won't slide over the arms of the crank.

DOH! Then buy a crank puller.....you take the bolt out and screw the crank puller into the crank, and the shaft inside the puller pushes the crank off. Make sure to get the right one.....tapered or splined.....you probably have tapered.

Originally posted by mtbker
The middle chair ring is on the inside of the crank, and it won't slide over the arms of the crank.

If you can see how to remove the big ring (you may have to take the pedal off) then realize that the middle ring can be manouevered around the spider (crank 'tabs' where the bolts go through) and removed in the same manner.

Since you have to remove the rings anyway, why not try it?

Thanks for the input.
After further inspection I realised that I needed to take off the small ring then I could get the angle I needed to take off the middle ring.

Thanks.