Bicycle Mechanics - Pedal stuck in crank

Which pedal is reverse-threaded? My right pedal has some "play" in the bearings, clicks, etc.

I can't get it off to inspect it. Is the right one reverse threaded?

Thanks

The left pedal is left hand threaded. The right pedal is right hand threaded. Both pedals loosen toward the back of the bike and tighten toward the front.

That's what I thought. They've grown attached to the crank: the crank and pedal have been together for nearly 8 years. I guess not riding a bike is the worst thing you can do to it.

do you have a crank arm remover and bench vise handy?

i've been in your situation before. my cranks weren't exactly top of the line (or even middle of the line), so i wasn't worried about ruining them. if you like your cranks you may want to get a towel/rag handy as well. or you may want to just ignore this reply. the choice is yours.

step 01: remove crank
step 02: wrap crank in towel/rag if so desired
step 03: place crank in bench vise
step 04: fix pedal wrench to wrench flats on pedal
step 05: pull/push with all your might.
step 05a: make sure you're going in the correct direction.
step 06: if step 05 fails to work (which it did for me), consider using a breaker bar over the pedal wrench arm. or, if you dont have one handy (which i didn't), consider using a BFH* on the pedal wrench.

*BFH = big frolicking hammer

A Tip for the Newbies: This is why you should always grease your pedal's threads BEFORE installation.

Originally posted by Raiyn
A Tip for the Newbies: This is why you should always grease your pedal's threads BEFORE installation. :D

Also try putting pressure on the pedal with the spanner, and then pouring boiling water over the end of the crank arm. Sometimes the differential expansion is enough to free it off.

Household ammonia is a good aluminum/steel release agent, also try pouring boiling water over the crank, because aluminum expands more than steel when heated.

Boiling water sounds like a good idea. Wish I'da thought of that before.

If they're really really stuck, you can also use a blowtorch to heat the end of the crank arm.

Just heat it hot enough to boil a drop of water dropped on the crank arm. Any hotter and you might damage the finish on the crank.

This technique does have the drawback that you may fry the lubricant or seals in the pedals, but if you're planning on tossing the old pedals, it's a good technique of last resort.