Bicycle Mechanics - TREK 4300 crank play. How to dissassemble, replace or adjust bearings?

Greetings fellow bikers: I just bought (about 4 hours ago) a TREK 4300 and I noticed it had a significant amount of play in the crank area. I can move the pedel up and down, but there is no play from side to side. I am a pretty good fixer of various mechanical things, but know little to nothing about bikes. What do I do to fix this or where on the internet do I go to find a detailed breakdown of the crankset so I can tear it apart myself. Also could use some info on how to adjust the front and rear derailers. Your help would be much appreciated. George 702 768-6012 Henderson Nevada.

Is the crank arm loose on the spindle?

For DER adjustments-
http://sheldonbrown.com/derailer-adjustment.html

Is the crank arm loose on the spindle?

For DER adjustments-
http://sheldonbrown.com/derailer-adjustment.html

Bill:

Everything moves together. Grabbing the pedal when it is at 12:00 I can move it inward (toward the opposite pedal). Everything moves together as though the bearings are loose. The arm that the pedal is attached to is securly fastened to the center piece that the other pedal arm attaches to. Everything is moving as one piece. I found out that I have the cartrige type bearings, not the cup style. Are these adjustable, or do I just need to buy a new set of bearings?

Sounds like the bottom bracket assembly is really loose. Since you probably dont have the tools I would take it to your LBS and get it tightened or overhauled since it might need new grease in it too.

Sounds like the bottom bracket assembly is really loose. Since you probably dont have the tools I would take it to your LBS and get it tightened or overhauled since it might need new grease in it too.

+1. Have them do a complete spring cleaning tune up as well. Good to get a once over for a new used bike and you will have a 'base line' (i.e. you'll know when the last time all this stuff was done). Shouldn't cost much.

You can easily learn to do all this stuff. Get a good complete guide type book and you'll also need to get some specialty tools.

+1. Have them do a complete spring cleaning tune up as well. Good to get a once over for a new used bike and you will have a 'base line' (i.e. you'll know when the last time all this stuff was done). Shouldn't cost much.

You can easily learn to do all this stuff. Get a good complete guide type book and you'll also need to get some specialty tools.

I really appreciate your help.

I guess I'll just take it in and let the experts look into it.

Sounds like the bottom bracket assembly is really loose. Since you probably dont have the tools I would take it to your LBS and get it tightened or overhauled since it might need new grease in it too.

Thanks and happy biking.