Bicycle Mechanics - peddle stuck on crank

I have been trying to get this peddle off the crank but it seems like it's fused together or something. any really good suggestion of how to get this peddle off? I dont want to go buy a new crank. I already have try using a wrench, hammer, and WD40.

Clamp down the crankarm with a bench-clamp (preferably one with wood blocks to prevent scuffing up the finish or damaging the crankarm) and put a breaker-bar on the pedal-wrench. Which pedal is it? Right or left? Are you certain you're turning it the correct direction? Left side pedals use left-hand threads.

tried that already =(

I seem to remember another similar thread on BikeForums. Do a search to get more responses.

First, lubricate the pedal bolt with Liquid Wrench and let it soak in for at least 30 minutes.

Put the other crank in a vise as already recommended. If you don't have a vise, you will need a very strong friend to hold the crank for you - and it will be difficult.

Put a large diameter pipe over your wrench to essentially make the wrench handle longer and give you more leverage.

Make sure you are going in the correct direction, and crank that sucker off. Right side goes counter clockwise off. Left side goes clockwise off.

Step drill the pedal from the back side until you are close to the threads. The pedal will break off but what is left of the threads can be cleaned out.


Or try heating the area but be careful not to get it to hot because you will remove the temper from the crank.

You did remember that one of the pedals have a backwords thread?...they both loosen by turning away from the direction you pedal.

Originally posted by 1oldRoadie
You did remember that one of the pedals have a backwords thread?...they both loosen by turning away from the direction you pedal.

yea I remember.



Mike: where can I get liquid wrench?

Leverage is your friend. Consider taking it to the LBS, where they have pedal wrenches designed with this job in mind, not to mention a lot of practice in getting good leverage on the pedal:

http://www.parktool.com/images/tools/PW_3&4.jpg <--- pedal wrenches

http://www.parktool.com/images/TTOL/PW_good_leverage.jpgIn this photo, notice where the person's right hand is. By holding the opposite crankarm in this way, you give yourself a counter-lever to oppose the force of the wrench.

When you do reinstall pedals, grease their threads thoroughly. Good luck! :)

I know this is an old thread but I didn't see a need to start a new thread when this one already exists.

Question: Is there a risk of bending a crank arm or any other part of the bike like the crank, BB or the BB tube, etc. by using too much leverage with a pedal wrench?

I like to swap my pedals around on my mtb and it seems it takes huge effort to loosen them up each time even though I grease the threads well. Am I maybe tightening them down too much? What kind of force does it actually take to bend a crank arm or attached parts?

I like to swap my pedals around on my mtb and it seems it takes huge effort to loosen them up each time even though I grease the threads well. Am I maybe tightening them down too much? Good catch!! They don't have to be that tight.

I had the same problem. Solved it by heating the pedal spindle gently with a soldering iron. I just let the iron rest on the spindle where it entered the crankarm threads. This was a light duty iron and I only heated it till the joint was really warm - not red hot!

Cale

liquid wrench is a common misconception in this problem. Aluminum corrosion such as is the case on crank arms will only truly respond to straight ammonia.