Uh oh. . .

[TrumpetMurph]

So, I've probably ridden about 300 miles or so on my clipless pedals. Today I was doing some maintenance on them and realized that when I installed them, I didn't line up the threads on the right side of the pedal correctly, and that the threads where the pedal attaches to the crankarm, as well as the threads on the pedal itself are stripped.

Right now it seems to have a tight grip in the hole, I haven't noticed any slipping or wobbling, but I don't want to get out to mile 15-20 of an out and back and find out that suddenly my right pedal won't function because it isn't tight in the crankarm.

Is there any repair that can be done to remedy this problem, or is the only solution to replace both the pedal and the crankarm? I'm hoping there is a more affordable solution.

Also, would you ride knowing this is an existing condition? Thanks guys!

--TM

[Tom Stormcrowe]

Talk to your LBS, they may have the tap and dyes required to fix it, with any luck at all. ;)So, I've probably ridden about 300 miles or so on my clipless pedals. Today I was doing some maintenance on them and realized that when I installed them, I didn't line up the threads on the right side of the pedal correctly, and that the threads where the pedal attaches to the crankarm, as well as the threads on the pedal itself are stripped.

Right now it seems to have a tight grip in the hole, I haven't noticed any slipping or wobbling, but I don't want to get out to mile 15-20 of an out and back and find out that suddenly my right pedal won't function because it isn't tight in the crankarm.

Is there any repair that can be done to remedy this problem, or is the only solution to replace both the pedal and the crankarm? I'm hoping there is a more affordable solution.

Also, would you ride knowing this is an existing condition? Thanks guys!

--TM

[BikEthan]

Talk to your LBS, they may have the tap and dyes required to fix it, with any luck at all. ;)

What Tom said and here's a bit more detail. They may be able to simply "clean up" the threads by chasing them with a tap. But if not there a way to re-tap the crank arm and then thread in a threaded steel sleeve that has the appropriate threads for your pedal on the inside of it. So basically they'd make the hole bigger and then shrink it back down with this sleeve. Your pedals may be toast but I'd be very surprised if the threads on the pedals were actually damaged. Pedal axles are usually made from chromoly which is substantially harder than aluminum (which is why most cranks are made of).

Here's an example of a crank arm thread repair kit:

http://www.bikemannetwork.com/biking/p/TLSLUBETOOLTHRD/TL1401

[TrumpetMurph]

Awesome! Thanks guys! I'll bring 'er in this Friday (payday) and see what the LBS can do for me! I appreciate it!

[TrumpetMurph]

one more quick question-- will I be ok riding it until I get it fixed, or will I be better off waiting until its repaired?

[bautieri]

Eh its held 300 miles so far, I wouldn't worry too much about it.

Any machinist should be able to run a tap and die to fix your threads in the event that the LBS does not wish to do it. Just make sure you inform the machinist of the left hand thread on left crank/petal.

[edbikebabe]

I had a friend strip hers - new crank for her!

Hopefully you get lucky & it is fixable.

[Mr. Beanz]

I totally stripped the threads on my crankarm once. The shop where I bought it is a pretty good shop. They installed a HELICOIL into the crankarm. Charged me about $20. Much cheaper than a new crankset. Been about 11,000 miles on the bike with no problems.

Just a note: I did take it to another shop first. Ithought they were a pretty knowlegeable handy shop (shop A). They suggested shop B so some shops may not be equipped to do the repair.

[TrumpetMurph]

Just dropped it off at the LBS. They're going to try to tap it first, if that doesn't work, going with a helicoil. It being springtime, though, they're slammed. I'm bike-less for a good solid week! :(

[breadbin]

Just dropped it off at the LBS. They're going to try to tap it first, if that doesn't work, going with a helicoil. It being springtime, though, they're slammed. I'm bike-less for a good solid week! :(

Glad to hear its getting fixed and not so glad to hear you're bikeless. You'll just have to make up for this inactivity when you get it back!

[Tom Stormcrowe]

Just dropped it off at the LBS. They're going to try to tap it first, if that doesn't work, going with a helicoil. It being springtime, though, they're slammed. I'm bike-less for a good solid week! :(
From the looks of the snowstorm hitting up there, you might not even miss the bike!

[TrumpetMurph]

From the looks of the snowstorm hitting up there, you might not even miss the bike!

True story! We've got about four inches so far and it doesn't show any signs of stopping! Forecast has rain and snow for the next ten days straight. . .

[badgermac]

Ugh! Man I'm so done with winter! Glad it's not hitting here (but feel bad for you, seriously!)

[Tom Stormcrowe]

Apparently, you're due for a foot or so!

True story! We've got about four inches so far and it doesn't show any signs of stopping! Forecast has rain and snow for the next ten days straight. . .

[TrumpetMurph]

Helicoiled up, ready to roll! Now if the weather would only cooperate!