Bicycle Mechanics - pedal maintenance, MKS lambda, aka "grip king"

For the past 18 months or so I've been riding with MKS Lambda / also known as Rivendell Grip King platform type pedals. My primary commute bike has racked up many thousands of miles with these pedals, and it's about time to have a look at the insides to clean them up, maybe swap out the ball bearings, grease them up and adjust bearings. Only problem is the plastic cap on the outer side of the pedal axle does not look like it can be removed without destroying it or doing a lot of damage to the plastic. Many other MKS pedals have threaded metal caps over the pedal axles which can be removed and replaced for servicing. So anyone ever done some inside bearing maintenance on grip king pedals (or other pedals with a plastic semi permanent looking cap)? What's the trick for getting past the plastic cap without ruining it?? Thanks in advance.

Maybe I figured out an answer for my unanswered thread. I browsed the Rivendell web site, and they sell replacement MKS plastic caps for Grip King and RMS (aka "sneaker") platform pedals. I guess this means that the plastic pedal axle caps are not intended to survive a typical maintenance event. So I ordered three pair of these caps at $3 a pair. I plan on drilling a couple of small holes in my existing pedal caps to see if I can pull them off the pedals without destroying them. But if I do, at least now I'll have some genuine replacement items.

I don't ride those types of pedals but that's good information to know.

Small hole sounds good, always fill it with RTV

I believe those have cartridges. might be tricky to overhaul, but I have no idea.

no need to drill anything. the plastic caps come off easily with a cork screw.

Yes, they are sealed bearings--that's why no easy-off cap.

The Lambda is open bearing. I ended up here because I was wondering the exact same thing - how to get the cap off. MKS does not produce a cartridge version of the Lambda.

Velo Orange specifically describes them as 'Loose Ball', and mentions a staff person replacing their bearings. Looks like I'll be ordering some dust caps ...

http://harriscyclery.net/product/mks-dust-cap-f-gr-9-ar-2-lambda-pedals-plastic-each-2319.htm

another bump to see if anyone has performed maintenance successfully.

Has anyone tried injecting grease into holes in the plastic caps?

Sometimes plastic caps can be pried out with the tip of a knife blade or a very small screwdriver.
Harris Cyclery also sells replacement caps. http://harriscyclery.net/product/mks-dust-cap-f-gr-9-ar-2-lambda-pedals-plastic-each-2319.htm
I haven't overhauled pedal bearings for a long long time. Mostly because of a combination of not riding much in foul weather and the improved quality and weather seal of 'modern' pedal bearings.