Can I pull my crank arms off without a puller??
I never tried yet.
I dont have access to a puller.
Don't want to take it to a shop.
Thank you.

That's kind of like saying you need to have your appendix out but don't want to go to the doctor.

Depending on what crank arms you have, it can be done. If you have Shimano cranks (and others) with the self-extractors, all you need is an 8mm Allen wrench and a little luck. https://www.parktool.com/repair_help/...dle_type.shtml

Other styles of cranks will require a tool. https://www.parktool.com/repair_help/FAQrCarm.shtml

Once you get the crank removed, what happens next?

You probably need a puller...
I removed a square taper crankarm set without a puller but I also did not care what happened to it

Bubba suggest a block of wood and hammer.

The best advice I could offer is to buy the correct tools if you are going to make a habit of bike maintainance. Otherwise this is what (good) bike shops are there for.

Ed

Once you get the crank removed, what happens next?[/QUOTE]

Its a Iron horse Axion with Sr Suntour cranks if that helps any

I have a clicking noise and at one point the cranks seized on me after I tried to keep going to school.
They unseized after it cooled after I got ouyt of school as nothing happened.

I want to take it apart and check the bearings.

You may be able to install some self-extracting crank bolts and get them off not only this time, but anytime at all with just a hex wrench. In my experience, these are best installed after removing the crank with a puller, but you may try it out.

I don't understand why the crank needs to be removed to use this.
Wouldn't he just remove the original bolt, replace w/ the s-e bolt and parts, and then just back out the bolt?

My old Campy Record cranks use self-extracting crank bolts, but the crank and cap threads are reverse threaded. These Campy self-extracting bolts are one single assembly and due to the reverse cap threading they are much easier to initially install with cranks removed.

The non-Campy style self-extracting bolts like the illustration above do not require crank arm removal to install.

Just ride a few miles without crank bolts.....

on a trainer. I've heard of this being used and it works, but you better be ready for potential damage to the cranks/chanrings/derailleur as they fall off at an unexpected time. How much does a crank puller cost? Just get the proper tool.

He's being quite serious, as it actually works- although it can wear down the taper.

Can be kinda hard on the lower body as well...

As has already been stated, yes, it's just easier to install with the crankarm off. If the crankarm is really seized on there, a good quality crank puller is probably necessary. I suggested the self-extracting bolts as I have found them very handy for solving severe chainsuck issues out on the trail with just a 6mm hex, and it eliminates the need for a socket wrench to tighten them. My actual reccommendation would be to invest in a proper crank removal tool, and then consider something like the self-extracting bolts for convenience. The cost for either with some frugal shopping should be under $10.

actually that time i went at it with a crowbar

I once removed crank arms with a 2 X 4 and a hammer. A friend of mine once repaired a broken chain link with a nail and a rock. I would not repeat either technique if I could possibly avoid it. If you absolutely must remove a crank arm without a puller then a board and a hammer will work but spring for a puller if you can.

Just back the crank bolt out a few turns before hand. You would feel the arm loosening before it fell from the bike.

Meant as a joke, just like the idea of someone having issues w/ picking up a crank extractor.

Don't be stupid; buy tools or take the job to someone who has them.

I was helping the neighbor singlespeed an old mtn bike for his girlfriend. We were a few beers into the night when the threads were stripped out of the crank (via a crank puller). What to do? Heat. Using an Oxy/MAPP torch we heated the crank & I tapped it off with a hammer. Then burned my fingers picking it up.

*NOTE* this technique is not recommended for use on parts about which you care.

I used to pull motorcycle flywheels by prying on the flywheel whilst someone tapped the end of the crankshaft with a hammer and punch. It worked; would probably work on a bike.

Just get a crank puller - they are CHEAP and you can get one in the $30 Nashbar Big Tool Kit.

Well crank pullers are not expensive but in many instances you will only use it once. So then it isnt worth it

Bike tools are always worth it...

Your logic is valid unless you foul up the crank by removing it without the proper tool. Then you say to yourself "Man, I wish I'd spent $10 on a crank puller instead of having to buy a whole crank now."

dude, get a crank puller its like 6 bucks