Removing some old cranks
 

How do I go about removing these cranks? I'm guessing I need some special tool. I can take some better pictures if need be too.

Its called a crank extractor (about $15). Unscrew the cap in the middle of you picture, remoce the bolt or nut holding the crank onto the axle, and screw in one piece of the extractor. This piece comes in a couple of different thread sizes so make sure you get the size that matches your crank. Then screw the second part into the extractor so it pushes on the end of the axle and removes the crank.

So that cap just screws off? I can't seem to get that part off. Well, I can't find a screw driver large enough to stick in there.

yeah. most of those caps are weak plastic so if you don't want to damage the cap make certain you use a large flathead screwdriver.

They typically come out relatively easy, but if they haven't been out in a while it may need a bit of coaxing (pressure).

Try a quarter or a nickel if you don't have a flathead. If you get a crank extractor, then it has one end with a screwdriving lever built for those caps. But a quarter should get it off. There aren't more than about 8 threads on those. If it breaks, you can get a new one from the LBS or just leave it off.

The real fun comes once you get that cap off.

I have used a propane torch to get old crispy end caps loose. Heat the crank, not the cap, until the crank feels just hot enough to hold comfortaby in the hand. The caps soften enough to screw out more easily, and the crank will come off the spindle better too.

I don't think that's good for your crank, however.

you'll find an axle bolt or maybe a nut under the plastic cap which you'll need a socket wrench to remove (14mm?). Then, the crank extractor. If that SR crank has never been removed, it'll take more effort than you would think.

Before you do all this, I highly recommend you get the tool first. I tried removing some cranks on several different bikes with just a socket wrench, and always found myself thwarted midway. You have the crank extractor tool, everything will go fine, barring a LOT of corrosion on the spindle or bolt (doesn't look likely from your pic.)

Hold the quarter or nickel in a pair of pliers to get more torque on the cap.

Grease the threads before you use the extractor.

The tool I use (Lifu marketed by Nashbar) has a screwdriver lip on the end designed to fit these slots.
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