The standard road bike pedal of the early 21st century is a clipless pedal. Though the shape of this pedal differs markedly from platform pedals, with or without toe clips, it uses the same basic parts and attaches to the cranks the same way. The same method of removal is appropriate for mountain bike pedals too.
Step 1
Lean the bike up against a wall with the left side facing out, or place it in a bicycle work stand.
Step 2
Slide the wrench onto the flat parts of the pedal axle, located between the pedal and the crank. If there are no flat parts, you cannot remove your pedal with a pedal wrench. Check the opposite side of the crank to see if the pedal axle ends in a hexagon shape. This hexagon shape takes an Allen wrench to loosen, likely the 6 mm size, says the Bloom Bike Shop. You can continue to follow these instructions working from the back of the crank, reversing each recommendation about wrench direction.
Step 3
Turn the wrench handle clockwise. Left-side pedals are left-threaded, meaning that they loosen when turned clockwise and tighten when turned counterclockwise. If the wrench does not turn easily with moderate to firm pressure, place a few drops of light oil where the pedal axle reaches the crank arm. Place the bike on the ground with the left side facing up, and let it sit for a few minutes before turning the bike upright and trying again.
Step 4
Use the metal pipe to give yourself more leverage if the oil did not work. Slide the end of the pipe several inches onto the wrench handle. Grip the pipe toward the outside end and turn it clockwise, applying firm pressure.
Step 5
Turn the bike so the right side faces out when you’ve removed the left pedal. Former Bicycling Magazine technical editor Jim Langley recommends you shift the bike chain into the largest front chain ring. This protects you from injury on the teeth of the chain ring if your hand slips. Repeat steps two through four with the right pedal, but turn the wrench counterclockwise to loosen the pedal from the crank.
Step 6
Use a rag to wipe any debris out of the crank arm threads and off of the pedal threads. The late Harris Cyclery bike mechanic Sheldon Brown stipulates that you apply a thin layer of grease to the crank arm threads before reinstalling the pedals or installing new ones, to protect them from rust and to make removal easier in the future.
Things You'll Need
- Pedal wrench, 15 mm
- Light bike oil (optional)
- Allen wrench, 6 mm (optional)
- Metal pipe, wide enough to fit over the handle of the pedal wrench, 2-3 feet (optional)
- Rag
- Heavy bicycle or automotive wheel bearing grease
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