Bicycle pedals are vulnerable to damage at almost every turn. Pedals are often the first thing to contact the ground during a spill or when a rider might be dislodged from the seat. Molded pedals made from hard rubber are not subject to damages that are common with steel pedals in these situations. Fortunately, many types of steel pedals can often be repaired by straightening a bend in the housing or replacing bearings. When removing pedals for repairs, be sure to note the right and left side pedals on most bikes have opposite threads.
Step 1
Stabilize the bicycle on its kickstand or in a bike rack so both wheels are in contact with a hard surface. Use the pedal wrench and loosen the nut on the right side pedal by turning the wrench counter-clockwise. Remove the right side pedal from the right crank arm and set it aside.
Step 2
Loosen the nut on the left side pedal by turning the wrench clockwise. Remove this pedal from the left crank arm and set it aside. Apply this procedure in reverse if you're installing a set of new pedals.
Step 3
Remove the nuts on the end of the pedal shafts using a box wrench. Slide the center shafts out of the shaft sleeves on each pedal. Set the shaft sleeves aside and remove any straps or toe clips from the pedals.
Step 4
Place a terry cloth on the top of a vice or anvil. Straighten the bent or dented surfaces of the pedal using a wood block and a hammer. Place the block on the inside of the pedal to pound a dent out. Lay the terry cloth over the outside of the pedal as protection and use the hammer to straighten an area of the pedal that's bent outward.
Step 5
Insert the end of a screwdriver into a shaft sleeve until it contacts the bearing on the opposite end of the sleeve. Tap the butt of the screwdriver with a hammer to pop the bearing out of the bearing race. Repeat this to remove the remaining bearings from the ends of the sleeves. Omit this step if you're replacing the sleeves.
Step 6
Place a new bearing on the end of a sleeve and tap it with the butt end of the screwdriver to seat it into the bearing race. Repeat this to install the remaining bearings. Apply a thin coat of bearing grease on the inside walls of each bearing.
Step 7
Attach the straps or toe clips to the pedals. Reinsert the sleeves and shafts and thread the nuts on the end of the pedal shafts. Tighten the nuts with the box wrench. Replace the pedals onto the crank arms and use the pedal tool to secure them in place.
Tips and Warnings
- Polish metal parts and components with chrome polish and a soft cloth.
Things You'll Need
- Bicycle pedal wrench
- Box wrench
- Square point screwdriver
- Light hammer
- Anvil or vice
- Terry cloth
- Wood block
- Pedal bearings
- Bearing grease
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