While some bikers may feel satisfied with a leisurely ride in the park, more extreme cyclists prefer the adrenaline rush of high-speed maneuvers and long-distance jumps. Loose pedals are a common problem among BMX dirt jumpers and downhill mountain bike racers. Examine the various components of your pedals and crank arms to determine the cause of the loosened bolts.
Stripped Cranks
The crank arms connect the pedals of your BMX or mountain bike to the axle of the bottom bracket. According to Vital BMX, each crank arm has a threaded hole that corresponds with the spindle of the pedals. If the metallic threads of the crank arms have been stripped or damaged, your pedals cannot be tightly secured in place. The threads of your crank arms can be stripped or damaged through improper pedal installation.
Stripped Spindle
Top-rated BMX and mountain bike spindles are made of lightweight metal alloys, including chromoly and titanium. When properly installed, the spindle of your pedals should fit snugly into the base of the crank arms. If the threads of your spindle have been stripped, your pedal may hang loosely. To check the threads of your spindle, loosen the pedal nuts with a 15-mm wrench. To prevent metal-on-metal contact between your spindle and crank arm, Bicycle Tutor recommends applying waterproof grease to your pedal threads.
Cracked Spindle
Another reason for loose pedals may be that your spindle is cracked. Loosen the pedal nuts with a 15-mm wrench. Remember that the left pedal has a reverse thread so you'll have to turn the bolt clockwise to loosen it. Examine the length of the spindle to search for any hairline cracks or serious fractures. Riding with a cracked spindle may cause your pedals to fall off during a high-impact trick. You'll have to replace the pedals entirely if the spindle is cracked.
Dirty Threads
When riding on off-road terrain, dirt and sand particles can get trapped between the bolts and components of your BMX or mountain bike. Dirt or sand that is trapped between the spindle and crank arm will not allow your threads to match up. Loosen the pedal nuts to examine the condition of the crank arm and pedal threads. Apply a small amount of light chain oil onto the threads. Wipe the threads with a soft cotton cloth to remove any built-up dirt or grime.
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