The crank on your mountain bike is attached to the spindle, and when you pedal your bike, you turn the chain ring, propelling the bike forward. Removing the crank from your mountain bike is necessary when damage occurs to the spindle, the crank or the chain ring. If you are replacing the crank, you should get the correct replacement before starting, or take the crank with you to a bicycle shop to get the correct replacement crank set.
Step 1
Place your mountain bike in a bike stand or secure it to a stable surface to keep your bike from falling over as you work.
Step 2
Pry the plastic cap off the crank arm covering the retaining bolt with a slotted screwdriver. Use a 14-mm socket and socket wrench to loosen the retaining nut by turning it counterclockwise.
Step 3
Twist the end of a crank extractor tool into the center of the crank arm. Once you remove the retaining nut, the crank extractor threads onto the exposed bolt.
Step 4
Thread the extractor bolt into the extractor tool you slotted into the center of the crank arm. Twist the bolt clockwise until it hits the spindle and stops turning.
Step 5
Attach an adjustable wrench to the end of the extractor bolt. Turn the bolt counterclockwise until the crank comes off the spindle.
Things You'll Need
- Bike stand
- Slotted screwdriver
- 14-mm socket
- Socket wrench
- Crank extractor tool
- Adjustable wrench
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