Taking your time to maintain your bike is important. There are different ways to ensure your bike’s well-being; one thing to look at would be your bike’s pedals.
Changing mountain bike pedals is important to both the biker and the bike itself. It’s done to ensure compatibility and comfort.
Here’s how to remove mountain bike pedals. We’ll be tackling how to change pedals on a mountain bike with pedal wrenches, what kind of pedals mountain bikes have, and how to reinstall them.
Table of Contents
Types of Bike Pedals
Mountain bike pedals have two different types. Each of them has its own corresponding uses and appearances:
- Platform or flat pedals – Those are commonly used by beginner bikers. It’s also perfect for slopes, slippery or wet surfaces, and for performing tricks on the MTB. You can easily use these pedals without buying shoes that are specially made for mountain biking.
- Clipless pedals – Those are used by everyday riders. They’re efficient and are good for people who want to control their bikes better. You would need shoes for mountain biking when using them, but it’s worth the extra mile.
Some brands have specialized MTB pedals available, like Shimano Mountain bike pedals that offer both kinds. If you’re on the lookout for replacement bicycle pedals, it’s good to search for what fits you best!
2 Ways to Remove Mountain Bike Pedals?
What do you need?
To use a pedal wrench, here’s a few items to prepare.
- A pedal wrench (compatible with your bike’s specifications)
- A piece of wood or clip straps
- A stand
Step 1: Position your wrench into the flat part of the pedal.
Position your bike onto a stand before you start. If you do not have a stand, ask someone to prop it up for you. This will keep your bike from moving as you work on the pedals.
Slide your wrench onto the pedal’s flat part, making sure that it’s rotated in a 3:00 position. Be sure to work on the driveside pedal first. The drive side pedal is on the right side.
Step 2: Unscrew pedal
Securely fit the wrench before applying pressure and unscrewing it clockwise. Be sure not to screw it to the left, as it will fasten and wear out the threads instead. If stuck, gently apply harder pressure or use lubricating sprays.
As you remove the pedals, brace the cranks by sliding a piece of wood between the crank and frame. Remove the pedal from the crank once securely unfastened.
Step 3: Repeat the same process on the non-driveside pedal.
After removing the driveside pedal:
- Repeat the same method for the left side.
- Remove the brace before you start.
- Rotate your pedal to a 9:00 position and secure the wrench properly against the pedal.
Check your bike and prepare a brace for the cranks. Then you may apply pressure and unfasten the pedals, twisting it counter-clockwise. Once prepared, unfasten it by turning it counter-clockwise.
Aside from using a piece of wood, you can also use clip straps or any fastener to prevent the crank from moving while you work.
What do you need to change mountain bike pedals
- A 8mm Hex key
- 15mm spanner
- Clip straps or a piece of wood.
Step 1: Fasten the cranks
Secure the entire bike on a stand and fasten it. Prepare a brace for your bike’s cranks and frames to disable movement from the cranks while you work. This ensures that you can remove the pedals safely and securely.
Use clip straps to secure your cranks or lodge a piece of wood between your frame and cranks. Ensure that it is secured tightly against the bike frame before you start the mountain bike pedal removal.
Step 2: Release the wrench flats.
Use a hex wrench or a spanner to remove the pedals without a pedal wrench. To start, check if your pedals need either a hex key or a spanner.
To unfasten using a hex key, keep its shorter end on the back of the pedal and apply pressure downward while holding the other crank. Until you can easily unfasten the pedal by hand.
If you need a spanner, plance it on the wrench flats, facing its rear. Then you can also apply pressure downward similar to the hex key.
Step 3: Rotate and unfasten the pedal.
Rotate the pedal once the screws are loose and detach the pedals. Be sure to remember the directions for removing them. Perform this procedure for the driveside pedal first before you proceed to the non-driveside.
The driveside pedal must be turned clockwise, while the non-driveside must be turned in the opposite—in a clockwise direction. In other terms, turn your right pedal to the right, while the left is also rotated to the left.
Other Tips
Tip #1: You may also use a monkey or crescent wrench. In particular, you’ll be needing a 15-millimeter crescent wrench. They use the same method as a pedal wrench in removing MTB pedals.
Tip #2: The left and right MTB pedal’s removal directions are different. Turn the screw counter-clockwise to loosen the right pedal and the opposite for the left to get the bike pedals off.
Tip #3: If the MTB pedals won’t come off, remember to use the necessary spray lubricants when taking them off. Be careful when removing the pedals and screws that are stuck and check the direction of the screws.
How to Install Bike Pedals
While mountain bike pedal removal is important, it’s also important to learn how to install your pedals back. You’ll be needing either a pedal wrench or a 15-millimeter crescent wrench.
- Check and ensure that your pedal’s directions are correct, you cannot switch their directions.
- Wipe everything before greasing your pedal axle, then line it up with the hole in the crank arm. It must be leveled and parallel to the ground.
- Thread the axle into the hole with your finger, making sure it has no resistance. You’ll have to unscrew and do it all over again if you detect it.
- Once it is tight enough, you can use your wrench instead of your fingers. For a pedal or crescent wrench, attach it between the pedal and crank arm, while a hex wrench goes through the hole of the crank arm and into the pedal’s hole.
- Tighten it well and there you have it, your pedals are fastened and ready for a spin!
Conclusion
Sure, it’s much easier and more efficient to take your mountain bike to the shop, but if you don’t want to spend as much money and try to take your pedals off, try grabbing your tool kit.
One of the most efficient ways on how to remove mountain bike pedals would be the wrench. It’s easy and perfectly doable, even by yourself. You’ll find that replacing those pedals is easier than you think.
As bikers, it’s also important to know what’s best for you and your bike, especially in bike maintenance, and your comfort while taking it for a spin. It’s important to be careful and choose the best specs for your bike.
“I ride my bike to work for years, but is that enough? Our carelessness towards our surroundings has taken a toll on the environment. And now, everyone is responsible for changes; even the most minor contribution is counted. With this hope and spirit, I started with my partner to establish Biketoworkday to help more individuals commute to their work sites on their bikes.”