Just to get it out of the way, I’m in no way mechanically inclined and this is my first bike “build” so please feel free to correct me on anything.
I recently got an 80s Raleigh Elkhorn MTB. I’m trying to strip it down and add new parts. I’m trying to take the crank arms off and have no idea how. I can’t find any videos on it. The crankset is a Shimano biopace. All the videos say to use a crank remover tool but I’m not sure it would go on this type of crank. I can get better pics tomorrow if needed. Thanks in advance. Also, check out the back brake, I’ve never seen that.
by Electrical_Field4018
5 Comments
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPQyQnNdews](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPQyQnNdews)
Here you go.
That is a “U brake” btw.
I usually put a rag between the clamp and frame when I can’t use a seatpost, just to avoid any marring.
That frame looks great. Love the colour – a worthy build. For the cranks, a crank puller would be the right tool for the job. Just YouTube the removal of a square taper crankset. For the rear brake, it’s unique and old for sure. If it works, and the pads have sufficient materials then great. Just adjust it and roll.
Your are probably seeing pictures of the crank removal tool with the pin screwed all the way down. When you are using it, you thread the barrel into the crank (a goodly amount, just a few threads can get you stripped threads!) And then you screw in the pin. The pin will push against the bottom bracket and push the crank arm off.
Park CCP-22 or equivalent is what you want to pull the cranks off. Thread it in ( by hand) completely before trying spinning the handle in, otherwise you may strip the fine threads out of the crank arm.
A “pickle fork” (ball joint separator) from Harbor freight works great if the crank puller fails- it fits between the frame and crank arm, then you smack it with a hammer and off the pips the arm. This is typically the fall back when the crank arm puller refuses to work/strips the threads.
>I’m trying to take the crank arms off and have no idea how.
You will need a crank puller in order to remove the crankset. I recommend the CWP-7 from Park Tool, because it allows you to use whatever length wrench you need to remove the cranks (a 12″ adjustable wrench is usually adequate). It also allows you to position the wrench at the angle that works best (can’t do that with the Park Tool CPP-7, which is the alternative tool that comes with a built-in handle).