Hello, I learned to cycle just over two months ago and want to replace the pedals on my bike. I've looked online and it says I need a special kind of wrench? I tried with a regular wrench and seriously can't fathom how I would remove them?
I've attached photos if it helps: the first shows what is underneath the rubber cap at the end of the pedal and the other shows the other side of the pedal, where it attaches to the bike.
by C-Rex94
10 Comments
Pedal wrench should fit where the pedal meets the crank arm but you attach the wrench to the pedal.
Left side pedal is reverse thread. Clockwise to remove. 15mm pedal wrench.
When installing, grease threads, and thread in by hand to avoid cross-threading. Wrench just for final tightening.
https://preview.redd.it/fvlhbsjqmwgg1.png?width=969&format=png&auto=webp&s=e98939442ed0ecf698eb50e3cd2fb7a33aa0848d
With this type of wrench I think. Note that left pedal have counterclockwise thread and right pedal normal thread
There should be some wrench flats right here.
And pay attention to the direction. The right pedal turns the normal way but the left pedal tightens when turning counterclockwise.
https://preview.redd.it/enc1d9danwgg1.jpeg?width=1440&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=551c05f3cbd6a3cd4b79604ba8b39adb0050ea43
The right pedal loosens counterclockwise (and tightens clockwise).
The left pedal loosens clockwise (and tightens counterclockwise).
They will be very tight probably corroded or partially bonded. The correct wrench will help tremendously but I have done it with a standard wrench. You can try slipping a pipe over the end of your wrench to create a longer lever and apply more force. But be careful using that much force (I’ve smacked head on the table when it finally does break loose).
You can also try adding some heat as the aluminum will expand quicker than the steel and that might be enough to break the corrosion or other bind that was created over the years.
Regarding regular and reverse threading.
This idea applies to both sides:
To tighten turn towards the front wheel.
To loosen turn towards the back wheel.
Good on you for wanting to learn!
I did mine recently with a regular spanner, but that may not fit on your bike. You may need a pedal spanner (wrench – depending on what part of the world you live in).
As for what direction to turn them, here’s a short that’s helpful. Sound is def not necessary. Unless you want to hear this man groaning and grunting.
https://m.youtube.com/shorts/UbGWbPbRW9M
If you have a grinder and an old 15 mil open end -just grind it to fit. It’s what I used and sometime still do.
I managed to use a crescent wrench a few times before I got a pedal wrench, but a pedal wrench is what you need. Both sides spin towards the front of the bike to come off. Get some good pedals to replace those stock plastic crap ones. Personally I like bmx pedals, but I got big feet.
Everybody always says you need a pedal wrench. I’ve changed a hell of a lot of pedals with a standard open-end. Don’t try an adjustable is all, and make TRIPLESURE YOU KNOW WHICH SIDE IS THREADED WHICH WAY.
Make sure the threads are clean, well lubed, and aligned when putting the pedals in. Cranks are soft, pedals are hard, the threads are fine/fragile, and it’s easy to be off alignment with the pedal to the crank hole while you start the threads.