How to Remove Bike Pedals in 6 Easy Steps

Best Bike Pedals

Plain Pedals

Plain pedals are the most common type of bike pedal. They require coordination to keep your foot on the proper part of the pedal. They're a common feature on children's bikes because children often fear the inability to put their foot down quickly. However, they're also common for winter riders who wear warm, bulky footwear. They're also popular among off-road riders who must frequently put their feet down for stability.

Toe-Clippable Pedals

These pedals are often known as "quill" or "rat-trap" pedals. They feature clips similar to stirrups and adjustable straps to keep your foot in place. Up until the 1980s, you'd be hard-pressed to find a competitive cyclist without this type of pedal. So-called platform pedals may be worn with street shoes. But racers use cleated shoes designed specifically for competitive cycling. Double-sided quill pedals are sometimes used without toe clips.

Clipless Pedals

Since the 80s, a great deal of research has been conducted on improving cycling efficiency. Clipless pedals are one of the most monumental advancements in the world of cycling. These pedal binding systems offer a positive connection between the pedal and shoe without the constriction of straps. Some shoe-pedal systems have recessed cleats making the shoes walkable. Others have protruding cleats. If you're serious about competitive cycling, clipless pedals are for you.

How to Remove Bike Pedals in 6 Easy Steps

Secure the Bicycle

First, you need to secure your bicycle on a flat surface. Most bikes have a kickstand. If yours does, rest your bike on its kickstand. If it doesn't, you can lean it up against a table or wall so it remains upright while you're removing the pedals. Alternatively, you can set your bike upside-down, resting it on the handlebars and seat.

Inspect the Pedals

The type of pedals currently on your bike determine the type of wrench you'll need. Look between the pedal and crank arm. The crank arm is the metal arm that your pedal is connected to. If the crank arm has flats for the wrench to grip, you'll need a pedal wrench.

If there are no wrench flats, look for an Allen-wrench socket at the end of the axle connecting the crank arm and the pedal. This will be hexagonal in shape. If this socket is present, use an Allen wrench.

Adult bikes require a 15 mm (0.59 in.) pedal wrench. The vast majority of children's bikes require a 14 mm (9/16 in.) wrench. Most bikes with Allen wrench sockets require a 6 mm (0.24 in.) Allen wrench. Some pedals are designed with wrench flats on the pedal and an Allen wrench socket on the end of the axle. In this case, you can use either tool.

Place the Wrench on the Right Pedal

Regardless of the wrench used, always place it on the right pedal. To use a pedal wrench, wrap the wrench's jaws around the wrench flats between the crank arm and pedal.

To use an Allen wrench, insert the hexagonal end of the wrench into the socket of the pedal axle's end. Remember: rotating the wrench to loosen the right pedal is not done in the same direction as the left pedal.

Rotate the Wrench Counterclockwise

If you're using a pedal wrench, make half a counterclockwise rotation and remove the wrench from the flats. If you need more leverage, hold on to the left pedal while you're doing this. Put the wrench back on to the flats while the handle is back up and make another half rotation. Continue cranking the wrench in this manner until the pedal is loosened completely.

When you use an Allen wrench, the socket is usually found inside the pedal spindle.

 Thus, you must turn the Allen wrench clockwise. This ensures the spindle rotates counterclockwise.

Remove the Right Pedal

Once the pedal is loosened completely, take it off and set it aside. It should slide easily out of the hole on the crank arm. If the pedal is in good condition, keep it somewhere safe so you can use it as a back-up later.

Remove the Left Pedal

Removing the left pedal is fairly similar to removing the right pedal. You won't have a pedal to push against for leverage, but you shouldn't have any trouble taking the left pedal off. To loosen it, rotate the wrench clockwise if you have a pedal wrench. If using an Allen wrench, rotate counterclockwise if the socket is inside the pedal spindle.

This accounts for the thread on the left pedal being opposite of the right pedal's thread. Bikes are designed this way to prevent the left pedal from unscrewing while you're riding. Again, keep the left pedal somewhere safe in case you need to use it again in the future.

Replacing Your Old Pedals and Future Maintenance Tips

Lubricate the Threads

To replace your bike pedals, lubricate the bike threads inside the pedal holes with waterproof grease. This will keep your pedals from seizing and becoming difficult to remove later. You only need just enough grease to coat the threads thinly. The best place to get waterproof grease is at your local bike shop.

Find the Right Pedal

Inspect your pedals. You should see a small "R" on the right pedal indicating it's the right pedal. To prevent damaging the threads, rest the threaded end of the right pedal in the right pedal hole. Don't try to push it in. To make sure the threads are properly aligned, turn the pedal a few turns by hand before you start using the wrench.

Place the Wrench on the Right Pedal

To use a pedal wrench, wrap the wrench's jaws around the new pedal's wrench flats. If you're using an Allen wrench, the wrench's hexagonal end will be inserted into the Allen wrench socket through the pedal hole.

Rotate the Wrench Clockwise

If you're using a pedal wrench, rotate the wrench clockwise until the pedal is tightened completely. Like removing the bike pedals, make half rotations before lifting the wrench and bringing it back to the top of the pedal. When using an Allen wrench inside the pedal spindle, rotate the wrench counterclockwise.

Repeat Steps 3 and 4 on the Left Side

Remember, the threading on the left side is opposite the threading on the right. Thus, rotate the pedal wrench counterclockwise once the pedal is in position. With an Allen wrench, rotate clockwise to screw the pedal in.

Check Your Pedals

Gently pull on the pedals to ensure they feel secure. If you feel the bearing is loose, tighten the pedal. Make sure the pedals turn smoothly on their bearings. Keep in mind, the pedals will usually not spin freely right after they're installed. This is because the bearings take time to break in.
 
While you're inspecting your pedals, check the axle alignment, too. To do this, carefully watch the pedals while turning the pedal crank backwards. Through the entire rotation they should stay perpendicular to the crank circle in the same plane.

Clipless Pedal Maintenance

Proper pedal maintenance extends the useful life of your pedals while ensuring you ride as efficiently as possible. If you use clipless pedals, replace the cleats on your shoes. The more you walk on them, the more quickly they will wear and need to be replaced.

If the cleats protrude from your shoes, they will need to be replaced after every racing season. If they are recessed into the sole, like in touring shoes, you may get years of service out of your cleats. When it gets hard to click your shoe in or out of the pedal, you know it's time to replace the cleats. Also, replacing your cleats is required if the front edge becomes thinner than a millimeter. Always remember, when fitting new cleats, to use anti-seize grease on the mounting bolt threads to make them easy to remove later.

Conclusion