Removing the pedals from the bike may be required when a crunch, knock, or other unpleasant situations occur while riding. It is quite difficult to fix such problems. However, once you figure out how to remove the pedals from the bicycle, you can perform their regular maintenance without resorting to the services of specialists.
Walking on two-wheeled vehicles has a beneficial effect on well-being. But at the same time, the muscles of the shoulder girdle are practically not involved. Perhaps this is what made developers invent a bicycle with pedals on the handlebars. In addition to a uniform load on almost all the muscles of the body, you can move on such a transport at a more impressive speed. Owners of such iron horses should also figure out how to remove the pedals from the bike.
Pedal design
This part is an element of the system, which consists of a set of stars, a pair of connecting rods, a carriage, an axis, bearings, a supporting platform and accessories. To better understand how to remove the pedals from the bike, let's look at each spare part separately.
- Axis - a metal pin built into the connecting rod. It acts as the base on which the remaining structural elements are held.
- A connecting rod is a part that is connected on one side to the axle and, on the other, to a freely rotating platform.
- Bearing assembly - a design that ensures smooth running of the system.
- A platform is a node that acts as a support for the foot during movement and is connected to the axis by means of a connecting rod.
- Accessories - metal fasteners for fixing all the components of the pedal block. It is completely dismantled during dismantling.
Types
According to the nature of the support platform, standard and contact pedals for a bicycle with a mount are distinguished. The former provide traction with the sole of the cyclist due to the textured surface. The second contains recesses that connect with the corresponding protrusions on special shoes.
The type of dismantling largely depends on the type of platform. Contact mechanisms have a more complex structure. Therefore, removing them is somewhat more difficult compared to standard products.
There is also a combined version of the pedals. The latter contain on one side of the platform a regular site, and on the other - a contact.
Instruments
The following tools may come in handy during work:
- Manual key - allows you to get to the nuts and dismantle the connection.
- Bicycle kit - acts as a universal solution when performing various repair procedures.
- Open-end wrench - suitable for dismantling pedals on almost all bicycle models.
- A special key for the system - makes it possible to remove non-standard nuts.
- Puller - indispensable for the need to work with contact pedals. Allows to fix an axis when using a manual key.
How to remove pedals from a bicycle?
First you need to arm yourself with a bicycle key long enough to create a suitable lever. The tool is placed in a position parallel to the connecting rod. The key rotates in the desired direction (for the right pedal - counterclockwise, for the left - for the clock).
The use of a special bicycle key will allow you to quickly unscrew the connection, pushing the lever with your whole body. If the pedals refuse to unscrew, then it is worth warming up the junction of the platform with the connecting rod using a burner. It must be borne in mind that heating is performed with simultaneous cooling of the metal with water. Otherwise, there is a possibility of permanent damage to the parts.
How to put the pedals back in place?
Starting to install the pedals, it is worthwhile to clean the threads on the contact joints of the connecting rods and platforms from dirt. Next, just take the right pedal and twist it in a clockwise direction. Screwing in should first be done by hand, and then using a key. Finally, the pedal must be firmly tightened.
A similar operation is performed with the left platform and connecting rod. Only rotation in this case should produce in the opposite direction. Finally, it is worthwhile to tighten the pedals once again and securely fix the pedals with a hand key, which will exclude their arbitrary unscrewing while riding.
Eventually
As you can see, dismantling and reinstalling the bicycle pedals is quite simple. However, the process should be approached fully armed, taking care of the availability of all necessary tools and not forgetting about possible problems that may arise during the procedure.
In order not to be puzzled once again by the problems of removing and disassembling the design of the pedals, it is sufficient to constantly maintain the functional unit in good condition, to regularly lubricate and clean it from contamination.