How to Replace Your Pedals
Applies to both 1/2″ and 9/16″ thread sizes. The left pedal has a reverse thread.
Replacing a set of pedals on your bike may seem simple enough, but here’s a few tips that will help you prevent damage and make sure they stay on tight for those long rides. I recommend using a proper 15mm pedal wrench for this job, as they have a long handle and are designed to fit properly in the small axle slots.
When removing your pedals, the first step is to make sure you have both wheels firmly on the ground. This will give you better support for the leverage that is required to loosen your very tight pedal threads.
Right Pedal Removal
Loosen the right side pedal by turning counter-clockwise just like any traditional threaded nut. Notice how I have positioned the crank arm and pedal tool so that I can push down with more force.
Left Pedal Removal
It is very important to remember that the left pedal has a reverse thread, which keeps the pedal from unscrewing while you ride. To loosen the left side you will have to turn the wrench clockwise.
Pedal Installation
Before installing the new pedals, apply a thin coat of waterproof grease to the threads. This helps tighten your pedals and keep the treads from seizing, so that they can be removed in the future.
Tighten the right pedal by turning the wrench clockwise, and tighten the left pedal by turning counter-clockwise.
Related Links
- Jim Langley: Pedal Basics
- Park Tool: Pedal Installation and Removal
- Sheldon Brown: More Pedal Information
- Bicycle Torque Specifications
Recommended Tools
- Park Tool PW-3 Pedal Wrench
- Phil Wood Waterproof Grease
- Park Tool SK-3 Starter Mechanic Tool Kit
- Park Tool PK-3 Professional Tool Kit
Categories
Discuss this topic in the Bicycle Repairs and Mechanics Forum
Sram Transmission derailleur possibly dead?
Latest post 3 days agoI have a bike in with an unresponsive transmission derailleur. Customer said it was hit with a stick that went into the spokes. There's no obvious damage other than wear and tear scuff marks. The battery is good and tested with the dropper. The shifter is good and working. The button on the derailleur does nothing. Single click, double clicking and holding the button. no response, no servo buzz,...
Read moresuspicious broken part after service--is this legit?
Latest post 2 weeks agoHey all, I'd love some feedback on a repair issue. I just got the brakes bled and the first ride after was fine. But after one week of sitting idle, I took it out and the rear brake was suddenly making a horrible loud screeching noise when applied. Took it back to the shop and the mechanic showed how the two halves of the brake were not perfectly aligned and holding firm and there was oil leakage....
Read morePros & Cons of presta valve vs schrader valves
Latest post 3 weeks agoA question I've wanted to ask for a while now. From a personal point of view, what have you found to be the positives and negatives of these two valves? What would your preference be?...
Read more70's=80's Free Spirit Blaze MTN
Latest post 4 weeks ago70's-80's Free Spirit Blaze MTN 2.JPG (Size: 21.86 KB / Downloads: 5) 3.JPG (Size: 33.89 KB / Downloads: 5) DSCN3722.JPG (Size: 32.65 KB / Downloads: 5) 4.JPG (Size: 56.63 KB / Downloads: 5) I need a front index shift lever or the matched set. Falcon derailleur, 10 speed or whatever is compatible. 7.3mm is the closet spacing measurement...
Read moreFront Disc screeching/vibration .. help please :-)
Latest post 4 weeks agoFront Disc brake(Shimano) makes dreadful noise/vibration just at the ‘bite’ point where it stop the wheel (final 2 or 3 cms of rotation on the rotor ! Only started a month ago No luck in sorting it ! .. have had pads, rotor and caliper all replaced and it makes very little difference (all are clean, aligned and functioning as they should) Absolutely no problem on the rear. Don’t know wh...
Read more2nd hand rad rover repair help needed
Latest post 1 month agoSo I bought this second hand rad rover five power bike it worked for the whole day and the end of the day I thought it died on me but it hasn't been able to start back up please contact me if you think you could help I've done some research and I have no idea what I'm doing I just need some help somebody knows what they're doing to guide me with this please I spent all my money on this I don't hav...
Read moreAxle keeps slipping on applying force/climbing hills..
Latest post 2 months agoMy friend is having this issue where the axle keeps slipping in the rear dropouts and hit the chain stay on the non-drive side. IMG-20260418-WA0021.jpg (Size: 82.12 KB / Downloads: 68) This usually happens when a lot of force (climbing on a high gear or standing to sprint) is applied. It’s worse when the bicycle is loaded up with camping gear on the rear rack. Things tried th...
Read moreNeed help with Drivetrain Update
Latest post 3 months agoHello everyone, I'm an older lifelong cyclist that recently had my beloved old yeti mountain bike stolen, and to try and fill that void, I picked up a 2015 Specialized Crosstrail (I'm riding more paved and gravel trails these days, my full-on mountain bike days are over!). The bike was in very good physical condition, apparently very lightly used. I was unable to ride before purchase, but it looke...
Read moreVelowave Ranger break change question
Latest post 3 months agoHello! I tried to change my Velowave ranger e-bike breaks and the lever would not have traction. I researched and learned I needed to bleed the breaks, I tried the top method with the cup with a break bleeding kit. Still had the same issue, I tried to use the syringe at the caliper but the hole was too small for any of the included adapters. Is it just trapped air in the calipers/line that is ca...
Read moreEye to Eye Shock Lengths
Latest post 3 months agoWill my conversion work? I have an old 2014 Giant Trance 1. It is a small frame. It is just a backup bike. It is still fun to ride and works well when a friend is or family member is visiting and bikeless. I hate sending things to the land fill or not being able to keep them repaired and running. I already replaced the fork a couple of years ago. I already found some parts and converted to a ...
Read moreShimano law suit
Latest post 3 months agoRemember the Shimano law suit? Fortunately I had the"good model series" Thousands of riders trusted these components without a second thought. Now, the story has taken a serious turn. Shimano has agreed to pay an $11.5 million penalty after US regulators found the company failed to report a major defect in its 11 speed road cranksets on time. According to the CPSC, Shimano had received thou...
Read moreQuestion regarding rear hub replacement for possible out of production bike?
Latest post 4 months agoHi there, I have a question in regards to either finding a replacement hub for my rear Mountain Bike or just replacing the whole wheel entirely. However when I went to a local bicycle shop (in China, that is so there are language barriers to keep in mind), upon inspection they claimed that the bicycle was too old to accept the replacement of their modern parts, which I honestly find hard to believ...
Read moreNeed suntour derailleur replacement
Latest post 5 months agoMy sensation crossroads cruz needs a rear derailleur. I need to verify which shimano part and shifter will work. Thanks Bob...
Read moreInner side tube punctures
Latest post 5 months agoI haven't been riding a bike for about two years, before that I was riding it extensively for about 5 or more years. It is a 26 inch mountain bike (if that matters at all). The bike was just staying on flat tires for these two years. After i decided to put the bike to life again so to speak I started to get inner tube punctures (punctures on a tube from the inner side, the side not facing the road...
Read moreHow to adjust shock preload?
Latest post 5 months agoThese are Noleen NR-1 shocks on an old Girvin ProFlex MTB. How do I get a grip on the preload adjuster? There is very little surface area & there are no notches for a typical spanner & a pipe wrench, vice grips, etc. which are sure to mar the springs if I can even get them in there to grip it. The working space on the fork shock is especially tight. See attachment photos. Thanks! ...
Read more
