How to Replace Your Chainrings
Basic removal and installation instructions for 5-bolt chainrings on 3-sprocket systems.
This tutorial will demonstrate how to remove and install chainrings. Since there are so many different crank and chainring sizing combinations, I’ll stick to the basics and give a general overview of the process based on a 5-bolt, 3-chainring system.
For this job, you’ll typically need a 5mm allen key, a chainring nut wrench, and some waterproof grease. On some bikes, you may find it easier to remove the right crank arm before you begin.
Chainring Removal
Before removing the largest two chainrings you’ll often have to remove the smallest one, which is often threaded directly into your crank arm. Use your allen key to loosen all of the bolts that hold the chainring in place, and then use a marker to make a note of the chainring’s position in relation to the crank before removing it completely. Some chainrings have a bump sticking out that should be lined up with your crank arm.
The largest two rings are usually bolted to each other with a nut and bolt. Here you’ll need to hold the nut in place with the special chainring wrench while you loosen the bolt with your allen key. Once again it’s a good idea to mark the chainring’s position in relation to your crank arm. The two largest outer rings often have a few spacers or washers in between, so be sure to note exactly how they came apart so they can be reinstalled correctly.
While it’s ok to install a new chainring that has a different number of teeth, you’ll want to make sure that your new chainrings have the same side profile as the old ones.
Chainring Installation
Before you reinstall the bolts, apply a thin layer of grease to the threads to keep out moisture. Now you can reassemble all of your chainrings the same way they came apart.
Make sure all of the bolts are finger tight and then begin tightening them evenly in a star pattern. Start by tightening the first bolt, and then every second bolt until you’ve gone all the way around. Repeat this process until all of the bolts are tight. Be careful not to over-tighten. Park Tools recommends 44-88 inch pounds of torque for aluminum bolts, and 70-95 inch pounds for steel bolts.
Related Links
Recommended Tools
- Shimano TL-FC20 Dustcap Pin Tool
- Park Tool HXS-1.2 Hex Wrench Set
- Shimano TL-FC10 Crank Extractor
- Park Tool PAW-12 Adjustable Wrench
- 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
cable loose from gear handle shifter
Lastest post 12 hours agoHi, I'm new here. Just need some help right now for my grandson's Shocker 20 bike. The cable holder has come loose at the gripper handle and having trouble getting it back in. Any suggestions or where to get another 7 speed shifter for his bike? Thanks a lot. Sorry for not filling in any other "newbe" message, I'm currently baby sitting my other grandchild . That probably explains it all. 2...
Read moreWhat’s the name and code for this bottom bracket ?
Lastest post 14 hours agoAlso if you guys know the code for the bearings and bearing size, I have a shimano 105 crank B735B1FC-9997-4A08-9590-3B4A5798E21D.jpeg (Size: 79.89 KB / Downloads: 9) ...
Read moreWhat’s the name of this bottom bracket ?
Lastest post 14 hours agoI need to know what bottom bracket I have but I can fin a number or code on it to read it. Any experts in here, this is my first post. 006BA1F3-FE4D-4D22-85F0-095E72284B3D.jpeg (Size: 46.12 KB / Downloads: 12) ...
Read moreGrip shift gear on kids bike difficult to turn
Lastest post 14 hours agoI've read other threads and lots of info online, and I'm still stuck. My son is unable to shift the gears on his new 6-gear bike. We tried adjusting the derailer to release some tension and tinkered with adjustments here and there, and nothing seems to be working. Is there anything that we can do? I really want him to be able to shift his own gears. Going uphill today we had to stop several t...
Read moreHorrendous noises when pedalling
Lastest post 22 hours agoI have just started hearing horrendous noises when pedalling my 7 week old Trek Powerfly 4 ebike. The sound is worse than clicking and clunking and I can’t tell exactly where it is coming from. So have uploaded a video here: https://youtu.be/G3X2tLHk4Bk. Has anyone had similar or know what if could be? I’ve not heard these types of noises before....
Read more1962 Varsity - Move Stem Shifters Ok?
Lastest post 4 days agovarsity.jpg (Size: 152.97 KB / Downloads: 66) varsity2.jpg (Size: 77.64 KB / Downloads: 67) Hi. This is my first post. I have a 1962 Varsity that I've enjoyed riding since I was 10. I'm in my 60's now and just want to putz around the neighborhood. In order to make the bike more comfortable I put a super big seat on it and 12" high handlebars. It's my Lazy-Boy on whe...
Read moreIs the creaking sound coming from pedals or bottom bracket?
Lastest post 4 days agoHello everyone. After many winter rides, my 29er MTB began to throw out creaking sounds last week. It's nothing too loud, just a gentle yet annoying creak that happens on every other stroke but not constantly. Could it simply be the case of pedals (I have clipless Shimano MTB pedals) being "tired" and not the bottom bracket? Where should I look first?...
Read moreworkable fix for low impact easy riding?
Lastest post 5 days agoIMG-0104.JPG (Size: 69.13 KB / Downloads: 14) Hi I was in the process of putting upright handle bars on an old mountain bike frame.. ( help take the pinching out of my neck when i ride) I noticed a small hairline crack in the headset (i guess that is what they are called ?) I am only looking for something i can go out and ride simple flat probably paved trails.. to keep my c...
Read moreDamage done by quick-release skewer on fork dropout?
Lastest post 1 week agoHey guys I was recommended to post here to see if I could get any additional opinions. Would be great if you guys could help me out. Images: https://imgur.com/a/HvH98By I bought a second-hand carbon bike that looked mostly fine on inspection but when I took it apart to put in the car I noticed that the carbon around the dropouts might've been cracked? This is my first time seeing these 'enclos...
Read moreCassettes, chains, cranks are they compatible..?
Lastest post 2 weeks agoHi... I bought 2 second hand wheels for my Gary Fisher bike.. The rear wheel came with a new 8 speed cassette marked... Shimano Hypergluide HG. After reading the spec. list of the bike it lists the chain as Shimano CN-IG51, 1/2 x 3/32" ..and the front gear chain as SR XCC-150 42/34/24 crank.. The original cassette was SRAM PG830 11-32 8spd My question ...is the new cassette OK with the original c...
Read moreCanyon Aeroad CF limited seat post clamp
Lastest post 2 weeks agoPXL_20210328_103831698.jpg (Size: 41.2 KB / Downloads: 26) Hi, I need a new seat post clamp for my canyon? These are proving difficult to get, does anyone know we're to purchase a replacement. I have attached pictures. Thanks Matt...
Read moreDifficult to upshift front gear even when going on a gentle uphill
Lastest post 4 weeks agoI adjusted my front gear according to materials I read and watched on the Internet. Hanging the bike off the ground, fd works alright and shifting was seamless. Now I take a ride, flat ground, shifting front gear was good. Downhill was also perfectly alright with changing gear. When I went uphill even on a gentle slope, gear won't upshift; downshift was alright. I am on a triple chainring. When g...
Read moreFreehub body change compatibility
Lastest post 1 month agoI have a single speed kona unit with a formula dc52 hub (only single speed drive) and was wondering if anyone knew what freehub bodies were compatible so I can switch is to more then just a single. I would prefer not to have to buy a whole new wheel or rebuilding with a new hub. Thanks...
Read moreSinglespeed freewheel chain compability
Lastest post 1 month agoHi Guys, I would appreciate some advice on choosing the right chain for a new singlespeed freewheel 16T. I have a Campagnolo crankset that is 1/8" and use Izumi chain of the same width. I'm currently on Sturmey Archer 17T 1/8" freewheel but I'd like to upgrade to 16T. All the quality 16T freewheels I found are made for 3/32" chains for example Box Buzz. Halo Clickster can supposedly accept 3/32 o...
Read moreChain for specialized rockhopper
Lastest post 1 month agoHello, Ive just had my over 30 year old rockhopper serviced and its as good as new. Almost! Repair shop - where i bought it 6 years ago and have been great servicing it - say the chain is very worn and will be almost impossible to replace. Its a six speed. Would this be true? I'm not grumbling as its been a great bike but at the same time seems a shame to ditch it for want of a chain. Appreciate a...
Read more
