Removing bike pedals which way to turn

Some model and makes of pedal do not use a pedal wrench flat. These pedals will typically have a 8mm hex fitting in the back side of the pedal thread. Use an 8mm hex wrench in this fitting to remove and secure the pedals.

When turning the pedals, keep in mind the wrench is on the back side of the pedal. View the wrench from the orientation of the pedals, standing to the right side of the bike for the right pedal, and the left side of the bike for the left pedal.

Turn the wrench accordingly. Rotate the bike as necessary to access the inside of the crank. Select an position that will give you good mechanical advantage and secure the pedals. Begin by identifying the right and left pedals.

Left threaded pedals threads sloping upward to the left go to left crank. Right threaded pedals threads sloping upward to the right go to right crank. See image at top if in doubt. If pedal is difficult to thread into arm, or if the threads in the crank are damaged, there may be some repair possible by chasing them with a tap. Taps will align damaged threads, but will not restore metal that is simply removed. If no threads are left, have a professional mechanic install a pedal bushing kit.

Pedals bearing may be serviceable depending upon the manufacturer and model of pedal. Some pedals use adjustable cup type ball bearing system, and may be cleaned, greased, and adjusted. Service tools are proprietary to each brand. Turn it clockwise to remove the pedal when facing the crank arm.

The right side is normal, so turn it anti-clockwise to loosen it. To loosen pedals using an Allen key, you will need to insert the Allen key into the pedal axle opposite the pedal. View of the d rive side. Non-drive side. Turn the bicycle around. The non-drive side left-hand side is now facing you. Rotate the crank arm to 9 o'clock so it is horizontal with the floor. Position the spanner or Allen key in line with the crank arm.

Push down with your foot onto the spanner. The spanner will rotate clockwise to loosen the pedal. If the left pedal had regular, right-hand threads, that pedaling force would cause the pedal to loosen and eventually fall off mid-ride. So by threading the spindles to pull back into the crank as you pedal, they stay firmly in place without any additional bolts.

Then look at the angle of the threads. The threads on a right-side pedal will slope up and to the right, while the left-side pedal threads slope up and to the left. Like most maintenance jobs, having the right tools is the key to a successful pedal swap.

All modern pedals will screw into the crank arm using either one of two tools. Most pedals like our reliable Thump flat pedals require a pedal wrench, which is a long, thin tool specifically designed to fit the external spindle flats between the pedal and the crank leg fig.