Introduction
Removing a bike crank from its bottom bracket axle can be an intimidating task for many cyclists. However, with the right tools and materials, it is actually quite simple. This article will provide a step-by-step guide for removing a bike crank in order to help make the process easier and more straightforward.
Step 1: Gather Necessary Tools and Materials
Before attempting to remove the crank, it is important to make sure you have all of the necessary tools and materials. The following items are required in order to properly remove a bike crank: an Allen wrench, a crank puller, a hammer, and thread lock compound. These items can typically be found at any local bicycle shop or online.
Step 2: Loosen the Crank Bolt
Once you have gathered the necessary tools and materials, the next step is to loosen the crank bolt. Using an Allen wrench, turn the crank bolt counter-clockwise until it is loose enough to be removed. It is important to use the correct size Allen wrench in order to properly loosen the bolt. If the wrong size is used, it could potentially damage the crank arm.
Step 3: Place Crank Puller Over Crank Arm
Once the crank bolt is loose, place the crank puller over the crank arm and begin to tighten it. Keep tightening the crank puller until the crank arm is loose and can be easily removed from the bottom bracket axle. If the crank puller does not fit snugly onto the crank arm, there may be an issue with the threads and it may need to be replaced.
Step 4: Remove Crank Arm from Bottom Bracket Axle
Once the crank arm is loose, carefully remove it from the bottom bracket axle. Make sure to keep a firm grip on the crank arm as you remove it in order to avoid any potential injury. If the crank arm is stuck, try gently wiggling it back and forth in order to loosen it from the axle.
Step 5: Use Hammer to Tap Crank Free (if Necessary)
If the crank arm refuses to budge, it may be necessary to use a hammer to tap it free. Place the hammer against the crank arm and give it a few taps – ensuring that you are tapping in the direction of the bottom bracket axle. This should loosen the crank arm enough that it can be removed.
Step 6: Clean Crank Threads
Once the crank arm has been removed, inspect the crank threads for dirt or debris. If any is present, use a brush or cloth to remove it. It is important to make sure that the threads are clean before installing a new crank arm in order to ensure proper installation.
Step 7: Apply Thread Lock Compound
After cleaning the crank threads, apply a small amount of thread lock compound to the threads. This will help ensure that the new crank arm is securely fastened to the bottom bracket axle and will prevent any further issues with the crank arm. Once the thread lock compound has been applied, the new crank arm can then be installed.
Conclusion
Removing a bike crank can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and materials and a bit of patience, it can be done with relative ease. This article has provided a step-by-step guide for how to safely and effectively remove a bike crank. By following these steps, you can ensure that your bike crank is properly removed and ready for replacement.
