Replacing Pedals

melliff
melliff Posts: 63
edited July 2008 in Workshop
I want to replace the pedals on my shiny new Specialised Allez with some clipless ones.

Trouble is, I can't get the old pedals off. I am using a wrench on the nut between the pedal and the crankarm but neither pedal will budge. I am frightened to use too much force (or start clouting it with a hammer) in case I bend something I shouldn't.

Is there a knack to it?

Martin.
Martin

Comments

  • carlstone
    carlstone Posts: 602
    Hi

    No you are not doing anything wrong, as long as you are turning them the right way, one side is a left hand thread, the other a right hand. Check with Sheldon Brown if unsure:

    http://www.sheldonbrown.com/brandt/stuck-pedals.html

    If still not confident take your bike to your friendly local bike shop.

    Carl. :D
  • bill57
    bill57 Posts: 454
    They unscrew in the backwards direction, opposite to your pedalling motion, so that pedalling can't unscrew them. So technically the pedal on the drive side is normal, ie right hand thread, and on the non-drive side left hand thread.
    Most pedals also have allen key sockets on the inside, you could try using those, though you're likely to need a long extension over the allen key.
  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    You'll probably need a proper pedal wrench or long spanner to get the leverage. Easiest way to remove the pedals is to stand astride the bike behind the saddle and fit the wrench over the top of the spindle and pull up towards you - same direction either side. For extra purchase, point the crank forward, put your foot on the pedal as you pull up on the pedal wrench.
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • melliff
    melliff Posts: 63
    Thanks for the responses.

    I finally got them off by putting a couple of box spanners on the end of the wrench to get extra leverage. It was a bit of a bugger stopping the pedals rotating as I applied the pressure, but a couple of bricks under the opposite pedal did the trick.

    Martin.
    Martin
  • dazzawazza
    dazzawazza Posts: 462
    I always find it easier to loosen the pedals by positioning myself around the bike so that I've pulling upwards.
    Make sure when you put the new pedals on that you apply loads of grease to the thread.
  • gkerr4
    gkerr4 Posts: 3,408
    learnin point! - make sure you grease and do not overtighten your clipless pedals when you fit them - they can be a nightmare to get off!!

    What clipless pedals you going for then?
  • melliff
    melliff Posts: 63
    As they are my first pair of clipless pedals I went for the Wellgo WPD823. Bikeplus are doing a deal on these plus shoes.
    Martin

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