Pedals not fitting back on crank

LostInTheWoods

Hi,

I just took off the pedals of my hybrid commuter (a 2006 Trek 7.1FX) and then added a small amount of grease, but as I tried to put one of them back onto the crank it got stuck about half of the way in.

I didn't want to force it, and when I took the pedal off again I noticed small pieces of metal in the threads of the crank. Does this mean the thread has had it and I need a new crank? Or should I just clean the threads out and get aggressive with the pedal spanner?

I have never been in this position before, so I was wondering if anyone had any good ideas as to what I should try next...

Thanks,
LITW

The Rookie

Did you remember one thread is left handed, what you describe is classic putting it in the wrong way round and stripping threads.

Simon

garrynolan

Is it the left pedal? If so, possibly turning it in wrong way - it screws in anti-clockwise ( right pedal screws in normally. If not... I'm stumped.

louismichaels

Kinda repeating what has been said...but ....I would clean the threads of both pedal and crank thoroughly, lightly grease the pedal thread and make sure you're using the right pedal on the right hand side (screws in the normal way ie clockwise) and then the left pedal on the left side (screws in by turning it anti clockwise).
The pedals should be marked L and R (or at least one of them marked, so the other can be deduced by elimination)

Blue Meanie

Screw the pedal into the back-side of the crank arm to clean up threads 8)

LostInTheWoods

Schoolboy error.. I think you for your patience and resisting the urge to berate me. Yes, I was attempting to attach the pedals to the wrong crank... my only excuse is I was attempting this when I was very tired and I managed to convince myself they were on the correct cranks.

I will never fettle when tired again. :?

garrynolan

I only found out when I couldn't remove mine the first time...