Pedal Service

commuterlegs

As i'm off the bike for a few weeks I'm giving my bike a full service but I can't get hold of the Shimano tool for the pedal axle (without paying over the odds). It's sold out everywhere online that sells it for a couple of quid and not available at the LBS or nearest Halfords.

Given the SPD-SLs on the bike have never been serviced in the 14 years I've had them and still function as pedals albeit spin a bit too freely for my liking, should i just accept that it's the one part that doesn't get a proper service or is there another way to get the axle out?

pblakeney

I think all you need are a couple of spanners.

https://si.shimano.com/pdfs/dm/DM-RAPD001-01-ENG.pdf

Unless you are looking for this tool.

https://www.highonbikes.com/products/shimano-spd-pedal-axle-removal-tool-tl-pd40

pilot_pete

Yep, 1x 17mm open ended spanned and 1x 20mm open ended spanner is all you need to strip the pedals.

masjer

As well as a re-grease, you can also remove any play in the bearings (if you have any). Once you've removed the axle from the body (with tool tl-pd40 above), there are 2 nuts on the end of the axle (7mm and 10mm if I remember). loosen the locknut (7mm), then adjust the larger nut. Don't overtighten and check that the bearing turns freely. Using threadlock on the locknut threads is advisable.
Once clean, half fill the pedal body with grease. When you screw the axle back in the grease is forced through-purging any old grease out past the seal.

nibnob21

It's a really satisfying job (if not a little messy) as you tighten it all back up again and the grease farts and burps its way out.

Appreciate the tool is a little pricey for what it is, but it's so easy to munch the part on the pedal if you try and bodge it without. I'd say it's worth biting the bullet and getting it, as you'll soon forget about the few quid it costs once you have it. For me it's always worth getting the right tool for a job as a good tool will last forever and make the job so much easier...importantly with no damage caused.

womack

After 14 years I think I'd just buy a new pair!

commuterlegs

pblakeney said:

I think all you need are a couple of spanners.

https://si.shimano.com/pdfs/dm/DM-RAPD001-01-ENG.pdf

Unless you are looking for this tool.

https://www.highonbikes.com/products/shimano-spd-pedal-axle-removal-tool-tl-pd40

Ordered, thanks PB, not found that website before. As others have said, best to get the right tool for the job.

pblakeney

nibnob21 said:

It's a really satisfying job (if not a little messy) as you tighten it all back up again and the grease farts and burps its way out.

Appreciate the tool is a little pricey for what it is, but it's so easy to munch the part on the pedal if you try and bodge it without. I'd say it's worth biting the bullet and getting it, as you'll soon forget about the few quid it costs once you have it. For me it's always worth getting the right tool for a job as a good tool will last forever and make the job so much easier...importantly with no damage caused.

£3.95 is expensive? 🤔
I appreciate you will have to buy something else to get free postage.

commuterlegs

£3.95 is almost twice the price it is at some places (where out of stock) but also half the price it is on ebay/Amazon (In stock). Supply and Demand in action. Bought some extra brake pads instead of paying for postage.

amrushton

there are a couple of vids on You Tube - looks uncomplicated as long as you have the right tools. i use candy pedals and I serviced those after watching how easy it is to do the Shimano ones. 14 yrs? maybe bin them but some grease and an adjustment might get a few more yrs out of them. Didnt realise that pedals of a brand eg shimano are all the same inside or the method of servicing is the same whether DA or cheap mtb ones

nibnob21

pblakeney said:

nibnob21 said:

It's a really satisfying job (if not a little messy) as you tighten it all back up again and the grease farts and burps its way out.

Appreciate the tool is a little pricey for what it is, but it's so easy to munch the part on the pedal if you try and bodge it without. I'd say it's worth biting the bullet and getting it, as you'll soon forget about the few quid it costs once you have it. For me it's always worth getting the right tool for a job as a good tool will last forever and make the job so much easier...importantly with no damage caused.

£3.95 is expensive? 🤔
I appreciate you will have to buy something else to get free postage.

Expensive for what it is, yes. It's a small piece of plastic that costs 4 quid.

Expensive and low price tag aren't always mutually exclusive.

pblakeney

nibnob21 said:

pblakeney said:

nibnob21 said:

It's a really satisfying job (if not a little messy) as you tighten it all back up again and the grease farts and burps its way out.

Appreciate the tool is a little pricey for what it is, but it's so easy to munch the part on the pedal if you try and bodge it without. I'd say it's worth biting the bullet and getting it, as you'll soon forget about the few quid it costs once you have it. For me it's always worth getting the right tool for a job as a good tool will last forever and make the job so much easier...importantly with no damage caused.

£3.95 is expensive? 🤔
I appreciate you will have to buy something else to get free postage.

Expensive for what it is, yes. It's a small piece of plastic that costs 4 quid.

Expensive and low price tag aren't always mutually exclusive.

If it saves me buying new pedals or paying a mechanic and comes in at less than a pint then I consider it to be cheap. I can think of other bits of plastic that cost a whole lot more. Each to their own.

flycop

I re greased my Ultegra pedals last week, only needed one spanner. Takes 10 mins max.

commuterlegs

Big thumbs up for anyone considering using High On Bikes, prices are decent, service was first rate and delivery prompt (and free at over a tenner). Will use again!

pblakeney

You are welcome! 😉