Repair guides › Drivetrain

Remove/install two-piece cranks

The spindle is part of the drive-side arm; the left arm clamps on with pinch bolts. A plastic preload cap sets bearing play, then pinch bolts lock the arm.

Open this job in RideLoadout▶ Watch it done

Tools

• Ball-end hex key set (1.5–10 mm): Park Tool HXS-1.2 Professional L-Shaped Hex Set ($$)
• 1/4" click torque wrench (about 2–17 Nm) + bits: Pro Bike Tool 1/4 inch drive click torque wrench set (2.2–16.9 Nm) ($$)
• Bike grease: Park Tool PPL-1 PolyLube 1000 ($)
• External BB wrench + crank cap tool: Park Tool BBT-9 + Shimano TL-FC16 ($$)

Compare Good, Better and Best for each tool

Steps

1. Loosen both left pinch bolts.
2. Unscrew the preload cap with the cap tool.
3. Lift the safety tab, slide the left arm off, then push the spindle out from the left.
4. Install: grease, slide in, cap snug (0.7–1.5 Nm) to remove play, close tab, tighten the pinch bolts alternately in stages to 12–14 Nm. Re-check the torque after about 100 km (60 mi).

Diagram

Signs it needs doing

• Side play
• Creak

Problems this fixes

• Clicking or ticking when pedaling
• Pedal or crank feels loose or wobbly