Repair guides › Drivetrain
Remove and install pedals
Flat pedals you ride in any shoe. Thread into the crank arms with 9/16" threads. The RIGHT pedal is normal thread; the LEFT pedal is reverse thread so pedaling does not unscrew it. Bigger platforms with pins grip much better than stock plastic pedals.
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Tools
- Ball-end hex key set (1.5–10 mm): Park Tool HXS-1.2 Professional L-Shaped Hex Set ($$)
- 15 mm pedal wrench: Park Tool PW-5 ($)
- Bike grease: Park Tool PPL-1 PolyLube 1000 ($)
- 3/8" click torque wrench 10–60 Nm: Pro Bike Tool 3/8 inch Drive Click Torque Wrench Set 10-60 Nm ($$$)
Compare Good, Better and Best for each tool
Steps
- Easy rule: turn the wrench toward the BACK of the bike to loosen either pedal (when the wrench is at the top of the pedal).
- Right (drive side) pedal: counter-clockwise to loosen. Left: clockwise to loosen.
- Set the crank and wrench at 90° or less to each other (for example crank forward, wrench pointing up), then push the wrench toward the back of the bike. Mind the chainring teeth. Hex-only pedals are turned from the back of the crank, so the turn looks reversed.
- Grease the new pedal threads. Pedals are marked R and L.
- Start by hand (turn toward the FRONT of the bike to tighten), then snug with the wrench.
Torque
| Fastener | Torque |
|---|---|
| Pedals | 35–55 Nm (about 40 is a good target) |
Diagram
Each pedal seen from its own sidePedals
Signs it needs doing
- Feet slip in the wet
- Click per stroke (loose pedal or bearing)
- Wobbly pedal body
Problems this fixes
- Clicking or ticking when pedaling
- Creaking when climbing or pedaling hard
- Pedal or crank feels loose or wobbly