The pedal is one of the most important parts of the bike, which is basically one that is responsible for optimizing speed and for being able to influence your comfort. For some people, they are not contented with the pedals that originally come with their bike. Also, if the pedal has been there for quite some time, you might want to have it changed in order to improve the performance of the bike. With this, if you want to know how to change a bike pedal, keep on reading and we will be sharing some insights with you.
How to Change a Bike Pedal
Changing the pedal is not a difficult task, especially if you have the right knowledge on how it can be done, as well as the effort to spare. You do not need to ask a neighborhood mechanic or pay a pro to do the job. It is something that you can accomplish on your own with the use of simple tools.
When changing the pedal, the first thing that you have to do is to remove the existing pedal, which can be easily done by following the simple steps that will be mentioned below:
- To start with, have the bike leaned on the wall or place it in a bike stand, which will make it stable and will make changing the pedal a lot easier.
- Once it is positioned, shift the chain ring into the big ring. This will make it easier to slip your hand and will prevent the possibility of touching the chain.
- Now is the time to apply pressure. Look for a wrench that is appropriate for the type of pedal that you have. Have it positioned and apply as much pressure as possible, allowing you to remove the pedal. Keep rotating until the time that it is totally loosen.
- Once it is loose enough, you can have it easily removed and proceed with the next part, which is the installation of the new pedal. However, keep in mind that things may not be as easy as they seem. With this, if the pedal seems to be too tight and hard to remove, the following are some of the best things that can be done:
- Liquid wrench can be used as an alternative. This will make it easier to have the pedal penetrated and easily removed.
- The application of heat can also prove to be effective. A propane torch can be used to heat the crank arm. Make sure, however, that you will be heating only the crank arm. Stay away from any part that is made from plastic or rubber as they will obviously melt, and this is surely one thing that you would not want to happen.
- Using a vise and a monkey wrench can also be considered as an excellent way to remove pedal that appears frozen or stuck.
Once you are done removing the pedal, the next thing that you need to think about is how a new one can be installed. In this case, the following are some of the things that you should do:
- Grease the threads that can be found on the pedals from both sides.
- Once it is greased, you are now ready to have it installed into the crank. Make sure that it is placed on the proper side. The R and L designations on the pedals will let you know whether they should be on the right or left. Use a wrench to have them secured in place. Make sure that they are tightly fitted.
- Now, give it a try and you are ready to bike with your new pedals.
The Right Time to Change
Aside from knowing how to change a bike pedal, you should also be aware of when there is a need to do so. With such, the following are some of the indications that you need a new bike pedal:
- If it is rusting, this is definitely a sign that your pedal is too old, and hence, a new one is warranted.
- If you have been using your bike for a long time and if you have already changed some of its major components, such as tires and handlebars, this can also be a sign that the pedals need to be changed as well.
- You can also have it changed when you notice that pedaling is being a more difficult task and requiring more effort on your end.
- If it is making a weird noise when you are biking, you should also consider having it changed.
Removing and installing pedals may take some time, but the good news is that it can be done on your own. Simply follow the tips that have been mentioned above, and in no time, you can enjoy the new pedal in your bike.
