9.1 pedals

Pedal Removal

Pedal Removal. Step-by-step procedure for bike maintenance — tools, time, and what to watch out for.

Difficulty ★☆☆ easy
Time ~5 min
Applies to All bikes
Pedal thread direction for left (reverse-thread) and right (standard) pedals

Tools

  • 15mm pedal wrench OR 8mm hex (depending on pedal type)

Procedure

  1. Position the bike

    so the pedal you're removing is at the 3 o'clock position (forward).

  2. Critical — thread direction:

    - **Right pedal:** standard threading. Loosen counter-clockwise (when viewed from the drive side / right side). - **Left pedal:** REVERSE threading. Loosen clockwise (when viewed from the non-drive side / left side). - Easy memory aid: **"loosen to the back of the bike"** on both sides. The crank arm rotates *backward* as you loosen.

  3. For pedal wrench:

    position the wrench on the flats between the pedal body and crank arm. Position so your hand pushes down on the wrench — gravity helps if it's stuck.

  4. For 8mm hex:

    insert from the back of the crank arm (the side without the pedal body). Long lever helps.

  5. Apply firm, steady pressure

    in the loosen direction.

  6. Once free, unthread by hand.

    > Stuck pedal? Apply penetrating oil at the threads, wait 15 minutes. Use a longer wrench (cheater bar over the pedal wrench). Heat as a last resort. ---

Procedure #

  1. Position the bike so the pedal you’re removing is at the 3 o’clock position (forward).
  2. Critical — thread direction:
    • Right pedal: standard threading. Loosen counter-clockwise (when viewed from the drive side / right side).
    • Left pedal: REVERSE threading. Loosen clockwise (when viewed from the non-drive side / left side).
    • Easy memory aid: “loosen to the back of the bike” on both sides. The crank arm rotates backward as you loosen.
  3. For pedal wrench: position the wrench on the flats between the pedal body and crank arm. Position so your hand pushes down on the wrench — gravity helps if it’s stuck.
  4. For 8mm hex: insert from the back of the crank arm (the side without the pedal body). Long lever helps.
  5. Apply firm, steady pressure in the loosen direction.
  6. Once free, unthread by hand.

Stuck pedal? Apply penetrating oil at the threads, wait 15 minutes. Use a longer wrench (cheater bar over the pedal wrench). Heat as a last resort.