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How To Fix A Loose Bicycle Pedal And Check For Damage

Introduction

A loose pedal can be dangerous for bicycle riders. This guide will show you how to check for damage and tighten the pedal on your bike.

What you need

  1. How To Fix A Loose Bicycle Pedal And Check For Damage, How To Fix A Loose Bicycle Pedal And Check For Damage: step 1, image 1 of 1

    • Flip the entire bicycle upside down, balancing the weight on the seat and handle bars.

    • This will keep the bicycle stable while you work on it.

    Edit

  2. How To Fix A Loose Bicycle Pedal And Check For Damage: step 2, image 1 of 3 How To Fix A Loose Bicycle Pedal And Check For Damage: step 2, image 2 of 3 How To Fix A Loose Bicycle Pedal And Check For Damage: step 2, image 3 of 3

    • You will need an Allen Wrench or a Smart Wrench for this repair.

    • If you are using an Allen Wrench, insert the head of the wrench into socket located on the pedal arm.

    • If you are using a Smart Wrench, place the jaws on the nut located between the pedal and pedal arm.

    • Loosen the pedals by turning the right pedal counterclockwise and the left pedal clockwise.

    • Remove the pedal from the socket.

    Edit

  4. How To Fix A Loose Bicycle Pedal And Check For Damage: step 3, image 1 of 2 How To Fix A Loose Bicycle Pedal And Check For Damage: step 3, image 2 of 2

    • Check the socket and bolt for rust and worn threads.

    • If you notice damages like rust or worn threads, you will need to refer to a separate repair guide specific to the type of damage.

    • If you do not see any damage, continue to Step 4.

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  5. How To Fix A Loose Bicycle Pedal And Check For Damage: step 4, image 1 of 3 How To Fix A Loose Bicycle Pedal And Check For Damage: step 4, image 2 of 3 How To Fix A Loose Bicycle Pedal And Check For Damage: step 4, image 3 of 3

    • Place the pedal back in the socket and tighten it until it is secure.

    • To tighten the pedals, turn the right pedal clockwise and the left pedal counterclockwise.

    • Once you feel resistance, turn the pedal about 1/8 of a rotation further to properly tighten it.

    • DO NOT use excessive force when you are tightening the pedal. This can lead to difficulty removing the pedal in the future.

    Edit
Conclusion

If both pedals need tightening follow the steps again, remembering to turn the opposite directions for tightening and loosening.

9 other people completed this guide.

Author

with 11 other contributors

Thomas Paulsen

Member since: 02/23/15

218 Reputation

1 Guide authored

Badges: 7

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Team

Cal Poly, Team 12-1, Green Winter 2015 Member of Cal Poly, Team 12-1, Green Winter 2015

CPSU-GREEN-W15S12G1

6 Members

8 Guides authored

5 Guide Comments

Yes, I agree, it's very nice way to fix pedals.

Praska - Reply

Would you be able to tell me how to fix a locked up bike

Hughes Zass - Reply

Wenn das Rad auf dem Kopf steht, ist das linke Pedal rechts und umgekehrt.

Klaus Giezek - Reply

My crank arm constantly comes loose, although I tightened it. I go to the bike repair store near my house, and they say that the bearing of the bottom bracket is worn. To fix this, I need to replace it with a new one, grease the new component, and tighten the bicycle crank.

Bruno John - Reply

Some reasons that crank arm keeps coming loose can happen, such as: the bolts are loose and damaged; incorrect installation; the bearing is damaged; the spindle is wiped out; An unfitting bottom bracket,...

Bruno John - Reply

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