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Bicycle Maintenance
How to Remove and Replace Bike Pedals Download Article Tips on switching out old pedals to ride safely & smoothly again Co-authored by Ikaika Cox and Kyle Hall
Last Updated: January 20, 2025
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Removing the Old Pedals
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Putting on the New Pedals
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Things You'll Need
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This article was co-authored by Ikaika Cox and by wikiHow staff writer, Kyle Hall. Ikaika Cox is the Shop Director at the Salt Lake City branch Bicycle Collective in Salt Lake City, Utah. He has been a bike mechanic since 2012, beginning as a volunteer with the Provo Bicycle Collective, and growing and honing his skills as a bicycle mechanic and educator in multiple Bicycle Collective locations over the years. He now leads the Salt Lake City branch of the Bicycle Collective. This article has been viewed 187,254 times.
When bike pedals get worn down or loosened, it's time for them to be replaced. Fortunately, you can easily replace your bike pedals at home using a few simple tools. When you replace your bike pedals, take the time to install the new pedals correctly so you don’t have a hard time taking them off in the future.
How to Install New Bike Pedals
Use a spanner wrench to take off the left and right pedals. Then, coat the threads inside the pedal holes with waterproof grease. Simply tighten the new left and right pedals into the left and right pedal holes with a spanner wrench.
Steps
Part 1 Part 1 of 2:
Removing the Old Pedals
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1 Secure your bike on a flat surface. If your bike has a kickstand, rest your bike on it. If your bike doesn't have a kickstand, lean it up against a wall or a table so it stays upright.[1]XResearch source
2 Check the pedals to see what kind of spanner (wrench) you’ll need. Look at the space in between the pedal and the crank arm (the metal arm that your pedals are attached to). If you see flats for a spanner (wrench) to grip on, you’ll need to use a pedal spanner (wrench). If you don’t see spanner (wrench) flats, check for a hexagonal Allen-key (wrench) socket at the end of the axle that connects the pedal to the crank arm. If you see the socket, you’ll need an Allen-key (wrench).[2]XResearch source
If you need to use a pedal spanner (wrench), a 15 mm (0.59 in) wrench will usually work for an adult bike. For some children’s bikes, you will need a 9⁄16 in (14 mm) spanner (wrench). Some pedal spanners (wrenches) have openings in both of these standard sizes.
A 6 mm (0.24 in) Allen-key (wrench) will usually work for bikes with Allen-key (wrench) sockets.
Some bike pedals are designed so you can use either a pedal spanner (wrench) or an Allen-key (wrench). If you see spanner (wrench) flats on your bike pedal, still check the end of the axle to see if there’s an Allen-key (wrench) socket there.
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3 Place the spanner (wrench) on the right pedal. If you’re using a pedal spanner (wrench), wrap the jaws of the spanner (wrench) around the spanner (wrench) flats between the pedal and the crank arm. If you’re using an Allen-key (wrench), insert the hexagonal end of the spanner (wrench) into the Allen-key (wrench) socket on the end of the pedal axle.[3]XResearch source
Make sure you start with the right pedal. The direction you need to rotate the spanner (wrench) to loosen the right pedal is different to the left pedal.
4 Rotate the spanner (wrench) counterclockwise to loosen the right pedal. If you’re using a pedal spanner (wrench), make a half rotation and lift the spanner (wrench) off the flats. Hold onto the opposite pedal while you do this to give yourself more leverage. Replace the spanner (wrench) on the flats with the handle back up at the top so you can make another half rotation. Continue to crank the spanner (wrench) counterclockwise until the pedal is fully loosened.[4]XResearch source
If you’re using an Allen-key (wrench), the socket will likely be on the inside of the pedal spindle. This means you will need to turn the Allen-key (wrench) clockwise (while the spindle itself rotates counterclockwise, from the outside perspective).
5 Take the right pedal off and set it aside. The pedal should slide out of the hole on the crank arm now that you’ve loosened it. If the pedal is still in good condition, store it somewhere in case you need a pedal in the future.[5]XResearch source
6 Repeat on the left pedal but rotate the spanner (wrench) clockwise instead. The thread on the left pedal is the opposite of the thread on the right pedal. This keeps the left pedal from unscrewing as you’re riding your bike. Use the pedal spanner (wrench) or Allen wrench to unscrew the left pedal until it’s completely loosened. Then, pull the pedal out of the hole and set it with the right pedal.[6]XResearch source
If you’re using an Allen wrench on a socket positioned inside the pedal spindle, you will need to turn it counterclockwise.
Advertisement Part 2 Part 2 of 2:
Putting on the New Pedals
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1 Apply waterproof grease to the bike threads in the pedal holes. The grease will prevent your bike pedals from seizing so you don’t have a hard time getting them off later on. Use enough grease to thinly coat the threads.[7]XResearch source
You can find waterproof grease online or at your local bike shop.
2 Insert the threaded end of the new right pedal into the right pedal hole. The right pedal should have a small “R” on it to indicate that it’s the right pedal. Don’t push the pedal into the hole or you could damage the threads. Only the end of the new pedal should be resting in the pedal hole.[8]XResearch source
Before you start using the wrench, do a few turns by hand to ensure that the threads on the new pedal are aligned correctly.
3 Place the wrench on the right pedal. If you’re using a pedal wrench, wrap the jaws of the wrench around the wrench flats on the new pedal. If you’re using an Allen wrench, insert the hexagonal end of the wrench through the pedal hole and into the Allen wrench socket on the end of the pedal axle.[9]XResearch source
4 Rotate the wrench clockwise to tighten the right pedal into place. Continue to rotate the spanner (wrench) clockwise until the pedal is completely tightened. If you’re using a pedal spanner (wrench), make half rotations and then lift and bring the spanner (wrench) back up to the top of the pedal before you make another half rotation.[10]XResearch source
5 Repeat with the left pedal but rotate the spanner (wrench) counterclockwise. Rotate the spanner (wrench) counterclockwise until the left pedal is secure.[11]XResearch source
6 Check your pedals to make sure they’re attached correctly. Pull on the pedals gently to make sure they feel secure. If you feel any play (looseness) in the bearing, then the pedals need to be tightened. Turn the pedals on their bearings and make sure they turn smoothly.
Newly installed pedals usually do not spin freely, since the bearings need time to break in.
You can also check the axel alignment by turning the pedal crank backwards and watching the pedals carefully. They should stay in the same plane, perpendicular to the crank circle, for the entire rotation.
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Question My left bike pedal came off and I can't get it back on. Community Answer Apply waterproof grease inside the bike pedal. Tighten the pedal with a wrench. You may need to buy a new pedal from a repair shop and follow the instructions above. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 0
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Things You’ll Need
Allen-key (wrench)
Pedal spanner (wrench)
Waterproof grease
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Co-authored by: Ikaika Cox Bicycle Mechanic This article was co-authored by Ikaika Cox and by wikiHow staff writer, Kyle Hall. Ikaika Cox is the Shop Director at the Salt Lake City branch Bicycle Collective in Salt Lake City, Utah. He has been a bike mechanic since 2012, beginning as a volunteer with the Provo Bicycle Collective, and growing and honing his skills as a bicycle mechanic and educator in multiple Bicycle Collective locations over the years. He now leads the Salt Lake City branch of the Bicycle Collective. This article has been viewed 187,254 times. 64 votes - 90% Co-authors: 5Updated: January 20, 2025 Views: 187,254 Categories: Bicycle MaintenanceArticle SummaryX
Before you replace your bike pedals, examine your pedals to see if you need an Allen wrench or pedal wrench. Once you have the right wrench, use it to remove the right pedal first by rotating it counterclockwise until the pedal is loosened. Repeat on the left pedal, but rotate the wrench clockwise this time. Once the old pedals are off, insert the new pedals into the pedal holes and tighten them into place with the wrench. For more tips on replacing your bike pedals, like why you should use a waterproof grease, keep reading!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Ikaika Cox Bicycle Mechanic Co-authors: 5Updated: January 20, 2025 Views: 187,25490% of readers found this article helpful. 64 votes - 90% Click a star to add your vote
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Download Article Tips on switching out old pedals to ride safely & smoothly again Co-authored by Ikaika Cox and Kyle Hall 
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Co-authored by: Ikaika Cox Bicycle Mechanic This article was co-authored by Ikaika Cox and by wikiHow staff writer, Kyle Hall. Ikaika Cox is the Shop Director at the Salt Lake City branch Bicycle Collective in Salt Lake City, Utah. He has been a bike mechanic since 2012, beginning as a volunteer with the Provo Bicycle Collective, and growing and honing his skills as a bicycle mechanic and educator in multiple Bicycle Collective locations over the years. He now leads the Salt Lake City branch of the Bicycle Collective. This article has been viewed 187,254 times. 64 votes - 90% Co-authors: 5 Updated: January 20, 2025 Views: 187,254 Categories: Bicycle Maintenance Article SummaryX
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1 Secure your bike on a flat surface. If your bike has a kickstand, rest your bike on it. If your bike doesn't have a kickstand, lean it up against a wall or a table so it stays upright.[1] 
2 Check the pedals to see what kind of spanner (wrench) you’ll need. Look at the space in between the pedal and the crank arm (the metal arm that your pedals are attached to). If you see flats for a spanner (wrench) to grip on, you’ll need to use a pedal spanner (wrench). If you don’t see spanner (wrench) flats, check for a hexagonal Allen-key (wrench) socket at the end of the axle that connects the pedal to the crank arm. If you see the socket, you’ll need an Allen-key (wrench).[2] 
3 Place the spanner (wrench) on the right pedal. If you’re using a pedal spanner (wrench), wrap the jaws of the spanner (wrench) around the spanner (wrench) flats between the pedal and the crank arm. If you’re using an Allen-key (wrench), insert the hexagonal end of the spanner (wrench) into the Allen-key (wrench) socket on the end of the pedal axle.[3] 
4 Rotate the spanner (wrench) counterclockwise to loosen the right pedal. If you’re using a pedal spanner (wrench), make a half rotation and lift the spanner (wrench) off the flats. Hold onto the opposite pedal while you do this to give yourself more leverage. Replace the spanner (wrench) on the flats with the handle back up at the top so you can make another half rotation. Continue to crank the spanner (wrench) counterclockwise until the pedal is fully loosened.[4] 
5 Take the right pedal off and set it aside. The pedal should slide out of the hole on the crank arm now that you’ve loosened it. If the pedal is still in good condition, store it somewhere in case you need a pedal in the future.[5] 
6 Repeat on the left pedal but rotate the spanner (wrench) clockwise instead. The thread on the left pedal is the opposite of the thread on the right pedal. This keeps the left pedal from unscrewing as you’re riding your bike. Use the pedal spanner (wrench) or Allen wrench to unscrew the left pedal until it’s completely loosened. Then, pull the pedal out of the hole and set it with the right pedal.[6] 
1 Apply waterproof grease to the bike threads in the pedal holes. The grease will prevent your bike pedals from seizing so you don’t have a hard time getting them off later on. Use enough grease to thinly coat the threads.[7] 
2 Insert the threaded end of the new right pedal into the right pedal hole. The right pedal should have a small “R” on it to indicate that it’s the right pedal. Don’t push the pedal into the hole or you could damage the threads. Only the end of the new pedal should be resting in the pedal hole.[8] 
3 Place the wrench on the right pedal. If you’re using a pedal wrench, wrap the jaws of the wrench around the wrench flats on the new pedal. If you’re using an Allen wrench, insert the hexagonal end of the wrench through the pedal hole and into the Allen wrench socket on the end of the pedal axle.[9] 
4 Rotate the wrench clockwise to tighten the right pedal into place. Continue to rotate the spanner (wrench) clockwise until the pedal is completely tightened. If you’re using a pedal spanner (wrench), make half rotations and then lift and bring the spanner (wrench) back up to the top of the pedal before you make another half rotation.[10] 
5 Repeat with the left pedal but rotate the spanner (wrench) counterclockwise. Rotate the spanner (wrench) counterclockwise until the left pedal is secure.[11] 
6 Check your pedals to make sure they’re attached correctly. Pull on the pedals gently to make sure they feel secure. If you feel any play (looseness) in the bearing, then the pedals need to be tightened. Turn the pedals on their bearings and make sure they turn smoothly. 
Community Answer Apply waterproof grease inside the bike pedal. Tighten the pedal with a wrench. You may need to buy a new pedal from a repair shop and follow the instructions above. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 0