Bicycle maintenance can sometimes seem overwhelming, especially when you don’t have the right tools on hand. A common problem many cyclists face is removing the crankset from their bike but not having access to a crank puller. Fortunately, with some creativity and care, it is possible to remove a bicycle crank without pulling. But don’t worry, in this guide, we will tell you the steps to take it safely, so that your bike stays in good condition. So today we will know how to remove a bicycle crank without a puller. Let’s begin!
Why do you move a crank without Puller?
Crank removal is usually required for bicycle maintenance, upgrades or repairs. The crank is the arm that connects the pedals to the bottom bracket, driving the chain and wheel. Over time, the crank can become loose or damaged. If you don’t have a crank puller then it’s essential to know an alternative method to get the job done. However, care must be taken as improper handling can damage the crank, bottom bracket, or bike frame.
The tools you will need
Before starting, it is important to collect the necessary tools. These are common household or easily accessible items that can help remove a bicycle crank without a puller.
- Allen Wrench (Hex key): commonly used to loosen crankset bolts and screws.
- Rubber mallet or hammer for light tapping, which helps loosen the crank.
- The crank can be carefully pried off using a sturdy flat tool, such as a pry bar or screwdriver.
- WD-40, or penetrating oil: lubricates rusted parts, making removal easier.
- Rag or Cloth: To remove grease, dirt, or oil from the crank.
By gathering these tools, you’ll be better able to move the crank efficiently with minimal risk of damage.
Prepare your workspace.
Before you start removing the crank, make sure you have a clean, organized workspace. Set your bike in an upright position or on a bike stand. Easy access to crank and pedal locations is essential. Assuming you don’t have a bike stand, you can lean the bike against a wall or use a solid object to balance the bike. Make sure your tools are within reach and the bike is stable to avoid accidents while working on it.
Remove the paddles.
Before you can access the crank, the pedals must be removed. Each side of the paddles is threaded in the opposite direction. While the left paddle unscrews clockwise and the right paddle unscrews counterclockwise.
- Use a suitable wrench or pedal spanner to loosen and remove the pedals.
- Once the paddles are closed, set them aside.
Removing the pedals gives you more room to work with and reduces the risk of damaging the crank or the bike during removal.
Loosen the crank bolts.
Cranks are usually held in place by bolts or nuts located between the crank arms. To proceed with the removal of the crank, these bolts must be loosened.
Use an Allen Wrench (Hex Key)
Most crank bolts are held in place by a 5mm or 8mm hex bolt. Insert the hex key into the bolt head and turn it counterclockwise to loosen.
Remove the bolt
- Once loosened, remove the bolt completely and set it aside for reinstallation.
It’s important to note that these bolts can sometimes be tight, so a little extra force may be required. If the bolt is not damaged, spray it with a similar lubricant and wait a few minutes.
Tap on the crank with a rubber mallet.
With the crank bolts removed, the next step is to loosen the crankset from the bottom bracket spindle. Since you don’t have a puller, you can use a rubber mallet or hammer.
Gently Tap the Crank Arms
Place the rubber mallet or hammer inside the crank arm and gently tap it outwards away from the bike frame. Do not apply excessive pressure, as this may damage the crank or bottom bracket.
Work in both directions
Start on one side and tap the crank arm. Proceed to the opposite side and repeat the procedure after that.
The crank will slowly begin to loosen from the spindle. If it’s still stuck, apply more WD-40 instead to loosen any tight spots without hammering too hard.
Carefully use a screwdriver or pry bar.
If it does not come free after tapping the crank, a pry bar or screwdriver can be used to carefully remove it in the next step. Care must be used throughout this stage to prevent harm to the crank or other components.
Insert the pry bar
wedge the flat end of the pry bar or large screwdriver between the crank arm and bottom bracket shell.
Slowly close the crank
Applying even pressure, slowly work the crank arm off the spindle. Move from one side to the other to loosen evenly.
Be patient with this step, as excessive force can damage the bike’s frame or crankset. The idea is to work the crank free slowly without resorting to brute force.
Clean and Inspect.
After removing the crank, it’s a good time to clean the area and inspect the parts. Check the bottom bracket spindle for another sign of dirt, it’s night.
Use a rag
Wipe the spindle, crank arms, and any exposed parts using a moist cloth.
Inspect for Damage
Check the crank and spindle for any cracks or wear, especially if you plan to reinstall the crank later.
If any parts appear to be damaged or excessively worn, consider replacing them before reassembling the crank.
An alternative method of removing a bicycle crank without pulling it. In some cases, the standard procedure may not work, especially if the crank is stuck due to rust or excessive wear. Here are a few substitute techniques:
Heat treatment
Applying controlled heat using a heat gun can stretch the crank arm, loosening its grip on the spindle. Be careful not to overheat the metal as this could damage the components.
Use a wooden block
Instead of a rubber mallet, a wooden block can provide a wider surface to crank off. Place the block between the crank arm and the hammer to evenly distribute the force.
Try a C-clamp
A large C-clamp can help apply even pressure to the crank arm, pulling it away from the spindle without requiring the crank to pull.
These methods can sometimes succeed where the standard approach does not. However, exercise caution and only use these methods if you are confident in your mechanical skills. Reinstalling the crankset, Once the crank has been removed and the necessary work done, you may need to reinstall it. The steps are straightforward to follow:
Apply grease
Before reinstalling, apply a thin layer of grease to the spindle to ensure smooth operation and prevent future seizures.
Align the crank
Slide the crank back onto the spindle, making sure it aligns with the opposite side.
Tighten the crank bolts
To firmly fasten the crankset, tighten the crank bolts with your Allen wrench. Avoid overtightening as this could lead to thread damage.
After the crankset is removed for replacement, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing the new crankset.
Conclusion:
Removing a bicycle crank without a puller is possible with patience and the right tools. Following the step-by-step guide outlined above, you can safely and effectively remove your bike’s crankset even if you don’t have special tools. Whether doing routine maintenance, upgrading your bike, or just troubleshooting a problem, understanding how to remove a bicycle crank without a puller is a valuable skill for any cyclist. Remember to always work carefully and avoid using excessive force, as excessive force can damage your bike. If you are not skilled in this task, it is always best to consult a professional bike mechanic. Safe riding and best of luck.
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Best regards,
~Team BikeBicycler