How to Remove Pedals

View of the drive side

1. Face the drive side of the bike. This is the right-hand side of the bike with the with the chainset and chain. Turn the crank arm to the 3 o'clock position.  

Non-drive side

5. Turn the bicycle around. The non-drive side (left-hand side) is now facing you.
6. Rotate the crank arm to 9 o'clock so it is horizontal with the floor.
7. Position the spanner or Allen key in line with the crank arm.
8. Push down with your foot onto the spanner. The spanner will rotate clockwise to loosen the pedal.

Positioning of an allen key to remove a pedal

 Tip 1

If your pedals haven't been removed in a while, you might need to spray a little penetrating fluid, such as GT85 or Muc Off Bike Spray, to get them started. If, after a couple of turns, you've managed to expose a few threads then spray the fluid again, repeating every few threads until the pedals are free. A dry, corroded thread can become damaged if you remove the pedal without a little help from a lubricant or oil.

Tip 2

Before removing the pedals, protect yourself from possible injury by placing your chain onto the big ring.

Tip 3

Remember, the left pedal spindle is reverse threaded. Turn it clockwise to remove the pedal when facing the crank arm. The right side is normal, so turn it anti-clockwise to loosen it.To loosen pedals using an Allen key, you will need to insert the Allen key into the pedal axle opposite the pedal.