Bicycle maintenance is an essential part of owning a bike, and every cyclist should know how to remove the bike crank.
A crank is a crucial component of your bike’s drivetrain, and it connects the pedals to the chainrings, allowing you to move the bike forward.
But what happens when you need to remove the crank, and you don’t have a puller? Don’t worry, in this article, I’ll show you how to remove bike crank without puller.
How to Remove Bike Crank Without Puller?
- Step 1: Remove the bolts from the crank arm using a wrench.
- Step 2: Insert a screwdriver between the crank arm and the bottom bracket spindle.
- Step 3: Hit the screwdriver gently with a hammer to loosen the crank arm.
- Step 4: Once the crank arm is loose, remove it by hand.
This method of removing a bike crank without a puller is a quick and easy solution. It may not work for all types of cranksets. It’s important to remember to be gentle when hitting the screwdriver with the hammer to avoid damaging the bike.
How to Remove Bike Crank Without Puller
If you are a cyclist, you know the importance of maintaining your bike. Bike maintenance can be expensive, and sometimes you may not have the necessary tools to fix your bike.
One of the most common bike problems is a loose or worn out crank. If you don’t have a crank puller, don’t worry, you can still remove the crank from your bike.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to remove a bike crank without a puller.
Step 1: Remove the Pedals
Before you can remove the crank, you need to remove the pedals. Use a pedal wrench to loosen the pedals from the crank arms. Turn the pedals counterclockwise to loosen them.
Once the pedals are loose, unscrew them by hand and remove them from the crank arms. Be careful not to damage the threads on the pedals or the crank arms.
Tip:
If the pedals are stuck, you can use a rubber mallet to help loosen them. Place a block of wood on the end of the pedal spindle and tap it gently with the rubber mallet.
Step 2: Loosen the Crank Bolt
Once the pedals are removed, you can access the crank bolt. Use a socket wrench to loosen the crank bolt. The bolt is usually located in the center of the crank arm. Turn the wrench counterclockwise to loosen the bolt. Be careful not to strip the bolt or the threads on the crank arm.
Tip:
If the bolt is stuck, you can use a penetrating oil to help loosen it. Apply the oil to the bolt and let it sit for a few minutes before trying to loosen it again.
Step 3: Remove the Crank Arm
After the bolt is loose, you can remove the crank arm. Hold the bike frame steady with one hand and use your other hand to pull the crank arm away from the bike.
You may need to use a bit of force to remove the crank arm. Be careful not to damage the bottom bracket or the other crank arm.
Tip:
If the crank arm is stuck, you can use a rubber mallet to help loosen it. Place a block of wood on the end of the crank arm and tap it gently with the rubber mallet.
Step 4: Repeat for the Other Crank Arm
Once you have removed one crank arm, repeat the process for the other arm. Remember to remove the pedals first before attempting to remove the other crank arm.
Step 5: Clean and Inspect the Crank Arms
After you have removed both crank arms, you should clean and inspect them for damage. Use a rag and some degreaser to clean the crank arms.
Inspect them for cracks, bends, or other damage. Replace any damaged crank arms before reinstalling them on your bike.
Step 6: Reinstall the Crank Arms
To reinstall the crank arms, follow the same steps in reverse order. Make sure to tighten the crank bolts to the manufacturer’s specifications. Reinstall the pedals and tighten them securely.
Tip:
Apply a small amount of grease to the threads on the crank bolts and pedals before reinstalling them. This will help prevent them from seizing up in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are looking to remove your bike crank without using a puller, you have come to the right place. There are a few methods to do this, and we have answered some of the most common questions related to this topic below.
Can you remove a bike crank without a puller?
Yes, you can remove a bike crank without a puller. One of the easiest methods is to use a rubber mallet. Simply remove the retaining bolt from the crank arm and use the rubber mallet to hit the crank arm gently.
This will loosen the crank arm from the spindle. If the crank arm is stuck, you may have to use a bit more force.
If the mallet method does not work, you can try using a piece of wood and a hammer. Place the wood against the crank arm and hit it gently with a hammer. This will help to loosen the crank arm from the spindle. Again, if the crank arm is stuck, you may have to use more force.
What is a bike crank puller?
A bike crank puller is a tool used to remove the crank arms from the spindle. It is a small tool that screws into the crank arm, and as you turn the handle, it pulls the crank arm off the spindle.
The tool is designed to fit different types of crank arms and spindles, so it is important to choose the right one for your bike.
If you do not have a bike crank puller, you can still remove the crank arm using other methods, such as a rubber mallet or a piece of wood and a hammer. Using a crank puller is generally considered the easiest and safest method.
How do I know if my bike crank is stuck?
If your bike crank is stuck, you will have difficulty removing the crank arm from the spindle. You may notice that the crank arm is harder to turn than usual, or it may not turn at all. You may also notice that the retaining bolt is tighter than usual, even after you have loosened it.
If you think your bike crank is stuck, you can try using a rubber mallet or a piece of wood and a hammer to loosen it. Alternatively, you can take your bike to a bike shop and have a professional mechanic remove the crank arm for you.
Can I remove a bike crank without removing the pedals?
Yes, you can remove a bike crank without removing the pedals. To do this, you will need to remove the crank arm from the spindle as normal. Instead of removing the pedals, you will need to use a pedal wrench to loosen the pedals from the crank arms.
Once the pedals are loose, you can remove the crank arm from the spindle and remove the pedals from the crank arms separately. This method is useful if you do not have a pedal wrench or if you do not want to remove the pedals for some other reason.
Conclusion
Removing a bike crank without a puller is a task that requires patience, a few essential tools, and a good understanding of bikes. While a crank puller is the easiest and most efficient way to remove the crank, not having one doesn’t mean you have to give up on the process altogether.
By following the steps outlined above, you can effectively remove the crank of your bike without a puller and save yourself some money in the process.
