Do you have a bicycle just lying in your garage for months without use because the pedal fell off? You’re not alone. Many of us have gone through it and have been unable to ride our bikes for a long time. We either forget to take it to the mechanic to get it fixed, or we just don’t know what to do.
So, today I will teach you how to fix a bike pedal that fell off. The process is simple enough. You just need a few tools and the right direction. Oh, and a little bit of patience.
Let’s jump right to it!
Why Do Bike Pedals Fall off?
One of the most common reasons why bike pedals fall off is the thread getting damaged. The thread can get damaged for a number of reasons. You might have pushed on the pedal too hard. Or, the system might have caught rust, which leads it to break off very easily.
Sometimes, fixing bike pedals can be very easy, however, other times it can be difficult. This is mainly determined by what has led to the pedals falling off.
How to Fix a Bike Pedal That Fell off
I am going to give you a step by step on the whole process to make things as easy as possible.
Step 1: Gather Materials
The very first thing you need to do is make sure that you have all the items ready and near you to start the work. You do not want to start working on fixing the pedal only to realize that you have a tool or two missings. This is most likely going to slow you down.
And chances are, you will feel lazy and won’t want to go out to get whatever you need to finish the task at hand. Also, having everything close by will make the entire process a lot easier for you to complete.
Now, the things you will need to fix the peddle-
- An unattached pedal
- A wench that fits
- A pick
- A file
Read our review on best fixed gear bike pedals.
Step 2: Clean the Thread of Crank Arm
As you have everything lined up, the next step is to clean up the thread. The main reason behind the broken pedal is damage done to the thread that attaches the pedal to the bike. If there is any obstruction left inside, you won’t be able to install a new one.
So, you have to take a pick and really get into the hole to make sure that there is no remaining piece of metal left inside. During the whole process, try to be careful so you don’t end up hurting yourself.
Step 3: Clean the Pedal Thread
The next thing on your to-do list would be to make sure that the pedal thread is clean. This will ensure the installation of the new pedal goes as smoothly as possible, and there are no issues related to the pedal going forward. The process is very similar to the one you had to do before with the arm crank.
For this, take a file and go around the pedal. Even though this is not as crucial as the previous step, the filing of the thread will be useful in the future. While cleaning up, make sure you don’t file down so much that you take the points off, that is what bites in and holds on.
Step 4: Screw the Pedal in Place
It is now time to take on the most daunting task of all. The problem here isn’t that it takes a lot of energy. Sometimes, it takes a very long time to get the threads of the pedal and the arm to align with each other. Until that happens, you won’t be able to fix the pedal.
This step is probably the lengthiest one. You will have to wiggle it around a little, and screw and unscrew it a few times. Once the threads are in the right position, you really don’t have much else to worry about. Just screw it into place and you are ready to go to the last step.
Step 5: Tighten the Pedal in Place
As for the last step, you just have to ensure the pedal is installed properly and held tightly in place. Use the wench to assist you in this task. And with that, you should be done!
Conclusion
By following just 5 steps, you should know to fix a bike pedal that fell off. If you have any questions regarding the steps, don’t hesitate to ask. We are always available to provide help.
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