Seized pedals help?!

[MrFixed]

I've recently bought a 2010 Fuji Track Classic and I've given it a service where I can, bottom bracket, cranks, new chain, everything tightened, greased and reinstalled, but I'm really struggling with removing my pedals.

The guy I'd bought it off had it in storage for a few years, so I'm guessing that the threads have seized somewhat.

I've soaked the bolts with WD40, and nearly rounded one of the bolts off and near enough broke my hand in the process and they don't seem to have budged an inch.

I was wondering if anyone had any tips or ideas to help me remove it because I really don't want to replace the cranks, or chainring just to install some new pedals.

 

[Cubist]

Before anyone else does, can I make sure you are undoing them the right way? Left pedal is reverse thread.

You need leverage. Easier if the bike is on the floor on its wheels so you can add pressure. Put the cranks on the pedal you want to undo facing forwards, at three O'clock. Put your spanner on the flats, facing backwards and upwards, at about 10 o'clock. Hold the brakes on and stand on the spanner, pushing it downwards, praying the chain won't break.

If the chain is dodgy, get someone else to stand on the opposite crank/pedal.

 

[raleighnut]

^^^^ wot e said
When you fit the new pedals put a smear of Copaslip on the threads, it'll stop this happening again.

 

[lpretro1]

And use a proper pedal spanner - longer handle gives better leverage

 

[midlife]

Are you trying to remove them using the Allen key on the inside?

Shaun

 

[MrGrumpy]

Oh boy just been there with seized pedals
1. Make sure you are turning the right way first
2. Use some plus gas or WD40 etc and leave to soak
3. Can try a bit of heat on the crank arm (didn't work for me)
4. If all else fails remove the crank from the bike try and remove the pedal body and get the pedal spindle in a vice and remove it that way.

I ended up using and angle grinder to get the pedal off and then out what was left in vice and getting the big hammer out it was that tight!!

 

[Arrowfoot]

Here is an excellent way to remember to turn the pedal spanner the right way - on both sides, the spanner must turn towards the rear wheel. If it tight, a few taps on the spanner with a rubber mallet does the job.

 

[MrFixed]

I'm definitely turning it the right way, I remember it as Arrowfoot said.

I've given it liberal amounts of WD40, then gone back to it standing on spanners, IceToolz pedal Wrench but the tools are slipping off and defacing the nut slightly.

I don't have access to a vise or anything like that, so it seems like I might need to replace the crank arms just to get some new pedals. That or contact the LBS and see if they're not too busy.

 

[MrGrumpy]

Oh and along with the copaslip or greased threads no need to horse up the the pedals tight!

 

[MrFixed]

Oh and along with the copaslip or greased threads no need to horse up the the pedals tight!

I wish I could get them off to apply any of those products. I'm currently rounding the nut off because the p-wrench slips everytime I put too much pressure on.

 

[MrFixed]

Is there anyone around the Greater Manchester area that could help me?

 

[roadrash]

where abouts in greater manchester, there are many cyclechatters in the area

 

[MrFixed]

Bolton.

 

[shouldbeinbed]

Have you tried applying heat via a paintstripping gun or blowtorch. Mind the WD40 tho. The theory goes, the different metal of the crank expands more than the pedal spindle and releases the bond. Never tried it in practice myself tho.

Have the pedals got an allen key slot on the inside? You could try that with an extension tube for leverage before you round off the pedal bolt too much.

 

[MrFixed]

Have you tried applying heat via a paintstripping gun or blowtorch. Mind the WD40 tho. The theory goes, the different metal of the crank expands more than the pedal spindle and releases the bond. Never tried it in practice myself tho.

Have the pedals got an allen key slot on the inside? You could try that with an extension tube for leverage before you round off the pedal bolt too much.

I don't think there's an allen key slot. It's an indented circle on the back of the crank arm.