How to Change Mountain Bike Pedals: A Step-by-Step Guide

Last Updated on October 1, 2026 by Md Arifur rahman

Changing your mountain bike pedals is a fairly straightforward process. With the right tools and a little patience, you can easily swap out your old pedals for new ones in under 15 minutes. You just need to remember that the left pedal is reverse-threaded.

This simple bike maintenance task can make a big difference in your riding experience. Whether you’re upgrading to better pedals or replacing worn-out ones, knowing how to do it yourself saves time and money. We found that having the correct tools makes the job much easier and prevents damage to your crank arms.

• Always remember the left pedal is reverse-threaded.
• Use the correct size wrench (usually 15mm or an Allen key).
• Apply grease to new pedal threads before installation.
• Tighten pedals firmly but don’t overtighten.

Ready to get those old pedals off and new ones on? Let’s walk through exactly how to change your mountain bike pedals step by step.

Swapping Your Mountain Bike Pedals: A Step-by-Step Guide

Changing your mountain bike pedals is a task you can easily do at home. We’ve found that having the right tools makes this job much simpler. It also helps prevent damage to your crank arms. This guide will walk you through the process so you can get back on the trail quickly. You’ll learn how to remove old pedals and install new ones correctly.

Gathering Your Essential Tools and Supplies

Before you start, make sure you have everything you need. This will save you trips back and forth to the store. Having the correct tools is key to a smooth process. We recommend a clean workspace for this job.

The Tools You’ll Need

Most mountain bike pedals require a specific wrench or Allen key. Research your new pedals beforehand. Some might come with installation instructions that specify the tool. A 15mm pedal wrench is common for external wrench flats. If your pedals have an Allen key fitting on the inside of the spindle, you’ll need the corresponding Allen key (often 6mm or 8mm).

You will also need a pair of work gloves. This will help you get a better grip and keep your hands clean. A rag or shop towel is useful for wiping away old grease and dirt. Finally, a bike stand can be helpful, though not strictly necessary.

Essential Supplies for Installation

Don’t forget the grease! This is crucial for easy removal later and to prevent seizing. Use a good quality anti-seize grease. This compound is designed for metal-to-metal contact, especially in environments with dirt and moisture. It creates a barrier.

If you’re installing clipless pedals, you’ll also need the appropriate If you’re installing clipless pedals, you’ll also need the appropriate cleats for your shoes.cleats for your shoes. Make sure they are compatible with your new pedals and bike shoes.

Removing Your Old Mountain Bike Pedals

This is where you need to pay close attention. The threading on the pedals is the most important detail. Remember, a left pedal is reverse-threaded. This means you turn it clockwise to loosen. It feels counterintuitive, but it’s designed this way.

Understanding Pedal Threading

Pedal threading is standardized across most bikes. The right pedal (the one on the drive side, with the chainrings) has standard threading. You’ll turn it counter-clockwise to loosen. The left pedal (non-drive side) has reverse threading. You’ll turn it clockwise to loosen.

Many experts recommend a simple mnemonic: “Back off the bottom.” For both pedals, you’ll be turning the wrench downwards, away from the bike, relative to the crank arm’s forward rotation. Many guidelines point to this as a good first step (Bicycle Mechanics Handbook).

The Removal Process Step-by-Step

First, position your crank arm so it’s pointing straight forward. This gives you better leverage. If you have a 15mm pedal wrench, slide it onto the pedal’s wrench flats. Make sure it’s fully seated. Now, apply steady pressure. For the right pedal, turn counter-clockwise. For the left pedal, turn clockwise.

If the pedals are stubborn, you might need more force. You can sometimes use your body weight. Stand over the bike and apply pressure with your foot on the wrench. Some cyclists find it helpful to put the bike in a repair stand for stability. For Allen key pedals, insert the key firmly into the back of the crank arm. Then, apply pressure in the correct direction as described above.

Once the pedals break free, the rest of the threading should be easier. Unscrew them completely by hand. Once removed, inspect the crank threads. Look for any signs of damage or stripped threads. If you see issues, it might be best to consult a bike shop.

Installing Your New Mountain Bike Pedals

Now for the fun part: putting on your shiny new pedals! This is where your preparation pays off. Remember to grease the threads. This is a vital step that many people skip.

Preparing the New Pedals

Take your new pedals and apply a generous amount of grease to the spindle threads. You want to coat them thoroughly. This ensures they thread in smoothly and makes future removal much easier. Think of it as giving them a comfortable new home in your crank arms. We found that skipping this step can lead to seized pedals down the line (Cycling Maintenance Basics).

Threading the New Pedals Correctly

Here’s where you absolutely must remember the threading rules. The right pedal goes into the right crank arm. Start threading it by hand. It should go in easily and smoothly. Turn it clockwise to tighten. If it feels like it’s grinding or cross-threading, stop immediately. Back it out and try again.

The left pedal goes into the left crank arm. Start threading it by hand. Remember, this one is reverse-threaded. So, you will turn it counter-clockwise to tighten. Again, if it doesn’t thread in smoothly, don’t force it. Back it out and re-align. Proper threading is crucial for safety.

Tightening the Pedals Securely

Once you’ve threaded the pedals in by hand as far as they will go, it’s time to tighten them with your wrench. For 15mm wrenches, position it so you can push downwards towards the front of the bike for the right pedal (clockwise). For the left pedal, you’ll be pushing downwards towards the front of the bike (counter-clockwise).

You want to tighten them firmly. Many torque specifications suggest around 30-40 Nm for pedals. However, for most home mechanics, tightening them securely with a wrench is sufficient. They should feel snug and not move at all. Avoid overtightening, which can strip the crank arm threads or damage the pedal bearings. Aim for a solid, secure fit. We found that a good firm pull on the wrench is usually enough.

Final Checks Before Riding

Before you hit the trail, give each pedal a good wiggle. It should feel completely solid. If there’s any play, tighten them a bit more. If you installed clipless pedals, check that your cleats are installed correctly on your shoes and that they engage and release smoothly from the pedals. A quick spin around the block can also help you get a feel for your new setup.

A Quick Checklist for Success

• Confirm the correct wrench size (15mm or Allen key).
• Gather grease for the new pedal threads.
• Remember: Right pedal tightens clockwise, Left pedal tightens counter-clockwise.
• Start threading new pedals by hand to avoid cross-threading.
• Tighten pedals firmly but avoid overtightening.
• Wiggle pedals to ensure they are secure before riding.

Conclusion

You’ve now got the knowledge to swap your mountain bike pedals with confidence. Remember that remembering the left pedal’s reverse thread is the most critical part. By using the right tools, greasing the new threads, and tightening them correctly, you ensure a safe and secure ride. This simple maintenance task can enhance your cycling experience and save you money. Now that you’ve successfully changed your pedals, take your bike for a quick spin around the block to test them out!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my pedals are too tight or too loose?

Your pedals should feel completely solid with no wiggle or play when you try to move them by hand. If you feel any looseness, tighten them a bit more. Overtightening can damage your crank arms, so aim for a firm, secure fit without excessive force.

Can I use WD-40 to remove stuck pedals?

WD-40 is a degreaser and water displacer, not a penetrating lubricant. While it might help loosen some rust, a dedicated penetrating oil is usually more effective for seized pedal threads. Always clean off any WD-40 before applying grease to the new pedal threads.

What happens if I put the left pedal on the right side?

If you try to thread the left (reverse-threaded) pedal into the right crank arm (standard thread), it simply won’t thread in smoothly. You’ll feel resistance immediately, and it might even cross-thread if you force it, potentially damaging your crank arm.

Do I need to grease clipless pedal threads too?

Yes, absolutely. Even though clipless pedals have a different engagement mechanism, the spindle threads that attach them to the crank arm still need grease. This prevents seizing and makes future removal much easier, just like with flat pedals.

My pedals feel gritty. Should I re-grease them?

Gritty-feeling pedals usually indicate that dirt or moisture has entered the pedal bearings, or that the internal grease has broken down. While you can’t easily re-grease pedal bearings from the outside, it’s often best to replace the pedals. Some higher-end pedals are serviceable, but for most, replacement is the solution.