How to Remove Mountain Bike Pedal Arms: A Step-by-Step Guide

Last Updated on October 24, 2026 by Jaxon Mike

Removing pedal arms from your mountain bike is a manageable DIY job. You can do it with the right tools and a little patience. Most often, you’ll need a pedal wrench and possibly a hex key. It’s important to remember that pedals often have different threading on each side, so pay attention to which way you turn the wrench. This guide will help you get those old pedal arms off without a fuss.

When you’re ready to swap out your old pedals for new ones, or maybe just give your crankset a good cleaning, removing the pedal arms is the first step. You’ll want to ensure you have a solid understanding of the process to avoid damaging your bike’s components. We’ve found that having the correct tools makes a huge difference in how easy this task becomes, saving you time and potential frustration.

• Know that removing bike pedal arms is doable at home.
• You’ll generally need a pedal wrench or hex key.
• Remember left pedals loosen clockwise, right pedals loosen counter-clockwise.
• Preparation is key to a smooth removal.

Let’s walk through exactly how to get those pedal arms off your mountain bike, step by step. It’s not as complicated as it might seem!

Getting Your Bike Pedals Off: A Step-by-Step Guide

You’re ready to swap out your pedals or maybe just give your bike a little tune-up. That’s fantastic! Removing pedal arms from your mountain bike is a task you can totally handle yourself. We’ve put together this guide to make the process as smooth as possible for you. Let’s get those pedals off without any hassle or damage.

Gathering Your Tools for Pedal Removal

Before you start, having the right tools makes all the difference. It’s like trying to build furniture without the instruction manual and the right screwdriver – frustrating and potentially damaging!

The Essential Pedal Wrench

The most important tool you’ll need is a pedal wrench. These are usually thinner than standard wrenches, allowing them to get into the tight space where the pedal attaches to the crank arm. Many cyclists find a 15mm pedal wrench works for most bikes. It’s designed for the leverage needed to break loose pedals that can get really stuck.

Understanding Hex Keys (Allen Wrenches)

Some newer pedals, especially those on mountain bikes, use a hex key (or Allen wrench) fitting on the inside of the crank arm. Check your specific pedals to see if they have a small hole on the inside face of the crank arm near where the pedal spindle enters. If so, you’ll need the correct size hex key, often 6mm or 8mm.

Other Helpful Items

You might also find a rag handy for cleaning up any grease or dirt. A bit of lubricant can sometimes help loosen stubborn pedals, but we’ll talk more about that later. And of course, you’ll need a stable place to work, like a bike stand or even just leaning your bike against a wall.

The Crucial Pedal Threading: Left vs. Right

This is where many people get tripped up, and it’s super important to get right. Bike pedals have different threading on each side. Why? So they don’t unscrew themselves while you’re riding!

Understanding the “Lefty Loosey, Righty Tighty” Rule (and its Opposite!)

For the right-side pedal (the side your right foot goes on), it’s standard: turn counter-clockwise to loosen and clockwise to tighten. So, to remove it, you’ll turn the wrench counter-clockwise.

Now, here’s the twist: the left-side pedal (the side your left foot goes on) is reversed. To remove it, you actually need to turn the wrench clockwise. Many experts say remembering this is the single most critical piece of information (Sheldon Brown’s Bike Repair website, a trusted resource, highlights this often).

How to Identify Your Pedals

Usually, pedals are marked with an “L” for left and an “R” for right. You’ll find these markings on the spindle (the part that screws into the crank arm). If you can’t find them, don’t worry. The threading direction is the giveaway. If you try to loosen a pedal and it feels like you’re tightening it, you’re likely on the wrong side of the threading rule for that pedal.

The Pedal Removal Process: Step-by-Step

Now that you’re prepped with your tools and understand the threading, let’s get to work. It’s generally a straightforward process, but patience is your friend here.

Step 1: Position Your Bike and Crank Arm

It’s easiest if your bike is stable. If you have a bike stand, use it. Otherwise, lean your bike securely against a wall or sturdy object. You want the crank arm you’re working on to be in a position where you can apply good leverage. Many find it helpful to position the crank arm pointing slightly forward and down, almost like the 4 o’clock position.

Step 2: Applying Force to the Pedal Wrench

If you’re using a pedal wrench, slide it onto the pedal’s flats. Make sure it’s seated firmly. Now, remember the threading rule: for the right pedal, turn counter-clockwise. For the left pedal, turn clockwise. You’ll likely need to use some muscle. Sometimes, the pedal is really stuck due to corrosion or being overtightened. You might need to give it a firm, steady push. Research from cycling mechanics often suggests that a quick, strong pull is better than gradual, weak pressure for breaking a stuck fastener loose.

If your pedals use a hex key, insert the correct size into the hole on the inside of the crank arm. Again, apply force in the appropriate loosening direction (counter-clockwise for the right pedal, clockwise for the left). You might find it easier to put the crank arm into a position where you can push down on the hex key with your foot for added leverage.

Step 3: Dealing with Stubborn Pedals

What if it just won’t budge? Don’t force it so hard that you strip the bolt or damage the crank arm. Sometimes, a little bit of penetrating lubricant (like WD-40 or a bike-specific degreaser) can work wonders. Spray it around the junction where the pedal spindle meets the crank arm and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. This can help break down rust or gunk. After waiting, try again with the wrench or hex key.

Another trick many mechanics use is to slightly tighten the pedal first (just a tiny bit) before trying to loosen it. This can sometimes break the seal and make loosening easier. Always remember the correct direction for loosening!

Step 4: Removing the Pedal Completely

Once you feel the pedal start to loosen, you can usually unscrew it the rest of the way by hand. Keep turning it in the loosening direction. It should spin out relatively easily once it’s broken free. Be prepared for it to be a little greasy or dirty as it comes off.

Step 5: Repeat for the Other Pedal

Once one pedal is off, simply repeat the entire process for the other side, remembering to use the correct threading direction for that specific pedal.

A Quick Checklist for Success

Before you start turning any wrenches, run through this quick checklist:

• Ensure your bike is stable and secure.
• Identify which pedal is left and which is right.
• Confirm the correct loosening direction for each pedal.
• Have your pedal wrench or hex key ready.
• Be patient, especially if pedals are old or tight.
• Consider lubricant for stubborn pedals.

What to Do After Removal

Once both pedals are off, you’ll have access to your crank arms for cleaning, maintenance, or replacement. Take a moment to wipe down the threads on your crank arms. You can also check them for any damage. When you’re ready to install new pedals, remember to grease the pedal threads before screwing them in to prevent future sticking. And, of course, always follow the correct threading and tightening directions!

Conclusion

You’ve now got the knowledge to tackle pedal arm removal like a pro. Remember, the key is understanding the reverse threading on the left pedal and using the right tools. A little patience and the correct technique will make this a simple maintenance task. Now that your pedals are off, go ahead and clean up your crankset or get those new pedals installed. You’ve got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I remove bike pedals without a special pedal wrench?

While a pedal wrench is ideal due to its thin profile and leverage, you might be able to use a standard 15mm wrench if it fits. Some pedals use a hex key fitting on the inside of the crank arm, so check yours to see what you’ll need. If your wrench is too thick, you risk damaging the pedal or crank arm.

How do I know which way to turn the wrench if I’m unsure about left vs. right?

If you’re unsure about the markings, try turning the wrench gently in one direction. If it feels like it’s tightening, try the opposite direction. The right pedal loosens counter-clockwise, and the left pedal loosens clockwise. You’ll feel resistance when turning the wrong way.

What if my pedals are really stuck and won’t budge?

Don’t force them too hard, as you could strip the threads. Try applying a penetrating lubricant to the junction where the pedal spindle meets the crank arm. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to help break down rust or grime. Sometimes, a quick, firm pull works better than slow, steady pressure.

Do I need to grease the pedal threads when installing new pedals?

Yes, absolutely! Greasing the threads before installing new pedals is highly recommended. This prevents corrosion and makes future removal much easier. It also helps ensure a proper seal and prevents seizing, which is a common issue with aluminum crank arms and steel pedal spindles.

Can I remove pedals with the bike on the ground, or do I need a stand?

While a bike stand makes the job easier and more stable, you can remove pedals with the bike on the ground. Just lean it securely against a wall. Position the crank arm so you can apply good leverage and the pedal wrench or hex key is seated firmly. Just be careful not to let the bike tip over.