{"id":10037,"date":"2022-08-12T12:24:17","date_gmt":"2022-08-12T16:24:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/brooklynfixedgear.com\/?p=10037"},"modified":"2024-02-05T22:41:00","modified_gmt":"2024-02-06T03:41:00","slug":"how-to-fix-loose-bike-pedals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/brooklynfixedgear.com\/maintenance-and-repairs\/how-to-fix-loose-bike-pedals\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Fix Loose Bike Pedals: 4 Easy Steps (With Video Instructions)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Pedals can fail at any time, and replacing them might be difficult. If they are not working properly, cycling might become challenging, if not dangerous. But how do you fix a loose bike pedal?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, you will learn about bike pedals, why they fall off or come loose, and how to fix loose bike pedals in four easy steps so you can have a safer ride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, adjust the pedal position. This can be accomplished by rotating it or moving it up and down on its axle. Then, check for binding or tightness. If it is loose, tighten it with a wrench. If it is still loose, consider removing the pedal and re-attaching it. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a bike pedal?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The pedal is the part of a bicycle the rider uses to propel the vehicle with their foot. It connects the cyclist’s foot or shoe to the crank, allowing the leg to turn the bottom bracket spindle and propel the bicycle’s wheels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Why does a bike pedal fall off?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In most cases, your pedals are falling off due to cross-threading damage. Cross-threading causes damaged threads to develop<\/strong>. This occurs when attempting to thread the pedal at an angle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When installing your pedals, remember that the right pedal is turned counterclockwise to loosen; the left pedal is turned clockwise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why does a bike pedal keep coming loose?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the most common causes of loose pedals is that they have not been properly tightened. As a result, some pedal systems tend to loosen, particularly those that use a wrench to tighten the pedal onto the axle. If you fail to check and re-tighten your pedals after a ride, it can cause them to loosen until they fall off completely. Also, keep in mind that if you tighten your pedals too much, they may lock up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another common cause is hitting something on your bike and damaging the pedal. This frequently occurs when you ride over an obstacle or road hazard, but it can also occur when you pedal too hard. As a result, the pedal will become bent, which may be enough to prevent it from properly seating on the spindle and coming loose after riding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image of a wellgo brand, m-12 pedal. Pixabay<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How to fix loose pedals and prevent them from loosening<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Here are four easy steps that you can follow to fix your broken bike pedals.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n

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  1. \n

    When riding your bike, check and tighten the pedals frequently<\/h3>\n

    Tightening your pedals is the most dependable method for ensuring that your pedals remain tight no matter where you ride! However, even with regular tightening, damage can occur. Here’s how to tell if your pedals need to be tightened again.<\/p>\n

    Tighten your bike pedals if you hear a clanking or rattling noise while pedaling. Loose bolts and pedal screws frequently cause this and, if ignored, will lead to more serious problems such as bent parts and broken pedals.<\/p>\n

    If one or both of the pedal screws are black, they are rubbing against the inside of your crank and should be tightened. A scraping sound and excessive wear and tear on the screw threads may also be present.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

  2. \n

    Use the proper wrench for your bike pedals.<\/h3>\n

    It may seem obvious, but using the wrong wrench is one of the most common reasons people have trouble keeping their bike pedals tight. This can cause your bike pedals to become overtightened or under-tightened, causing them to loosen over time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

  3. \n

    Apply Loctite to your bike pedals.<\/h3>\n

    Use a thin layer of thread locker such as Loctite before tightening your bike pedals if you ride in wet conditions or through rough terrain to help prevent them from coming loose. This will prevent water and mud from rusting or seizing the screws over time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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    If you’re having problems, switch to screw-on pedals.<\/h3>\n

    This may appear obvious, but if re-tightening your pedals do not resolve the issue, you may need to switch to screw-on bike pedals. They are far easier to tighten and offer a more dependable solution for keeping your pedals tight.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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    If you’re having problems, replace your pedal axles with stronger ones.<\/h3>\n

    These are more expensive, but they are designed to be lighter than standard metal pedal axles, making them more resistant to wear over time.<\/p>\n

    However, as with screw-on pedals, this is only a temporary solution; you will most likely need to replace the pedal axle itself after a while.<\/p>\n

    If your pedals are still loose after using Loctite or replacing the pedal axle, it’s time to consult a bike mechanic or contact the manufacturer of your pedals for assistance.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n\n

    Supply:<\/strong>

    • Loctite<\/li><\/ul><\/p>\n

      Tools:<\/strong>

      • Pedal wrench<\/li>
      • Needle nose pliers<\/li><\/ul><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        If you want even more tips, watch the video “How to Fix a Loose Bike Pedal-Loose Pedal Repair”<\/em> from the BIKEHUN YouTube Channel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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