In a previous video we showed you how to remove bike pedals as well as service and installation. But what can you do if the pedals appear to be stuck pedals that don’t budge when you try to remove them? Here are some tips on how to remove stuck bike pedals or seized pedals:
00:33 How to loosen bike pedals: Place the chain on the large chainring so as to protect your hands. Spay with a penetrating solvent around the area where the pedal spindle attaches to the crank arm. I find Konck’er-Loose is better than WD-40 in removing rust and corrosion. If you have the time, let it sit overnight. Best to have the bike on the ground either with a floor stand or have someone hold the bike but make sure the rear wheel rests on the ground. On the ground you can get more torque then if on the stand where everything can move or bend. Also, don't flip it upside down or you'll just get confused as to which way to turn the pedal wrench. If you have a choice of using the pedal wrench vs a hex key on the pedal, the pedal wrench will give you more torque. We to remove the bicycle pedal by rotating it toward the back (clockwise on non-drive side, counter clockwise on the drive-side) as we show you in the upper right. Get into a position toward the rear of the bike and get a good grip on the pedals. If this fails continue below.
01:18 Use your foot: Make sure the back wheel rests on the ground or a floor rack. Get the pedal wrench or open-end wrench (usually 15 mm) parallel to the ground. Holding the brake levers so the bike doesn't move, place your foot over the wrench and pedal. Step down as if to pedal but back with your foot. This way by using your whole body, you are applying a great deal of force to the wrench. Works well with BMX, flat pedals, and most Look and spd as long as they have “wrench flats” for a pedal wrench rather than a hex key.
02:06 Try a "Cheater Bar": Piece of piping that sits over the pedal wrench. Try to remove the pedal as above. Some may suggest tapping the pedal wrench or cheater bar with a mallet or hammer. But you have to hold the crank or cheater bar with one hand and hit it with the other. You better have some heavy work gloves because the crank or cheater bar will vibrate like crazy and may bruise your hand.
The following are recommended for steel or titanium but beware on alloy or carbon fiber where you can do more harm than good.
02:32 Tie one crank to the chain stay and apply leverage to the stuck pedal with your cheater bar. Again good for steel or titanium bikes although I have had some success on a couple of alloy frames.
03:18 Board to secure opposite pedal as shown by RJ the Bike Guy who also uses a cheater bar (upper right). Several problems with this method. The board my damage the paint. You may be applying enough torque to snap the pedal spindle leaving part in the crank. Again, don't use this method on alloy carbon fiber frames which is easier to damage.
To prevent binding or seizing of the pedals:
1. Check the pedal for markings of R and L
2. Always grease the treads (or use carbon paste or anti-seize depending on the material) and tighten firmly but not hard or with gorilla force.