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103
CRANK SET
The crank set refers to the bottom bracket axle and bearings, the crank
arms, and chainrings.
Never ride your bike if the cranks are loose. This may
be dangerous and will damage the crank arms beyond
repair.
Inspection
The crank set should be checked for correct adjustment and tightness
every month. Crank nuts must be kept tight, and the bottom bracket
bearings must be properly adjusted. Remove the chain and try to move
the cranks from side to side with your hands. The cranks should not
move on the axle, and there should be only very slight movement in the
bottom bracket. Next, spin the cranks. If they don't spin freely without
grinding noise, then adjustment or lubrication will be needed. Also
check that there are no broken teeth on the chainrings, and wipe off
excess dirt and grease that may have built up on them.
Fixed Cup
Ball Bearing
Lockring
Adjusting
Cup
Axle
Standard Bottom Bracket Assembly (Cotterless)
Standard Crank Set
Crank Bolt
Dust Cap
!
Lubrication and Adjustment
Many pedals cannot be disassembled to allow access to the internal bearings and axle. However, it is usually possible to
inject a little oil onto the inside bearings, and this should be done every six months. If the pedal is the type that can be fully
disassembled, then the bearings should be removed, cleaned and greased every six to twelve months. Because of the wide
variety of pedal types and their internal complexity, disassembly procedures are beyond the scope of this manual and further
assistance should be sought from a specialist.
Attachment
Note:
The right and left pedals of a bicycle each have a different thread and are not interchangeable.
Never force a pedal into the incorrect crank arm. The right pedal, which attaches to the chainwheel side, is marked 'R' on the
end of the axle, and screws in with a clockwise thread. The left pedal, which attaches to the other crank arm, is marked 'L' on
the axle, and screws in with a counter-clockwise thread.
Insert the correct pedal into the crank arm and begin to turn the thread with your fingers only. When the axle is screwed all the
way in, securely tighten using a 15mm wrench.
If removing a pedal, remember that the right pedal axle must be turned counter clockwise, i.e. the reverse of when fitting. If
replacing the original pedals with a new set, make sure the size and the axle thread is compatible with the cranks on your
bicycle.
Note:
Never try and force a pedal with the wrong thread size or thread direction into a bicycle crank.