How to Grease Bike Pedals?
In order to keep the moving parts of the bike functioning properly, you will need to lubricate them pretty frequently. It basically keeps the moving parts from rubbing onto one another, which causes wear and can make them make an awful sound.
That said, a typical bicycle has tons of moving parts. While most bikers will lubricate the other components, such as the chain, many ignore the pedals. But you can not forget that it is also a crucial part of the cycle. And if you do not know how to grease bike pedals, you will be looking to change them every two to three months.
However, the good news is that you came to the right place. We will go through the most simple pedal lubrication process. So, if you have been holding off the greasing project for months by thinking it will take too much time and effort, you should go through this guide!
How to Lubricate Bike Pedals?
You just need to go through five steps to lubricate the pedals of your bicycle. And the steps that we are referring to here are as follows:
Step 1: Remove the Pedal
Before anything else, you should get the pedal off the crank arm. For this, you will require a wrench. You can remove most of the pedals by loosening the nut on the interior side. And in most cases, the nut will be 15 mm in size. However, some of the pedals will need an Allen wrench.
Nonetheless, you will need to fully unscrew the pedals from the crank arm. Get them off and move on to the next step.
Step 2: Get the Threads of the Crank Arm Clean
Now, you will need to get yourself a clean rag. Run it through the threads that are on the crank arm. Press tightly and try to get as much grease and dust off the threads as possible. After this, you will need to clean the exterior side of the pedal. That includes the point that enters the crank arm.
Step 3: Apply a Generous Amount of Grease to the Threads
Regarding lubrication, you might be wondering what type of grease is for bike pedals, right? Well, any anti-seize grease will be fine for the project. Whatever you do, do not use the marine grease. Those will not work that well.
That said, after you select the proper grease, you will need to put a liberal layer of it on the threads. Do not worry about spreading the lubricant around; the spinning motion of the pedal will do that for you. Now, we are recommending using a good amount of grease because if you use a small amount, it might not spread properly.
To know more about Bike Care:
Step 4: Place the Pedal Back into the Arm
After the layer of grease is on the thread, you should screw the pedal back into the threads. While you are screwing it in, you should notice the lubricant spreading around. But if you are concerned that the grease is not making it to every part of the pedal, you can unscrew it again and spread the lubricant around a bit.
Step 5: Tighten the Pedals
Once you have put the pedals back into the crank arm, tighten it in place. For this, you should follow the reverse process of getting the pedals out of the arms. That is, instead of turning the pedals to the left, you should turn them to the right.
But do not overtighten them. You will damage the threads, and the pedals will not stay in place after that.
Final Words
Remember, every moving part of the bike will require lubing. That includes the pedals as well. And now that you know how to grease bike pedals properly, you should not ignore them when you are lubing the other parts. But beware of using a high volume of grease. Likewise, avoid lithium grease as it attracts dirt and debris at a very high rate.
Also, if you ride through dusty terrains pretty frequently, consider greasing the pedals at least once a month.
This video may help you to lubricate your pedal on your own
