Symptoms
- Pedal wiggles side to side or front to back at the crank
- Clicking noise with each pedal stroke
- Pedal has come loose more than once
- Threads visible or damaged where pedal meets crank
Likely causes
- CommonPedal simply worked loose from vibrationPedals can loosen over time, especially if not torqued properly during installation.
- PossibleWorn or stripped crank arm threadsRepeated loosening or cross-threading during installation can damage the threads.
- PossibleWrong pedal installed on the wrong sideLeft and right pedals have opposite thread directions, and installing them on the wrong side causes loosening.
What to do
- Remove the pedal fully and inspect both the pedal spindle threads and the crank arm threads for damage.
- Remember that the right (drive-side) pedal threads normal (clockwise to tighten) and the left pedal threads backward (counterclockwise to tighten) to prevent loosening from pedaling motion.
- Apply a thin layer of grease or anti-seize to the pedal threads before reinstalling.
- Thread the pedal in by hand first to avoid cross-threading, then tighten firmly with a pedal wrench.
- Check for play again after tightening and after a short test ride.
- If the crank arm threads are damaged, a threaded insert can sometimes repair them, or the crank arm may need replacement.
- If you're unsure about thread direction or see damaged threads, a bike shop can install pedals correctly or repair the crank.
Tools and parts
- Pedal wrench
- Grease or anti-seize
Bike pedalsSearch: “bicycle pedals replacement”
Crank armSearch: “bicycle crank arm replacement”
When to call a pro
A bike shop can repair stripped crank threads with a helicoil insert or replace the crank arm if the threads are too damaged.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.