How to Remove a Bike Crank Without a Puller?

One of the most common bike maintenance tasks is removing the crank. Usually, it requires a specialized tool called a crank puller. But what if you don’t have a crank puller? Then, how to remove the crank in this situation? That’s what you are looking for, right?

Don’t worry! 

This blog post has got you covered. Here, you’ll learn a step-by-step guide on how to remove a bike crank without a puller and what tips and instructions you need to follow.

How to Remove a Bike Crank Without a Puller?

The process of removing a bike crank without a puller seems quite challenging and difficult. However, by following the proper guidelines and instructions, you can do it easily.

Before moving forward, here is something important you need to know:

Consider removing a bike crank without using a puller in emergency situations, or when a crank puller isn’t available. However, it’s generally recommended to use a crank puller for this task to ensure safety and efficiency.

Moreover, 

Be careful, as a number of steps in the process could cause damage. So make sure to take all necessary safety precautions and proceed carefully. Using a bike stand could be useful during the process.

Before diving into the steps and the detailed process, let’s first have a look at the equipment or tools you might need.

What Equipments are Required to Remove a Bike Crank Without a Puller?

You’ll need to have the following equipment to perform the task:

• An 8mm or 10mm Allen wrench. 
• Rubber mallet or hammer to gently tap the crank arm.
• WD-40 or penetrating oil to loosen the stubborn bolts.
• A pair of old rags or soft towel for cleaning purposes.
• Allen keys and a screwdriver for leverage.
• A pair of gloves and eyewear for protection.

Step-by-Step Process to Remove a Bike Crank Without a Puller

Follow these steps to remove a bike crank without using a puller:

1. Put on the protective gear and prepare your bike.
2. Remove the bike crank bolts.
3. Loosen the crank arm.
4. Create leverage using a screwdriver (if needed).
5. Tap the crank arm and remove the crank. 

Here is the detailed overview of each of these steps. Read them thoroughly to remove the bike crank without damaging it.

Step 1: Put on the protective gear and prepare your bike

Prioritize your safety, as you could harm yourself during the process. Put on the protective gear, such as gloves, to minimize hand injuries. 

Put your bike on a bike stand or a sturdy surface. Move the chain to the smallest ring to give you more room to work. Then clean the appropriate section and carefully remove the safety tab using a screwdriver.

Step 2: Remove the bike crank bolts

Find the crank bolt located in the crank arm’s center. Use an Allen key or a universal wrench to loosen and remove the crank bolt. If it’s too tight, apply some WD-40 or penetrating oil. Then let it sit for a few minutes. Twist all the bolts in a counterclockwise direction and remove them.

Step 3: Loosen the crank arm

So, after removing the bolts, the next step is to remove the crank arm. Check if the crank is still tightly fitted onto the spindle. If so, gently tap the crank arm using a hammer. Don’t hit it too hard, as it can damage the crank arm or the bike frame.

Step 4: Create leverage using screwdriver (if needed)

If the crank arm is still jammed, use a screwdriver to create extra leverage. Insert the screwdriver between the crank arm and the bottom bracket, and lift the crank arm carefully away from the spindle. Try not to scrape or harm the bike frame.

Step 5: Tap the crank arm and remove the crank 

After loosening the crank arm, wiggle it off the spindle manually. If it’s still stuck, gently tap the crank arm using a hammer. Then remove the crank from the spindle. Inspect the crank and bottom bracket for any problems, and wear or damage. If you notice any issues, it might be a good time to replace the crank arm or other components.

Here is expert advice for you!

Although this guide teaches you how to remove a bike crank without a puller, it is better to invest in a quality crank puller. The crank puller makes the process much easier and prevents potential damage to your bike.

Final Thoughts

So, that’s it. You have learned the step-by-step procedure of removing a bike crank without using a crank puller. By following these steps, you can effectively remove the crank arm and perform necessary maintenance or replacements. However, remember to follow all the safety precautions to avoid bodily injuries and bike damage. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do you remove a bike crank without a puller without a tool?

Follow these steps to remove a bike crank without a puller without a tool:

• Use an Allen key or wrench to loosen the crank bolt. 
• After loosening the bolts, remove them carefully. 
• Then tap the crank arm gently with a rubber mallet to loosen it.
• Wiggle and pull the crank arm off the spindle.

How do you remove a stuck bike crank?

To remove the stuck bike crank, use the following guidelines:

• First of all, put WD-40 or a penetrating oil on the crank bolt.
• Give it a few minutes to settle.
• Use a wrench to release the crank bolt.
• Lightly tap it with a rubber mallet to release the crank arm.
• Then pull the crank arm away from the spindle by twisting it.

Do you need a crank puller?

Yes, you do because a crank puller is used to remove the bike crank with safety and efficacy. It is used to remove all types of cranks, such as square-type spindle arms and splined-type spindle arms.

How to remove the bottom bracket?

To remove a bottom bracket, follow these steps:

• Take off the crank arms.
• Get the bottom bracket off the frame by using a bottom bracket tool.
• Then, remove the lower bracket from the frame.

Read more about bottom bracket: What is a bottom bracket?