You need an Allen wrench, a pedal wrench, and a replacement pedal — the job takes about 10 minutes per side

Bicycle pedals wear out or break, and replacing them is one of the easiest repairs you can do at home. You do not need special tools beyond what most households have. The pedal threads into the crank arm — the metal arm that holds the pedal — and you remove it by turning counterclockwise. The left and right pedals have opposite threading directions, which confuses people the first time, but once you know that, the swap is straightforward.

The whole process takes about 10 minutes per pedal. You will need a pedal wrench (a thin wrench sized to your pedal's flat edges), an Allen wrench that fits your pedal's axle, and the replacement pedal itself. If you do not own a pedal wrench, a regular adjustable wrench works, though it is slower and less precise.

Key Takeaways

  • The left pedal has reverse threading and turns clockwise to remove; the right pedal turns counterclockwise like a normal bolt.
  • You need a pedal wrench or adjustable wrench to grip the flat edges on the pedal's axle, not the pedal body itself.
  • Some pedals use an Allen wrench instead of a wrench — check your pedal type before you start.
  • Tighten the new pedal firmly but do not over-tighten, which strips the threads inside the crank arm.

Gather your tools and identify your pedal type

Before you begin, look at your pedal and see how it fastens to the crank arm. Most pedals have a flat-sided axle that a wrench grips. Some pedals, especially on newer bikes, use an Allen wrench (hex key) instead. Check the axle where it enters the crank arm — if you see a hex socket, you need an Allen wrench. If you see flat edges, you need a pedal wrench or adjustable wrench.

Lay out your tools on a clean surface: the wrench or Allen wrench, the replacement pedal, and a rag to wipe your hands. If you are replacing both pedals, have both new pedals ready so you do not mix them up — the left and right are not interchangeable.

Remove the old pedal from the right crank arm

Start with the right side. Position the crank arm so the pedal points backward (toward the rear wheel). Grip the flat edges of the pedal's axle with your wrench, holding the wrench handle parallel to the ground. Turn the wrench handle downward — this is counterclockwise when you look at the bike from the right side. The pedal will loosen and unscrew from the crank arm.

Once the pedal is loose enough to turn by hand, unscrew it the rest of the way and set it aside. Wipe any dirt or grease from the threaded hole inside the crank arm using your rag. If the hole looks damaged or the threads are stripped, the crank arm may need replacement, which is beyond a straightforward pedal swap.

Remove the old pedal from the left crank arm

Move to the left side. Position the crank arm so the pedal points backward. Here is the key difference: the left pedal has reverse threading. Grip the flat edges of the axle with your wrench and turn the wrench handle upward — this is clockwise when you look at the bike from the left side. The pedal will loosen and unscrew.

Once it is loose enough, unscrew it by hand and set it aside. Wipe the threaded hole clean. If you are only replacing one pedal, you are done with the removal step. If you are replacing both, move on to installation.

Install the new pedal on the right crank arm

Take your new right pedal and thread it into the right crank arm by hand first. Turn it clockwise (the normal direction) until it is snug but not tight. Once you cannot turn it by hand anymore, use your wrench to tighten it further. Grip the axle flat edges and turn the wrench handle upward. Tighten until the pedal is firm and does not wiggle, but do not force it — over-tightening strips the threads inside the crank arm and ruins the arm.

A good test: once the pedal is installed, try to wiggle it side to side. There should be no play. If it moves, tighten a quarter turn more. If the wrench suddenly becomes very hard to turn, stop — you have reached the limit.

Install the new pedal on the left crank arm

Take your new left pedal and thread it into the left crank arm by hand. Remember: this pedal has reverse threading. Turn it counterclockwise (the opposite of normal) until it is snug. Once hand-tightening stops, use your wrench to finish. Grip the axle flat edges and turn the wrench handle downward (clockwise from the left side). Tighten until firm, then stop.

Test the left pedal the same way: wiggle it side to side to check for play. Both pedals should feel solid and not move when you push on them. Spin the crank a few times to make sure both pedals rotate freely without rubbing or catching.

Check your work and test the pedals

Spin the crank backward and forward several times. The pedals should rotate smoothly without any grinding, clicking, or resistance. If you hear a creak or feel grinding, stop and check that both pedals are tight. Creaking often means the pedal is slightly loose and needs another quarter turn.

Once everything spins freely and both pedals are firm, you are done. Take the bike for a short test ride on flat ground to confirm the pedals feel normal and do not slip or move. If all is well, your replacement is complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the pedal will not unscrew?

The pedal may be stuck from rust or old grease. Spray penetrating oil (like WD-40) around the axle where it enters the crank arm and wait 15 minutes. Try again with steady, even pressure on the wrench — do not jerk or force it, which can snap the axle. If it still will not move, the crank arm may be damaged and you may need a shop's help.

Can I use a regular wrench instead of a pedal wrench?

Yes. An adjustable wrench works, though it is slower and can slip if not tightened properly on the axle. A pedal wrench is thin and fits the axle edges more precisely, making the job faster and safer. If you replace pedals often, a pedal wrench is worth the small cost.

How tight should the new pedal be?

Tight enough that it does not wiggle when you push on it side to side, but not so tight that you strain to turn the wrench. A good rule: tighten until you feel solid resistance, then stop. Over-tightening strips the threads and damages the crank arm permanently.

Do left and right pedals look different?

Usually yes — most pedals are marked with an L or R on the axle or body. Even if they look identical, they are not interchangeable because of the reverse threading on the left side. Always install the left pedal on the left crank arm and the right on the right.

What if I stripped the threads in the crank arm?

If the pedal spins freely without tightening or falls out on its own, the threads are stripped. The crank arm needs replacement, which requires removing the crankset — a job for a bike shop. Do not keep riding with a loose pedal, as it can fall off and cause a crash.