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Replacing Peloton Crank Arms

May 5, 2020 | Cycling, Peloton | 16 comments

Can I replace the crank arms on a Peloton bike?

Yes, you can, but you can’t just substitute your own crank arms (as you can with the pedals, cleats, or shoes). The Peloton crank arm on the left side of the bike is fairly conventional, but the one on the right is welded to the plate that is bolted to the drive wheel. I imagine that only a Peloton part will serve.

How do I replace a Peloton crank arm?

This Peloton video explains how to change out flywheel bearings, a process that includes pulling one of the crank arms. In this case, the right crank arm is removed, but the process is the same for the left side. You will need a 8mm Allen wrench and a crank arm puller. The process is the same as it would be for just about any bicycle, so if you’ve done one of those, this should be familiar.

Will this fix the problem I’m having with my pedals?

I wrote a previous blog post regarding broken Peloton pedals, in response to what seemed to be a rash of broken pedals back in 2018. Although not much seemed to have come from “pedalgate”, the post still gets comments from users who have problems with their pedals. It seems that if you have problems with your pedals detaching from the bike, it could be one of three issues:

  1. The pedal breaks at the post. This is the issue that inspired my earlier post, and if this happens to you it seems likely that you will have to replace the crank arm. If the pedal post actually shears off, the broken piece will remain in the crank arm, and you likely cannot remove it with a wrench. (If you can remove it with a wrench, then you can replace the pedals without removing the crank arms).
  2. The pedal falls out of the post. Though an uncommon occurrence, pedals can work their way free. If this happens, you should be able to put the pedal back on and tighten (15mm wrench, tighten to 25 ft-lb).
  3. The pedal was cross-threaded. If this happens, the pedal will fall out, and you will not be able to reattach it. It is necessary to replace the crank arm. You’ll know the difference between this issue and #2 above because you should be able to see and feel (watch for sharp edges!) the threads in the crank arm. If the hole in the crank arm is more or less smooth, the threads are gone and you will not be able to attach a pedal.

EVERY 3 TO 5 RIDES: Tighten any loose pedal with the included 15 mm wrench. Pedals should be tightened to 25 lb-ft of torque. Turn clockwise to tighten the right pedal and counterclockwise to tighten the left pedal.

— PELOTON owner’s manual

16 Comments

  1. James Culberson

    Petals and crank arms are two totally different objects !!!! how do you take the spline gear out of the bike ????

    Reply
  2. RJ

    You need a tool called a crank-puller, available from any bike store or online.

    Reply
  3. Robert

    “The pedal breaks at the post. This is the issue that inspired my earlier post, and if this happens to you it seems likely that you will have to replace the crank arm.”

    Google “screw extractor”. This is a common problem, with a common solution. You do not need to replace the crank arm.

    Reply
    • Brygs

      That’s a good point. If you can extract the broken post from the crank arm, you should be able to simply screw the new pedals in. Thanks for pointing that out.

      Reply
      • Otte

        It happened twice on the right side for me. The threads were compromised and the crank arm needed to be replaced.

        Reply
  4. Jd

    My pretty brand new bike has started clicking on pedal strokes. Would this mean the crank arm needs to be tightened? Can you tighten it without a crank arm puller or do I need to get one of those? Thanks for this post! Really informative!!

    Reply
  5. Henrique Ferreira

    Where did you buy the crank arm?

    Reply
    • Kayti

      I need to know as well!

      Reply
      • Geoff ball

        Was this answered?

        Reply
  6. Dalton Bourne

    There are some steps to Remove Your Bike Crank Without Actually Using a Puller. First, twist and turn all bolts counterclockwise to loosen and remove bike crank nut or bolts, remove all washers. Use specific handwheel screws and nuts when identifying and removing handwheels. Insert the spindle into the available slot assigned to it, twist in a counterclockwise motion, removing the puller thread from your bike’s crank.

    Reply
    • Dalton Bourne

      Knowing how to remove bike crank without puller how can help you a lot during road failures and even prevent future bike problems, so you do not have to be stuck on the highways.

      Reply
  7. Raymond P Vaughn

    I am very grateful to you because last few days I am seeking how to remove cranks without a crank puller. When I found your article it decreases my pressure. Now I kicked this out and can do it very easily. Your words are very easy to understand.
    Anyway, I am a newbie bike rider. Hope one day I could be a good rider.
    Thank you so much for shear this helpful info.

    Reply
  8. LUIS ORTIZ

    Where can I find the replacement for the peloton Crank? Please help!

    Reply
  9. Amit Abhishek

    Knowing how to remove bike crank without puller can be of great help during emergency specially when you are out on the road. Earlier I always reach out for crank puller for the job but now I know how to fix my bike without one.

    Reply
  10. Elena Gilbert

    I replaced my Peloton crank arms and it was a breeze! The instructions were clear and the tools were easy to find. I would definitely recommend this DIY project to anyone looking to upgrade their bike.

    Reply
    • Geoff Ball

      What crank arms did you use and where did you purchase

      Reply

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