Seized pedals and cranks

nimchimpsky82 · Nov 20, 2009

Hi all

I've spotted a decent looking 1980s bike for sale with a 531 frame. The price seems reasonable, but the trouble is that the pedals and cranks are seized :shock: Specifically, this is how the owner describes things:

The pedals are seized onto the crank, I couldn't remove them. But they are still functional as I took them apart and regreased the bearings and axles. They show not a great sign of wear.
The cranks are seized onto the bottom bracket axle, well I couldn't remove them either. But the bottom bracket moves freely and has no play. Also I was able to remove the chainrings to clean and there seem in pretty good condition.
So the bike is perfectly function as it is but issues will arise if you wish to put your own pedals or cranks on. All I can think is when they wear out is to see if a professional mechanic can remove them or it would be a case of cutting threw the bottom bracket axle in order to get at the bottom bracket to remove.

If I were to buy this bike I'd want to sort out this issue asap rather than let things get even worse. I'm not sure whether the owner has already tried using penetrating oil, but if this doesn't work, does this problem sound to you like something my LBS would be able to sort out fairly easily? I know it's difficult to work from a description, but...

Thanks in advance for your advice.

longbeech · Nov 20, 2009

Ive had good results from applying heat in situations like this - the Aluminium crank expanding at a greater rate than the steel of the pedal or BB axle.
If everything still fails then an angle grinder will get the cranks off

Following the trend though - if the pedals and cranks were not greased - what are the chances of the BB being stuck?
Weigh up the possibility that all three will need doing and offer a price that reflects the work involved.

Good luck

nimchimpsky82 · Nov 20, 2009

Thanks for that!

The heat sounds like a good tip. Do you apply it with a blowdryer or summat a bit more drastic?

Also, if we assume a worst case scenario on which the whole BB would have to be removed, any idea how much having the LBS do that would set me back, roughly? (not counting replacing all of it with new parts, which of course can vary enormously depending on what I'd choose).

hamster · Nov 20, 2009

Firstly I'd try pouring a kettle of boiling water over it. I have been known to use a blowtorch on a stuck eccentric bolt on my tandem though... :shock:

What mystifies me is how the cranks get seized on - bearing in mind they sit on tapers. Perhaps the seller is unaware that you need an extractor and it's not like changing a car wheel... :roll:

Old Ned · Nov 20, 2009

Steel + Aluminium = intercostal corrosion (or something like that). The same reason as why seat pins and stems get stuck into frames. I had a bit of a job getting a Campag chainset off a frame a couple of weeks ago and this had belonged to a 'serious' cyclist who is a good mechanic. It had been used as a winter bike and been 'let go' a bit. Found quite a bit of corrosion on the axle once it had come off. But nothing that a good clean and lube won't cure!

longbeech · Nov 21, 2009

I have to admit I go straight in with the blowtorch!
Keep the heat away from the paint and you will be OK.
Also best not to do it in the house!!!

Cheers

nimchimpsky82 · Nov 25, 2009

Thanks for the replies guys. In the end I decided that the bike wasn't really worth the trouble, especially given the price it went for.

Seized pedals and cranks

nimchimpsky82

Dirt Disciple

longbeech

Senior Retro Guru

nimchimpsky82

Dirt Disciple

hamster

Retro Wizard

Old Ned

Old School Grand Master

longbeech

Senior Retro Guru

nimchimpsky82

Dirt Disciple

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