An update on the completed overhaul with handy tips ( I hope ) and variations from the M-731 version (which has already been covered elsewhere)
1 Remove cage ( 4 off 5M x 8mm long c'sunk hd )
2 Remove black plastic end cap. This cap is threaded ( about 15mm of thread ) I used a pair of circlip pliers inserted into an opposing pair of slots
At this stage you have several options depending on the general condition of your pedals. In the best case scenario, a 'change of grease' then :
3 Fill the cavity around the nut/ locknut area with a suitable grease. Clean out the inside of the cap and fill with grease. Screw the cap back into
the pedal body forcing fresh grease into and around the inner and outer bearings ( they are only 16mm apart )
Or,if a bearing adjustment is required then :
4 Secure the crank end of the pedal ( I used a spare crank ) loosen the small locknut 1/4 turn and then tighten the larger nut/bearing track as
required while checking the rotation/smoothness of the pedal body. Tighten the lock nut up against the larger nut ( you will have to use a
screwdriver to stop the larger nut from spinning, unless you have the special Shimano pedal tool ) You may have to repeat this operation
several times to get it right. Proceed back to 3 to complete
Or, if complete bearing replacement is required then :
5 Remove locknut and larger nut/bearing track. Carefully hold axle in position in pedal body while holding pedal horizontal. Use a small
screwdriver to extract the 12 loose ball bearings ( I used a cocktail stick and a tray underneath ) Pull the axle out of the body and locate
the 12 loose ball bearings from the inner bearing track. Thoroughly clean the interior of the pedal body and buy replacement ball bearings.
These are sold as 'loose ball bearings', the correct size is 2.2mm dia. however this seems to be a special Shimano size ( I have used 3/32"
bearings which are fractionally oversize, but seem to work OK. Having cleaned the axle, hold it vertically crank end down, and locate the white plastic
sleeve at the middle/top of the axle. Apply a coating of grease to the top of this sleeve, and then place 11 of the new ball bearings around the
top of the sleeve ( the slightly larger bearings mean only 11 will fit ) Apply some grease around the silicone rubber seal and insert the
axle into the pedal body rotating it slightly as it reaches its final position. You may have to repeat this operation if things don't feel OK
While still holding the axle in place in the pedal body, apply a coating of grease to the bearing track ( visible when looking from the outer end
of the pedal body ) Drop 11 ball bearings onto the bearing track, using the non-magnetic cocktail stick ! to ensure they are correctly seated.
Screw the large nut/bearing track into position followed by the locknut. Proceed back to 4 to complete
6 Apply a small amount of grease to the 4 x M5 tapped holes in the pedal body and fit the cages ( I sprayed mine matt black after masking the
Shimano logo )
7 Enjoy
