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I manage to snap the axle of my DMR Vaults. the remaining part of the axle attached to crank is seized it seems. As the vaults only tighten via a 6mm hex key, i am struggling to remove the axle from some old xtr cranks. the pedals have been on the cranks for the best part of 10 years. Currently sprayed wd40 over the area, and have used a spare handlebar to provide better leverage to the allen key. I manage to snap one allen key already, so the axle is very firmly in place.....
any ideas on how to remove the axle?
Try getting some PlusGas as it will do a better job of unsticking the seal created, heating up the crank with boiling water so it expands a bit sometimes works. Last resort is drill it out very carefully until you can snap/dislodge what remains of the spindle and remove it.
Are you turning it the correct way?
Stupid question, but are you turning it the right way - one side is LH thread, the other is RH thread. Don't ask me which is which, I can never remember myself.
EDIT: too slow.
I have checked multiply times, pretty sure i am turning the drive side the correct way, i.e. anticlockwise as you face the bike, against the direction of the pedals normal rotation.
will try the boiling water, that a good idea, and will grab the PlusGas too, cheers
The boiling water is the best way, get everything set up. Crank, hex key in hole, long bar, kettle, wrap some old rag round the end of the crank (to keep the hot water on the metal). Make sure the crank can't move (i use a toestrap to attached the other crank to the chainstay).
Then pour, wait for 30 seconds and heave...
Also, make sure the axle hasn't split, that can happen with cheaply made hex holes, splits from the corner then wedges itself in the threaded hole.
You'd probably need to drill that out.
only time i've had one not come out i cut the axle as close to the crank as i could then used an angle grinder until it got to the pedal washer, without the tension on the threads it then came out.
i always put a bit of proper anti sieze compound on pedals since then and never had a problem removing since.
Remove the crank and put it or the Allen key in a vice. If the interface is knackered you might need to grind some flats on to the axle to get it gripped in the vice and use the crank arm for leverage.
yeah I'd put the allen key in a vice then put the crank on there, apply pressure in both directions alternately can help to break the grip as well
Switch to a socket set style hex key for increased leverage and less chance of rounding out the hole.
Check and check again the direction, I've been guilty of that due to the tool being on the back side of the crank. Perhaps go through the motions with a pedal spanner in front of the crank to confirm the hex key is going in the same direction
Plus gas/penetrant spray, Oven at 140deg, crank in the oven for 10mins. allen key in a vice, oven gloves on hands and go for it.
I had this a few years ago. The axle was corroded to a point that nothing was going to get it to release.
This was my solution.
- Cut the pedal off as close to the crank as possible
- Drill through the remaining axle stub, as large a hole as possible
- Using a hacksaw, thread the blade through the hole and start cutting the stub out in sections. You've got to be really careful not to damage the threads in the crank as you go.
- Once its out you can run a tap through to make sure all the threads are clean. Peadal taps can be picked up for £5
Have fun 🙂
If you end up at the point of resorting to drilling, try a stud extractor first.
This^^^ They’re surprisingly effective.