How to Remove a Crank on a Schwinn Bicycle

When you ride your Schwinn bicycle, the pedaling motion turns a part of the machine known as the crank. As the crank turns, it rotates an attached chain wheel; this, in turn, moves the bicycle's chain, turning the rear wheel and propelling the bike forward. If the crank on your Schwinn bicycle no longer functions as desired, you may find it necessary to remove the component in order to perform maintenance or install a replacement. Depending on the type of crank installed, the removal process may require the use of certain specialized tools.

One-Piece Crank

Loosen the nuts securing the rear wheel in place. Move the rear wheel forward until the bicycle chain goes slack. Lift the chain off of the chain wheel, then return the rear wheel to its original position and secure it back in place.

Hold the left pedal arm with one hand and the right pedal arm with the other. Turn the left pedal arm clockwise until it comes free of the crank.

Fit the wrench onto the locking nut, located on the left side of the crank. Turn the nut clockwise until it comes free. Remove the locking nut and the washer located underneath.

Use the screwdriver to turn the adjusting cone clockwise until it comes free of the crank. Remove the adjusting cone as well as the left ball retainer and left bearing cap located underneath.

Grip the right pedal arm and pull the crank out of the bicycle frame. Slide the right bearing cap, right ball retainer, fixed cone and chain wheel off of the crank.

Cotterless Crank

Loosen the nuts securing the rear wheel in place. Move the rear wheel forward until the bicycle chain goes slack. Lift the chain off of the chain wheel, then return the rear wheel to its original position and secure it back in place.

Use the flathead screwdriver to remove the dust cap from the end of the left crank. Use the open-end wrench or allen wrench to remove the flange nut or bolt located under the dust cap.

Fit the cotterless crank extractor onto the end of the crank. Screw the end of the tool located nearest the crank clockwise until it locks into place. Use the adjustable wrench to hold that end of the tool in place, then use the open end wrench to turn the opposite end of the tool clockwise until the crank comes free.

Use the adjustable wrench to turn the left lock ring counterclockwise until it comes free of the left side of the crank axle. Turn the left adjusting cup counterclockwise until it comes free of the axle.

Move over to the right side of the bicycle and turn the fixed cup counterclockwise until it comes free. Remove the ball retainer from the right side of the axle. Slide the axle free of the bicycle frame.

Warnings

The pedals are marked right and left. Attaching the wrong pedal to a crank arm will strip the pedal's threads.