How to Move Your BMX Sprocket to the Left Side

On many bicycles, changing sprockets from one side to another is a major task, but not on a modern BMX bike. In order to accommodate a wide variety of riders and riding styles, many interchangeable components are available for these tough, versatile bikes. If your bike is equipped with a three-piece, left-hand-drive (LHD) compatible crank set, moving a BMX sprocket to the left side only requires some basic tools and a rear wheel with a LHD hub.

Things You'll Need

  • Socket wrench set
  • Chain tool
  • Allen wrench set
  • Rubber mallet
  • Crank puller (optional)
  • Thread-locker compound
  • Rear wheel with an LHD hub
  • Tire pump
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Instructions

    • 1

      Turn the bike upside down. Utilize a deep socket to undo the rear wheel nuts and remove the pegs. Let the air out of the tire so that it will fit between the rear brake caliper. Slip the chain off the rear sprocket. Remove the rear wheel by sliding it out of the bike frame dropouts and between the brake caliper.

    • 2

      Slip the chain off the front sprocket. Utilize a chain tool to break the chain and swap it to the opposite (left) side of the frame. Position the chain out of the way.

    • 3

      Loosen the pinch bolts on both crank arms with an Allen wrench if your crank set has them. Remove the spindle bolts from both crank arms with an Allen wrench. Remove the crank arms from the spindle. It may be necessary to tap gently on the arms with a rubber mallet or use a crank pulling tool in stubborn cases.

    • 4

      Swap the sprocket or chain-wheel adapter, if there is one, and any spacers from the right to the left side of the spindle. Remove the sprocket bolt from the right crank arm and remove the sprocket. Swap the sprocket to the left crank arm. Put a drop of thread-locker on the sprocket bolt and install it in the left crank arm. Tighten the bolt securely.

    • 5

      Reinstall the crank arms on the spindle, making sure to place the arm with the sprocket on the left side of the bike. Place a drop of thread-locker on the spindle bolts and reinstall them in the spindle. Tighten the bolts securely. Tighten the crank arm pinch bolts if applicable.

    • 6

      Slide a rear wheel with an LHD hub between the rear brake caliper and into the bike frame dropouts. Slip the chain over the front and rear sprockets. Reinstall the pegs and loosely tighten the rear wheel nuts.

    • 7

      Check the chain alignment and tension. Adjust as necessary. Tighten the rear wheel nuts securely. Put air in the rear tire. Pedal the bike by hand to ensure there are no problems. Turn the bike over and take it for a test ride.