Removing a BMX Sprocket

Participants in bicycle motocross, commonly known as BMX, use bicycles to perform tricks or to race around a track. The sport was created in the 1970s in California by young people emulating the races of motocross using bicycles instead of motorbikes. A sprocket often has to be removed to install a replacement or to clean the bearings inside and add new grease. The sprocket is the ring with teeth that holds the bicycle chain and it is attached to the shaft holding the pedals.

Things You'll Need

  • Allen wrench
  • Flat headed screwdriver
  • Allen key
  • Wrench or vice grips
  • Hammer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Turn the BMX upside down so it is resting on the handlebars and seat. Locate the cranks, which have the pedals attached, and the sprocket, the large teethed circle between the pedal cranks on which the chain sits. Remove the bolt on the opposite side of the crank to which the sprocket is attached using an Allen wrench. Pull off the crank.

    • 2

      Remove the nut that is exposed after the crank is removed using a wrench or vice grips. Remove the circular washer that sits behind the nut.

    • 3

      Insert a flat-head screwdriver into the slit on the circular nut that is now exposed. Holding the crank that remains on the bike, unscrew the circular nut and remove it.

    • 4

      Remove the bearings, small metal balls covered in grease that are exposed from inside the shaft of the frame, by hand. Pull the second crank, which has a pedal attached, from the frame.

    • 5

      Unbolt the nuts and seal from the sprocket using the wrench or vice grips. Slide the sprocket from the frame.