How to Assemble a 3-Piece Crank

If you use a bicycle frequently, as a mode of transportation or as a way to stay fit and healthy, you will need to know how to change out certain parts when they become worn or broken. A three-piece crank is an essential part of any bicycle as it is what transfers the energy from the pedals into the gears that pull the chains and move the wheels. Assembling a three-piece crank takes a few tools and some free time.

Things You'll Need

  • Mallet
  • Crank Arm Puller
  • Grease or Light Oil
  • Three Way Allen Wrench
  • Sandpaper
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the short tube spacer on to the spindle on your bike. Slide the bearings on the spindle on both ends and place the assembly unit against the bottom of the tube bracket.

    • 2

      Use the sandpaper to get rid of any dirt or paint in side of the bracket tube. Lightly lubricate the inside of the bracket tube with the grease or oil. Push the right cup and bearing into the frame and hammer it in place with the mallet. There should be no gap between the frame and the cup.

    • 3

      Lightly lubricate the spindle part of the crank assembly and slide the internal tube spacer over it until it is flush against the bearing on the end of the spindle. Install the left cup and bearing into the frame over the spindle using the same method you used for the right cup and bearing.

    • 4

      Slide the flat spacer onto the right side of the spindle with the recessed side facing outward. Slide the cone spacer onto the left side of the spindle with the tapered side facing out.

    • 5

      Measure the spindle hole in your chainwheel. Place a supplied adapter on the backside of the chainwheel if the hole is bigger than 3/4 inches. Lubricate the chainwheel bolt and line up the bolt with the hole on the right crank wheel. Use the Allen wrench to get the bolt in place, but do not fully tighten it yet.

    • 6

      Use the Allen wrench to loosen the bolts on the crank arms. Lubricate the spindle and slide the left and right crank arms onto the ends of the spindle. Use the mallet if necessary. Lubricate the spindle bolts and insert them into the ends of the spindle. Fully tighten all bolts with the wrench and then place the pedals on the ends of the crank according to the "L" and "R" markings.